10 Lessons Learned from Rights Reversion

✨Plus re-release and cover reveal updates!✨

I’m self-published now, friends! It’s still sinking in. The “I did what!?” and “Now I have to do everything solo!” and “Wait, this means I’m free to have control over my own books!” Basically, so many thoughts and emotions and hard work.

“Everyone who works hard is a warrior.”
~ Frieren Beyond Journey’s End

WHAT NOW?
I got my rights back and have re-published SAINTS AND MONSTERS in ebook, paperback, and audio. I had to make a lot of decisions very quickly. How much editing should I do? Should I purchase the old covers or commission a new one? What platforms would I use to distribute my books (Amazon KDP, Ingram Sparks, Draft2Digital)? What metadata should I use? It’s a lot more involved than pressing a button. Self-publishing feels like launching a rocket.

But it’s also an opportunity! I learned from author Candace Kade that the Chinese character for crisis is made of both danger + opportunity. It’s the same in Japanese:

The crisis of having to get my rights back from my publisher resulted in a risk/danger (what would happen to my books and career) and an opportunity. I could chart a new beginning, pursue new projects, and have creative control and flexibility. Even the fact that I couldn’t purchase all versions of the old cover led to a new opportunity: I commissioned a NEW COVER for the hardback edition! 🎉

So I’m re-releasing SAINTS AND MONSTERS with a new hardback cover design and material not in the previous edition! Historical notes and bonus chapter 😍

Was it hard to pull off in a month? YES. The time crunch was due to trying to keep my reviews from the previous edition. I’m sure there will be many bumps along the way, but I’m grateful for this perspective to find opportunity in challenging circumstances.

I’m also trying to figure out when to publish the WAYFINDER duology and waiting to hear back from two writing contests 👀


10 LESSONS LEARNED

There is no “right way” to publish your book. On the spectrum of Indie (self-published or small press) to Traditional (big publishing houses) it’s important to realize that all are valid options. Many authors also go Hybrid, meaning they publish in both arenas. A lot depends on the type of book and the author’s goals.

What I learned from rights reversion:

1. Always get contracts reviewed by industry professionals, publishing lawyers are even better. Rights matter. Don’t sign them away without double checking!

2. Check watchdog groups like Writers Beware. Authors Guild and ALLI are also helpful resources. You can reach out to them about publishers you might be considering or if you have questions about industry standards.

3. Measure value added. Can you do the same self-publishing?

4. Take your time. Never be rushed into a decision. Is the publisher or agent pressuring you to decide soon or making it seem like you won’t get another offer?

5. Make sure you have a clear reversion clause. Detail how many copies need to be sold to trigger a reversion (if under X copies in 1 year for example), bankruptcy clause, or breach of contract.

6. Watch out for broad non-compete clauses, disparagement clauses, and rights grabs.

7. Vague marketing language or promises: will they do a book tour, paid advertising, provide physical ARCs, trade reviews etc. How much are they going to invest in your book?

8. You can be successful as an Indie Author. I know indie authors who went on to hit bestseller lists and get audiobook deals, and they didn’t spend a fortune. Success may mean different things for you, like finding more readers or being in a bookstore, so it’s important to evaluate that. But you can release and market a quality book as a self-published author if that’s the road you choose.

9. No writer is alone. There are so many resources available to improve writing craft, learn industry standards, and find community. Some resources I like: Joanna Penn’s articles, Writing Sanctuary, Authors Guild, ALLI, Facebook groups for specific genres or publishing goals. Books are about people: the readers and writers who share them. Invest in a creative community.

10. Believe in your book! Don’t settle for less. This is your story!

    
    
    ➡️ Have you already read Saints and Monsters? Please consider leaving a review on Amazon or Goodreads

    COVER REVEAL on April 3rd 🎉 🎉 🎉 (one image from this graphic will be in the new hardcover. Which is it?)

BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS!

THE CURSED BEAUTY by Valia Lind is a Sleeping Beauty retelling. A search for a suitor. An inescapable curse. A love that overcomes even magic. If you like fairytale princess stories and nospice romance, these books are for you!

TIES OF BARGAINS by Tara Grace releases March 28th and is available for preorder now! This is one author I’ve been dying to read. I’ve heard only the best things about her books, and some of them have dragons too :)

May you have grit and grace to chase your dreams and enjoy the small things in life 🖤