The Ronin Writer: Why I Left My Publisher
✨An honest tale of new beginnings✨
Remember that big announcement I promised? I’m going INDIE! I will be self-publishing Saints and Monsters and The Last Wayfinder! Read on for the tea ⬇️
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN?
I am now 浪人 (rōnin)—a masterless writer, charting my own course! I am no longer with Quill & Flame Publishers and have regained the rights to my books previously contracted with them. Ronin were samurai who lost their masters (due to death, dismissal, etc) and wandered without allegiance. Some became outlaws but others were scholars and even WRITERS like the famous poet Basho.
Today, a student taking a gap year is referred to as “ronin.” Likewise, I’m using the term liberally for a writer who finds themself without a publisher and embarks on their own adventure. I’m in good company with Indiana Jones, Rurouni Kenshin, and Matsuo Basho.
“A man's journey is not defined by where he STANDS, but by where he is GOING."
~ Monkey D. Luffy
Your journey is not defined by your status: published/unpublished, married/single, manager/newbie. It’s about the honest pursuit of your dream and the friends you find along the way. Luffy’s journey isn’t amazing because he’s a pirate. It’s amazing because he fights for his dreams, values, and friends. In a way, he is ronin too.
This is not easy to write, friends. I never thought I would be self-publishing these books. I would have waited and pitched them to a more established publisher had I known the end of this path. But it made me stronger. And I’m grateful to be starting a NEW journey as a self-published author.
Why I Left My Publisher
The main reason for my decision was that I had concerns about aspects of my contract, and so I asked for my rights back
The Authors Guild helped me understand industry standards, contract terms, and advocate for myself and my books
Rights reversion is pretty common but not often discussed so it can seem scary to writers (It felt that way to me!). But I believe it’s important for authors to know their rights and have advocates. These are YOUR books after all.
The process took me from November to February
During my rights discussion, the publisher posted the viral “sickofsmut” hashtag which reaffirmed my decision. While I don’t write books with open-door content (all my books are PG13), I would rather share my love of no-spice romance than criticize others. I believe that important conversations—like keeping spice out of YA—are most helpful when rooted in care. Talented authors like Rebecca Ross and Naomi Novik write open door scenes, and while I chose to skip those, I respect those authors.
I’m still working with distributors to republish and figure out the self-publishing world. While I knew that I was getting my rights back, the timeline was out of my hands and unpredictable. So, I’m still trying to figure out what being an indie author will look like for me. Do I try a kickstarter? How do I relaunch with a special edition hardback? What distributors do I use?
I NEED YOUR HELP!
➡️ Are you an author? Let’s connect! Find me on Instagram.
➡️ Are you a reader? Try my ebook or audiobook while I work on getting the print books back up and running again! Or add it to Goodreads!
➡️ Have you already read Saints and Monsters? Leave a review on Amazon or Goodreads
Going indie doesn’t mean I’m alone. In fact, I realize that I have a whole crew of friends on this journey. I am so grateful to everyone who has helped me through the past few months. I would’ve been tempted to give up writing if not for some of these dear friends. I feel a little like Nico Robin from One Piece realizing that she has the support and friends she needs, that this is only the BEGINNING OF A GREAT ADVENTURE!
In short, I’m excited to self-publish these books. I’m hopeful that more doors will open, that more books will be written, and more friends be discovered!
BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS (Cheering on all these Indie Authors!)
THE WOLF KING by Lauren Salisbury is an epic fantasy romance inspired by The Three Little Pigs! I love the cover and the concept. Definitely excited about this one! She's captured the king... but can she capture his heart before it's too late?
PEACE WEAVER by Everly Haywood is fantasy story of forbidden love, betrayal, and survival. It sounds intense and perfect! Also it has a gorgeous hardcover edition, just saying :)
BLACKBERRIES AND CROWNS by Mary Stephenson Su is a fantasy romance novel about elves and imperial academies. I love the classical vibes cover!
Welcome to the indie world! Looking forward to seeing your journey.
Welcome to the indie side! (Wow I JUST realized why you have a picture of Indiana Jones included 🤦🏻♀️)