Damien Classen
February 5, 2012 at 1:15 pm
Interesting article. So it looks like you had to self-publish as a result of this? I’m interested to hear more about how that went for you. I wonder if it would simply be easier to start off delving into other genres and then later, when you have some credibility, venturing into fantasy?
greghamerton
February 8, 2012 at 10:07 am
Yes Damien, I self-published my fantasy novels. In print, not recommended. For Riddler’s Gift, printed 5000, sold 1000; net loss = epic. Print-on-demand no good, price kills sales. However, digital is exploding, and that’s the way to go. Printed 0, sold 1000 last month; all profit. Not sure that gaining ‘cred’ in other genres is a realistic route to eventual fantasy success – if you’re a genre writer you build a readership for a certain kind of book. ‘Cred’ will only get your potential agent to read the second paragraph of your book proposal as well as the first, and the book will only be picked up by a publisher if it has unusual timely impact which is a vague and frustrating goal to aim for. I think you can get more positive results by aiming for the top of the digital fantasy stack, and if you like, submitting each book summary to an agent as you go along.
Ashley Wilda
April 7, 2012 at 8:04 pm
How do you publish online?? I am a beginning author looking to publish my first fantasy book (when i finish it)
greghamerton
April 14, 2012 at 11:56 am
You go to
https://kdp.amazon.com/self-publishing/signin and follow your nose from there…
MC Elam
September 7, 2012 at 1:50 pm
I checked out your web site, Greg. Your cover art is terrific. Looking now for a cover design for my book. Can you direct me?
greghamerton
September 7, 2012 at 3:55 pm
Hi MC
I’m a graphic designer, so I did the covers you can currently see on my website. I’ve recently commissioned some new art for the digital version ( Riddler’s | Second Sight ) – not sure if that’s what you are referring to? If that’s what you’re after chat to
http://thedurrrrian.deviantart.com/ or browse through deviantart until you come across a style of art you think fits with the style of your book, then ask the artist for a quote. But that leaves the hard part (creative design) and the subtle art of typography up to you – you have to tell the artist what you want, and it has to be an image that communicates a compelling idea and connects with your target audience and will help your book sell, so you may not be the best person to be designing the cover. If you’d like I can design a cover for you. My design portfolio is here. Email me with what you need and I’ll give you a quote.
http://greghamerton.com/2010/07/why-is-it-so-hard-to-get-a-fantasy-novel-published/