Ohmygod—An Interlude

Posted on March 1, 2017 by the drunken cyclist

Here I sit, Pinot Noir in hand, ready to work on the next installment of the Ohmygod saga. The story is certainly near the end of the three-week odyssey, but there are still a few stories to tell and guffaws to be had.

I realized, however, after the last installment, that I passed the 100,00 word plateau for the story. For me, that is obviously a milestone, but it is also significant in another way: many (most) novels are at least that long.

Many people along the way (you know who you are) have suggested that I make this long running series into a novel. Some (the more inebriated among you) have even suggested that this story might make a compelling movie. While I am not quite sure of the viability of  either, I thought I should at least look into the possibilities surrounding the former.publish

I have never published a book; I have not even tried. I did look into it a while ago, but the company that I called harassed me endlessly for months, calling about every other day—and I had not even sent them any of my work yet, I had just made a simple inquiry. Perhaps needless to say, that episode soured me on the idea.

For whatever reason, I am back in the “I should look into publishing” frame of mind and that is why I am turning to you, faithful reader. Might you have any suggestions as I pursue this? I am really looking for any advice as I literally have no idea where to start. Here are some of the questions worming their way through my thoughts:

  1. Traditional publishing or self-publish?
  2. Do I need to “finish” the story before I approach someone about publishing?
  3. Should I keep publishing “free” chapters on my blog?
  4. Would any of you actually buy the “book” (whatever form it takes)?
  5. Is going through it worth all the time and effort?

There are several other questions as well, but those five are the most prevalent. So if you have any suggestions, advice, encouragement, wisdom, I would love to hear it either as a comment below, or an email (jeff (at) thedrunkencyclist (dot) com).

Thanks.chickenphotocopy

About the drunken cyclist

I have been an occasional cycling tour guide in Europe for the past 20 years, visiting most of the wine regions of France. Through this "job" I developed a love for wine and the stories that often accompany the pulling of a cork. I live in Houston with my lovely wife and two wonderful sons.
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31 Responses to Ohmygod—An Interlude

  1. GFwinecountryliving says:
    March 1, 2017 at 10:45

    Such a dilemma; one I’ve struggled with for 5 years with a manuscript formatted for online publishing and a fully illustrated version formatted for a publishing house. The problem is that the industry is in a huge transition from the brick and mortar houses to the online versions. Both are vying for top position.

    If you go the brick and mortar route, you may need an agent. How to find one and secure him/her is a whole other process.

    Online publishing has very specific formatting criteria. (Sigh) The decision boils down to self publishing, which has a monetary upfront cost to you, or figuring out how to market your book published for free online through any of the many sites, like Amazon.

    There are great online guides for these scenarios, but publishing seems to become its own full time job. However, I have read huge success stories from each route.

    Your OMG series is so engaging, it would/could be a grand success.
    Yes, I’d buy it-for all my adult friends for Christmas, as an example.

    I wish you all the best. Maybe I’ll get inspired by you to resurrect my little how-to manuscript from the closet.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  2. Sean Munger says:
    March 1, 2017 at 11:43

    Having published numerous books (both traditional publishing and self-publishing), I can give you a few pointers. I’ll email you!

    Liked by 4 people

    Reply
  3. talkavino says:
    March 1, 2017 at 12:40

    yes, I know I’m the one in the first group. I had not been in the second group, but it truly makes sense – heck, it might be even better than Hangover!
    I don’t think I’m qualified to answer questions 1 and 2, but my answer for the 3, 4 and 5 is an enthusiastic “yes”.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  4. Jill Barth says:
    March 1, 2017 at 13:18

    I’ll email you…

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  5. jeffeckles says:
    March 1, 2017 at 16:52

    1. Self publishing seems to be viable these days, but I have no expertise on it whatsoever. It seems others on this forum may though, so hear them out.
    2. You have plenty of material for the story now, I’d think you could start shopping it now as long as you’re ok with working on both at the same time.
    3. This is a tough one. On one hand I completely understand not posting anymore of the story if you’re looking to develop an income from said odyssey. On the other hand, how many people would start reading the posts, love it, and not go buy the book? I’m sure there are some, but I’d guess the number would be small. My gut says keep posting.
    4. Without question I will buy it. Then I’ll ask you to come on the show again to talk about it some more.

