Book Publishing Secrets: A Conversation with Stefan Vucak.
We’re talking to authors from all walks of life about their experiences in publishing their book. Some have smooth paths, some rocky, but they all share a common goal – to see their name on the cover of their creation. It’s interesting to read what path they decided to take to get there and my guest today is here to tell everyone what he/she did in order to make it all happen so that other writers will learn a little something from the experience.
Today we are talking to Stefan Vucak, author of a contemporary political drama, Cry of Eagles. Thank you for your time in answering our questions, Stefan. Let’s begin by having you explain to us why you decided to write a book?
Is this your first book?
It is my first foray into writing contemporary fiction, having previously written seven books in the science fiction Shadow Gods Series. Since Cry of Eagles, I have produced three other novels in the genre.
Can you tell us a little about your publishing journey?
When I was much younger and naïve, I thought that writing a book was getting to a journey’s end, and getting it published shouldn’t be too much of a hassle seeing some of the stuff that’s out there. Boy, I really was green! Having exhausted myself learning firstly how to format a manuscript – no Internet in those days to help you – researching traditional publishers and making stacks of submissions, and getting nowhere, I often wondered if the trip was worth it. Life got easier once I accepted that to get ahead, I needed to embrace the ebook industry. There are still hurdles to overcome, but at least I got my books out there.
What lessons do you feel you learned about the publishing industry?
Let me pluck out the thorns first! As always, research the publisher you want to go with and don’t be shy about negotiating your contract. If a publisher doesn’t want to negotiate, leave him. Learn to be a marketing guru! That is something I am still grappling with, but is a skill writers are obliged to have these days, as publishers won’t do it for you, happy to reap the fruits of your labors. The other thing is to blog, network and be part of writer chat groups to expand your visibility. It may not help, but it cannot do any harm.
If you had the chance to change something regarding how you got published, what would you change?
Hindsight is a wonderfully clear mirror, but it is a one-way glass. You have to be on the other side to see through it. One thing I would like to have changed, and that is getting into the ebook market much sooner than I did. Perhaps I may have achieved greater success, and then, perhaps not.
Did you credit any person or organization with helping you get published?
Unfortunately, I am not able to do that. I got published by doing research of the market and sending out lots of submissions, accumulating a stack of rejection slips along the way. I would have loved having a mentor who has gone through it all before, sparing me the pain, but the experience has been worth it and I learned a lot.
What’s the best advice you can give to aspiring authors?
If there is one thing I learned over the years as a writer, if anyone is contemplating taking this on seriously, he should be prepared to spend many lonely hours with a pencil and paper, and sitting behind a computer screen. There will be disappointments, frustration, angst … and moments of sheer exhilaration and satisfaction when the words flow and the creative process produces something wonderful. Writing is a gift, but it can also be a curse. But once bitten with the urge to create, there is no cure.