I signed a contract to have my first novel, Sudden Mission (working title and may change), published with Booktrope’s Vox Dei imprint. This is not a traditional publisher. They may even be described as a hybrid publisher. I’m not certain that I’ve seen this type of publishing model done so professionally anywhere else. Granted, I’m no expert. But I have looked at a number of imprints and small to medium publishers in my quest.
While I was willing to go the “self-published” route, I knew that it would include a lot of work in areas in which I have little experience, skills, or talent. What Booktrope has is the ability for me to maintain a certain level of control over the novel, but access the talent pool of a medium to large publishing organization to create a team to get the book released.
Booktrope requires that I have the necessary social media tools available (Facebook author page, Twitter account, LinkedIn, and web pages) as well as Skype and a few other things that make up an author platform. All that had to be in place before I could complete the process with them. And, so far it has all been online. I’ve been guided through by my mentor/project manager who is very helpful and supportive. Once signed on, I get access to the team portal where I upload my novel, complete my profile and do a few other tasks. Then I start putting together the team.
Vox Dei is the Christian imprint of Booktrope. As such, it covers fiction and non-fiction, and has a stable of professionals to help with book management (marketing), editing, proofreading, cover design and layout. I contact those members who work in the specific areas I need and entice them into my team. Everyone on the team gets a piece of the action, so everyone is motivated to do the work and get the project completed. I’m also finding out that you have to sell your project to potential team members. They don’t just come flocking to you.
It is all new, exciting, and just a little bit scary. But, it also looks like some fun. So, I’m jumping in with both feet. I will keep you all informed as the project progresses. This should not take too long–not a couple years like traditional publishers. So, you shouldn’t have to wait much longer. But, thanks for being there.
Keep writing.