    Also, forget movie, this has the makings of a great TV series.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
  6. anotherfoodieblogger says:
    March 2, 2017 at 00:35

    I would buy your book! My suggestions is — other than definitely go the self-publishing route (there are many great WordPress blogs with fantastic advice on that — you should keep posting the stories. You need a good presence/link/etc. here after it’s published for where to buy it. AND I would cull out any episodes that don’t move the story as far along as far as you’d like. You could always insert snippets here and there in the following episodes to catch people up. Look at your feedback/comments on the episodes. Which ones wowed people that need to stay in? Chapters perhaps should be in the different trips/characters. OK that’s a foodie blogger by night/software analyst by day giving you WAY more advice than even welcome, I am sure. 😛

    Like

    Reply
  7. Terry says:
    March 2, 2017 at 23:42

    I have been published, and would probably self publish if I do another book. Email if you want to chat.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
  8. Meilin says:
    March 3, 2017 at 09:23

    1 to 3 : no idea
    4 : of course
    5 : I guess that’s a question you would be the only to have the answer to depending on what you are after?

    Cheers!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  9. Michelle Williams says:
    March 3, 2017 at 09:45

    Mike Veseth, the Wine Economist, has published many books. I suggest you email him. I cannot make the connection if needed. Good luck!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  10. mistermuse says:
    March 3, 2017 at 11:34

    I would suggest self-publishing through a reputable, trustworthy and dependable book publisher who takes a genuine interest in working with you and isn’t in it for what he can get out of you. In that regard, I have no hesitation in highly recommending John Daniel, who published my book SEX SCELLS years ago via his Fithian Press division. Check out his website & tell him Ken L. ‘sent’ you:

    http://www.danielpublishing.com/

    Good luck!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  11. kriskkaria says:
    March 3, 2017 at 16:57

    I just finished narrating the 49th episode, http://kriskkaria.podbean.com/e/the-ohmygod-series-episode-49/ on my podcast. I think it would make a great book. We can make it into an audiobook pretty easily since I have all the chapters even if you want to tweak them. I’m actually an audio book narrator, with 27 narrated, produced and published books on Audible.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  12. Bill Sanderson says:
    March 19, 2017 at 15:48

    I’m late to this thread. I traditionally published my first book in November. I’ve learned more than I thought I would about the book business.

    Best online advice I’ve seen on this subject: https://janefriedman.com/.Take her advice over anything I write here.

    Your questions, answered as you put them in the post.

    1. Traditional or self-publishing isn’t quite the right question. It depends on what will work for you and your book. Traditional publishing is a long process and you may rightly give up on it after a year or so. Self-publishing can be quicker and the royalties might be better. But you’ll be responsible for expenses that a traditional publisher would cover, like editing and proof reading [and no matter how smart a writer you think you are, you need an editor, probably two].

    Traditional publishing means you’ll get better marketing for your book and a chance to see it in bookstores. But authors of traditionally published books are still responsible for a lot of marketing work. I feel my publisher has been a big help with marketing my book. Your results may vary. For instance, the publisher could simply decide the book is a dud and not worth any marketing time or money.

    I’ve barely scratched the surface of this topic — see Jane Friedman’s site for more.

    2. Since this is a novel, you need to finish a draft before you approach an agent.

    3. It’s OK to keep publishing on the blog, in my opinion. Your finished book will read differently anyhow.

    4. I’ve been reluctant to push my book on my friends. The hardcover suggested retail price is $24.99 [it’s a lot less on Amazon and on Kindle and other e-publishing formats]. And reading a book takes effort — you’re asking people to undertake a bit of a lift. When I talk about the book with friends, I don’t ask them to buy; I do tell them why it’s interesting.

    5. Financially, it’s probably not worth it. Do it because reaching an audience might please you, or because this is something you simply must finish and see through.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  13. LifeInAGlass says:
    July 30, 2017 at 16:40

    So…did you decide to publish? Awaiting the next installment like a fish out of water….

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

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