Blackrose Press and More

Lots has happened since I last posted. For one, Blackrose Press is a reality. For two, The Underground is in the pre-publication process. I hope BP is able to release it before Arisia, but if not, then not.

I'm sending out review copies to folks like SF&F, and a number of bloggers. Not some of the top reviewers, excluding SF&F, but I figure if I send out 10 or 15 books, SOMEBODY will review one. Also, I'm getting a review from Kirkus Indie. Yeah, I had to pay for it, so I probably won't use it in my media kit, but so far it hasn't been reviewed, so it'll be interesting to hear from an expert reviewer on whether my book is worth it.

So...Blackrose Press has its own address. Tomorrow it's getting a bank account. Actually, BP has been in business for some time, now. I found the trade name response in some mail I hadn't gone through yet. Then, when I called the County Clerk's office, I learned that as a service organization (apparently, that's what publishers are under Maryland law) I didn't need a business license. You know what would have been nice? If all this information was available in one place.

Now there's lots more to do. Build a website. Design a logo. Get business cards. Check out promo opportunities, and get promo stuff like bookmarks, etc. What it boils down to is this: spend money like a drunken sailor.

So that's all for now--will keep you posted!

Journey to Self Publication

Okay, I'm starting out here on my journey to self-publication. I'm probably doing is bass-ackwards, but experience is always the best teacher. So anyway, I've found a book designer who advertises that they can design my book at a very reasonable price. I think I've found a cover designer. That's as far as I've gotten so far.

One thing I can't decide on is whether to just go ahead and jump through the legal hoops to make Blackrose Press a sole proprietorship reality, or just use the imprint. Making it a reality involves tax forms, etc. On the other hand, I do want to deduct all this stuff from my taxes for this year (especially since I'll probably owe). Perhaps I should just close my eyes, pinch my nose and take the plunge.

I should make a checklist. First, I think, is to copyright the ms. Then I need to decide what to do about Blackrose Press. Then the book goes to the designer. I suppose I could have the cover design worked on at the same time.

Then there's marketing. I've heard that I should be marketing already, but how do you market something that doesn't yet exist? I guess it's like a movie--coming soon to a theater near you. Or, in my case, coming this fall. And does anyone really read media releases anymore? Is it possible for me to ask any more questions? Of course. I suppose I'll find the answers as I trundle along...

Love that word--trundle.

Blackrose Press

Is about to become a reality. After much dithering and research, I've decided to self-publish. Go, me!