So, I’m not one of those writers who uses beta readers. I no longer have an ARC team. The only people who see the book before I upload it are my assistant, Jenn, and my editor.
So what the heck am I doing?
Well, on my Patreon, I decided to create a tier for those who want to read my books as I write them. It’s scary, it’s nerve-wracking. I have clear rules: no suggestions from the gallery. No giving me ‘feedback’ on what you think I should do. I’ve said for years and years, I don’t write by committee and my books are not a democracy.
Why am I doing this? Partially to see if my readers are interested. You know, creating alternative revenue streams are more important than ever for writers, given the publishing market. But even more…to overcome the panic I feel when I think about doing this. I’m not sure why I resist the idea so much–it feels like letting go of absolute control. Like answering a zoom call in PJs and no makeup, which I never do. Kind of letting my hair down, on a literary level. Lately, I’ve made it a habit to try something new, something slightly outside of my comfort zone.
Sometimes that doesn’t work–going into KU didn’t work. Trying a new genre didn’t work well. But sometimes, it does work. And when you do try something new, it expands your horizons. Even if it doesn’t work, you at least have new information from which to make future decisions.
So, here’s hoping the peeps on that tier enjoy reading the books as they’re being written. And here’s hoping that I get more comfortable with letting go a little of that intense need for control that I have.
Have you done anything outside your comfort zone lately? Let’s chat about it in the comments.
Comments
I get so stalled out when I try to go outside my comfort zone, but I’ve started a new series that’s a little off-brand for me, and that’s giving me some gas. LOL. I think your new Patreon endeavor will be as fabulous as you are.