A square graphic with a deep purple textured background and ornate golden corner flourishes. In the centre, white serif text reads: “Why I’m choosing to self-publish”. Below it in a golden script font: “A #TuesdayTales Update”. At the bottom centre is a stylised illustration of a quill and ink pot inside a golden ornate frame. Ink splatters mark parts of the background, adding to the dark fantasy tone.

Tuesday Tales: An Author Update

ByTiffany

This week, I’ve made a super difficult decision. I originally planned to submit to literary agents next year, but due to several different factors, I’ve decided against it.
There are multiple reasons why.

A square graphic with a deep purple textured background and ornate golden corner flourishes. In the centre, white serif text reads: “Why I’m choosing to self-publish”. Below it in a golden script font: “A #TuesdayTales Update”. At the bottom centre is a stylised illustration of a quill and ink pot inside a golden ornate frame. Ink splatters mark parts of the background, adding to the dark fantasy tone.
A square graphic with a deep purple textured background and ornate golden corner flourishes. In the centre, white serif text reads: “Why I’m choosing to self-publish”. Below it in a golden script font: “A #TuesdayTales Update”. At the bottom centre is a stylised illustration of a quill and ink pot inside a golden ornate frame. Ink splatters mark parts of the background, adding to the dark fantasy tone.

Literary Agent Decision

A few years ago, I had a wonderful editor who was published by one of the Big Five. If I remember (he can correct me if I’m wrong), he regretted it for various reasons, one of which was the loss of creative control over his work. This isn’t a new concern, but it is certainly a biggy.

Another concern is the contracts. I’ve been doing my law degree, and honestly, I don’t want to be locked in a contract with someone I could potentially have disagreements with in the creative industry.

I’ve noticed over time, in my posts, that I feel I have to be vague just in case I beat the odds a year from now when a literary agent might get back to me. Even then, you have to wait a further year or two to be actually published. I don’t feel I have the patience to keep speaking in a vague tone.

It also means that I can’t publish any of the smaller projects that I’ve wanted to, like novellas or my map book, because agents might want to “claim” that content. It’s killing my motivation.

Also, and I want to be really clear here, UK literary agents are amazing, and I have a lot of respect for the ones I follow. But I honestly don’t think my work would appeal to most of them.

Health

We’re going through an absolute shit time.

Since my birthday in May, there hasn’t been a single day I’ve felt well. I started with tonsillitis the day after my birthday, and since then, it’s been non-stop. My neck, arm, hand and Meniere’s have been taking it in turns to kick my arse, and I physically haven’t been able to keep up.

I’ve had to step away from #SketchSaturday because of my arm, and while I’m trying to rest it, it’s bloody hard when I want to create. I missed my map post last week, too. It’s been so chaotic that, to be perfectly honest, a breakdown is overdue and sounds rather refreshing.

Neurodivergence & Self-Pub Reflections

I previously self-published under a pen name with no support, and I struggle massively with the social media side of things. I’m not being rude if I don’t respond; it just takes a lot out of me.

I’ve also recently been recommended for a dyslexia test, which threw me. It was one of those “oh, huh” moments where, once it was said out loud, suddenly so much shit made sense.

But I think that’s also helped me come to this decision.

Looking Ahead

Now that I’m fully committed to self-publishing, there’s so much I can share!

First, I’ll be working on a novella.
I’ve got a few ideas, but nothing is set in stone yet. I just know I’ve got a bunch to choose from now, and I’ll be sharing more on that soon!

As for Blood of the Banshee:
I’m currently 17.14% through editing Auralon’s POV. This was always going to be the toughest section, mostly because the book originally started off as Romantasy with Auralon as the central voice, and now it’s solidly Fantasy. So the structure needs big rewrites, and it’s a pain in the arse. That said, we are moving along nicely!

As ever, thanks for being here with me on this journey🌙

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