Press Area for To Walk Among the Stones

From Simi Valley Today April 2003 Issue.
Story by Ryan Harms, Staff Writer

Arlene Graham, a local Simi Valley author, is part of a growing movement to step away from traditional publishers and step into the self-publishing area. Self-publishing is a growing trend among authors who have found unwilling publishing houses, or wish to have total control over their works. Numerous stories constantly surface of now famous authors who would often send their novels to thirty or forty publishers before being able to market their work. Fifty years ago, Jack Kerouac was one such writer. When Kerouac finished writing On the Road, the book was deemed unmarketable and thus rejected by almost every major publishing house. With a stroke of luck a small publishing house gave him a chance and On the Road became a novel that defined the "Beat Generation." Unfortunately, not every publishing story comes to a fairy tale ending. But in contemporary America, writers have found that technology has developed an innovative marketing strategy that frees them from the shackles of corporate publishing.
"Self publish is an experience! You learn about the publishing business as you go through the process," explained Graham, "Before I decided to self-publish I sent out query letters to literary agents. I sent out 97 query letters. Phrases such as 'please be assured that we have carefully considered your work', 'Your work has merit, but...' or my favorite, 'I'm afraid I must pass,' were rote responses. I knew my novel was good, so I decided to rewrite and self-publish it."
There are usually two programs offered by self-publishing companies. 1. The author pays for book production and in turn keeps 100% of sales revenues; 2. The self-publisher pays for book production, and in turn the author receives usually around 15 percent of the royalties. With the former, the author receives anywhere from 100 to 5000 copies of their book, with a price tag starting at about $2,000. With the latter, the author's books are printed "on demand" as individuals, bookstores, and libraries order the books. The author receives five complimentary copies. Other authors, such as Arlene Graham, open their own "press." Simi Valley TODAY asked Arlene Graham about how she was able to publish her own book:

SVT: What are the high lights of self-publishing?

Graham: I own the work. I was responsible for all the decision making for the novel. I opened a small publishing company, "Whimrose Press" in order to self publish. I was able to write the expenses off my income taxes! The more important pro was the fact that the novel actually was published. I can not explain the joy I felt at that moment when the books arrived at my front door. The joy continues, as people I don't even know who have bought the book and read it, actually tell me how good it is. Along the way, I have met fascinating people; other writers, editors, etc.

SVT: What are the down points?

Graham: Expense! It is expensive. I borrowed against my life insurance to publish. However, unlike a "Vanity Press" I OWN the book. I have my own ISBN, copyright and ownership. Another con: Marketing. Now, it is my understanding that even traditional publishers don't put much effort into marketing books, unless you are a Danielle Steel. So, I have to do my own marketing. That means "cold calls" to groups about speaking engagements, my own advertising. As a publisher, you have to have a "Business" sense, be organized, etc.

SVT: Why is it necessary for authors to sometimes self publish?

Graham: Publishing in my opinion, is political. You can't get an agent unless you have been published. You can't publish unless you have an agent. You can do the query letter dance to agents/publishers all year long and still not get anywhere. Since by book is published, it has the "in your face" attitude, saying that I DID IT! THIS NOVEL IS MARKETABLE! It also presents a marketable professional product to literary agents, that I am now sending it to. Self publishing is a way to break into the business.

SVT: Why do you think you were ignored?

Graham: Simply put, there are too many writers in this world. Too many are banging down on publishers doors asking to be heard. Not all are good. You can't take it personally. After 97 rejections, I didn't give up. By then my skin was so thick it didn't matter what "They" thought. I know one day I will be able to tell them "I told you so..."

SVT: What are publishers looking for?

Graham: Marketable writers. Writers that can make money. Writers that are above the norm, with something NEW that hasn't been done yet. Most of all, you need to be professional. If you submit a query letter and/or manuscript that has typos, etc, they will know you are not gifted in your craft.

SVT: What are your aims as a writer?

Graham: I love it when my readers say to me that "they couldn't put the book down". I write character driven stories. When a reader connects with a character and can remember their tiny subtle flaws that I wrote into their being...you know they enjoyed the book! That is the most incredible feeling, bringing a smile to your readers face!

SVT: How much of yourself did you put into your first novel?

Graham: I put ten years of my life in "To Walk". Hours and hours of rewriting, thinking, navigating, tears. Writing the book consumed by evenings. Music is my muse. A good CD will send me into this "Zone" where the suspension of disbelief rules. I also drank a lot of wine while writing it.

While Graham did not find a friendly publisher, she was able to distribute her first book, and has already begun her next novel. The Today magazine wishes her the best of luck.

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