Interview with Self-Publisher Elana McDougall

1.   What can you tell me about your experience as a writer?

Some people listen to music for the song. To me, it was always about the lyrics. I think in words, not pictures. I've always loved reading and would write the odd thing for fun. I dreamed of being an author but never had the time to pursue it. Over the last few years, I decided to take online writing classes to improve the craft and learned so much. And that gave me confidence to continue writing.

2.   What made you decide to write a book?

I was a teacher. I would take breaks from writing report cards and pick away at a grand epic fantasy story I was creating, all orcs and battles and swords. But I became more interested in the existence of a small village full of supernatural beings. In a place where magic was normal there would be talking statues, gossiping doorknockers and houses that shifted by themselves. But then I began to delve deeper. What conflicts would there be between the different magical clans? How would the traumatic history of witch hunts and shapeshifter bounties affect them? What would a hidden community do to protect itself if it knew that the humans Outside would weaponize its peoples' powers. Voila, The Eldritch of Hallows series was born.

3.   What circumstances brought you to the decision to self-publish your book?

To my surprise, I actually finished writing Hidden Magic. And I liked it. I loved the love story of Jake and Sasha. Hidden Magic had the romance, fantasy and humour I wanted in the books I was reading. So I decided now was the time to actually follow through on my dream. But the publishing business is risk averse, and my story title didn't contain the expression "The Woman in the...". I spent a year querying with little success before I stumbled on the idea of self-publishing through first Kobo and then Amazon.

4.   What has your experience as a self-publisher been like?

It is a steep learning curve. Thank Goodness for Google. I was also lucky to find an online marketplace called Reedsy where I got my editor and book cover artist. And Twitter's Writing Community has been so helpful. But now that I've done it for myself, I'm finding I like the control and independence.

5.   How do you respond to the negative stigma attached to self-publishing and self-published books?

There are bad books in the traditional publishing field as well. Quality is quality, no matter where you find it. I think more and more people are moving towards indie authors as ebooks become more normalized. I strive to publish the most professional book I can. Hopefully people will respond to that.

6.   What is one very important lesson you have learned as a self-publisher?

It's hard to narrow that down to just one. I'd say: Be brave and do it. I really should have started earlier. It's important though that you keep polishing your skills and keep asking questions.

7.   What do you know now about self-publishing that you wish you knew at the beginning?

That it is available to writers. That it's easy to upload a book but difficult to do it right. That it's not just a case of handing the book over to Amazon but that it's up to you to promote yourself. I wish I had joined Twitter first. The wealth of information people share with you is fantastic.

8.   A lot of authors of self-published books have reservations about promoting and marketing their book. Some even feel that it is a form of vanity or self-importance. What is your opinion about this?

Then your book and all your work dies a lonely, sad death, unnoticed and unmourned. The reality is that even famous authors self-promote through Twitter, talk shows and marketers. Publishing houses have entire departments tasked with making sure that books are hyped. If you don't believe in your book enough to shout out loud about it, then why should anyone want to read it?

9.   How do you promote your books and what form of book promotion has worked the best for you?

It took me a while to tell friends and family that I had published Hidden Magic. They all went out and bought the book. There was some word of mouth but I needed to do more. A friend helped me create a website (www.elanamcdougall.com) where I could share excerpts. Then I went on Twitter, seeking out other writers. I learned a lot from them. That started the ball rolling. Lately, I've been more active on Facebook where different pages offer opportunities to find books to read and chances to offer my own for consideration.

10.  What are some other important things you have learned as a self-publisher?

Keep promoting. Have trailers for your books. If you're on Twitter (and you should be), ask for advice and recommendations. Read other indie authors. And please, post reviews. It's very important.

11.  Do you feel that self-publishing is a viable choice for other authors?

I'm amused when burgeoning authors announce that they only want to traditionally publish and sniff at self-publishing. They don't understand that they may wait for a long time and may never get the chance to send their book out into the world. There are so many gatekeepers in the business. Most houses won't even look at a manuscript without a literary agent. And literary agents are reluctant to go beyond what is safe and fits current trends. And even if a publisher makes a request, there's no guarantee that it won't end on a slush pile if the contact shifts houses or is fired. Self-publishing is a viable and respectable alternative.

12. How do you feel that self-publishing their books has helped many unknown authors finally get the recognition their books deserve?

Yes, I've read many indie authors I didn't find in a bookstore. Writers from marginalized communities can find their voice without being stifled. We are all enriched by that.

ABOUT ELANA:

After retiring from teaching rambunctious teenagers, Elana McDougall began 'The Eldritch of Hallows' series, about a supernatural sanctuary, hidden deep in the mountains of North Carolina, where magical beings live and love while struggling to stay hidden from the humans Outside.

When she's not writing, she's traveling to Europe and Central America, where she enjoys practising her atrocious Spanish. Her hair, thanks to her determined stylist, remains red. Everything else is in flux.