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by Gigi Miner
In the mainstream world of publishing, there is certainly no end of manuscripts and articles to fill these many publishing houses and to pay the salaries of those that help get such works into the public eye. When we cross an imaginary border into a specific genre of writing, we are faced with a slightly more limited choice in publishers. Given that these fewer organizations may be faced with just as many submissions as the conventional publishers, you have a whole new world with which to deal. When I decided I would enter my works into the arena with the throng of other "New Age" authors, I knew I was in for some difficulties when it came to publishing. I have been writing, in many different genres, for quite some years now. During all of that time, I have yet to be published in the traditional manner. I have made the submissions. I have received the rejection letters. I have also been asked, many a time, to write more by those that read my work. Does this make you a little confused? It does me. How does one who has something to say, with an audience that wants to hear it, get their work out into the world for others to see? Welcome to the world of self-publishing. I have heard and learned all of the warnings about writing. "You cannot believe those closest to you to give you an objective critique of your work." "You have to know someone in the business." "Print on Demand publishing is not professional enough." Yes, I have heard the stories, I listened to them, and then I got sick of feeling as if someone was creating a cage for me. I decided that if the powers-that-be did not have the presence of mind to figure out that there are voices that need to be heard, outside of the "top ten", then I would create my own place and make my own voice heard. Sounds a bit arrogant, does it not? I am sure it will to many who read it. To me, and others like me, it sounds determined and that is how it is meant. I have found in my life that there are few, if any, other people who will lead you to the waters of success. There are many who will make a map to send you off to the desert somewhere so as not to take a bite out of what seems to be a limited publishing pie. Funny thing is that when I got to that desert, there were some very remarkable and helpful people there, who were most happy to have some company and offer a leg up where they could. Not everyone there was a born author. Some worked very hard to learn how to write. Some were simply gifted with the ability. Regardless, I found a very generous spirit in this group that made me question whether I even wanted to walk the "normal" publishing route. With a little bit of research and some encouragement from my newly-found desert buddies, I found a company that not only did not charge me for publishing my own work, but also allowed me total control over it. For an Aries, this is a wonderful thing. I was very happy that I would get to put together my own manuscript and keep it as I wanted it, but I also was able to create the cover to my own liking. Yes, one thing we face in the self-publishing arena is that if we are not gifted either in the English language or in art, this could be a drawback. You also learn very quickly that you will have to do the promotional work yourself. This is not always a bad thing, especially given that my newfound friends were more then willing to trade articles and advertising space with me. Each of us had our own circle in which we operated. By sharing with each other, our circles expanded exponentially. Add to this the fact that many chores, such as proofing a manuscript, could be traded rather then paid for with the often short supply of cash, and you have a whole new world in which to work. Traditionally, publishing a book or article was a long, arduous, and often disappointing venture. Self-publishing has its own pitfalls, but it seems that the tides are turning. At this place in history, perhaps it is time for some new traditions. It is quite possible for a group of self-published authors, who work together and help each other, to equal or exceed the business done by the "big guys". If a major publisher came to me and wanted to publish my works, would I accept? More then likely, depending on the contract, the answer would be "yes". But, I would also continue on my path within the world of self-publishing. There is a feeling of freedom and accomplishment that knows no comparison as when you put your heart into your work the way that you do when you are doing it by yourself and with a driving force behind it. What is one of the rewards of self-publishing? Finding that there are others out there with a similar drive and a unique voice that you do not usually find in the traditional world of publishing, where one's talent is determined by the bottom line. Some people can sell books with just their name. Does that make them a good author? Sometimes they may very well be and other times I would have to say "no". Are there amazing authors out there who are left by the wayside by these large publishing companies? The answer is a resounding "yes". It has been my distinct honor and pleasure to deal with some of them along the way. That is one reward that I would not ever want to trade. BIO:
Miner's philosophy about Tarot does NOT include mumbo-jumbo or fatalism. "A trusted Tarot consultant can help you on your life's journey," says this insightful, humorous woman. Gigi has written articles for various newsletters, including Tarot Celebrations, World Tarot Network, and Gateway to Tarot. She has recently released a book entitled, "Light-of-Day Tarot & Dream Work", which is available at: www.lulu.com/ladyfogg Moonlighting as an adult education instructor, Gigi brings into her work with Tarot and writing that gift of teaching, helping her clients, as well as her readers and tarot students, to look beyond the obvious and draw from that fountain they possess within themselves. Thus, "The Answers Are Within You" is stamped on all of her promotional information. Gigi's endeavors include Author, Teacher, and Public Speaker, as well as her beloved Tarot Consultations. For more information or scheduling events, visit Gigi Miner's website, Ladyfogg Tarot: http://www.geocities.com/ladyfogg, or Email: ladyfogg@twcny.rr.com.
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