I didn’t form this group – I was the last one to sneak in before they filled up! – so I’m grateful to all the other Emblazoners for having me!
While technically my young adult novels fit with under the Emblazon umbrella, I’m really excited to see what these indie authors are doing to get around the limitations of publishing middle grade indie books. If you’ve read my blog for any length of time, you’ve probably heard me say that Middle Grade is one of the last bastions of publishing where traditional publishers still have a significant edge over indies in terms of reaching their target audience: those young 8-12 year old readers. But as the market continues to shift, I believe the time is coming for indie MG – and I’d like to help make that happen!
And it so happens that I may have a middle grade book of my own published soon. When a publisher recently expressed interest in a middle grade fantasy I had drafted – Faery Swap – I was motivated to take it off the back burner and get snapping on revisions. I absolutely love this story and am very excited about the prospect of having it out in the world, whether through a publisher or indie-published.
I pitch Faery Swap as Prince and the Pauper meets Artemis Fowl, and it’s a story about a boy who is tricked into swapping places with a warrior faery, and he only has 24 hours to get back home before the dimensional window slams shut.
Sounds adorable! One of the main things that keeps me from self-publishing is the worry that YA and MG don't sell that well, or at least, not dark, serious "issue" kidlit, as compared to light, sweet romance.
Anyway, this one looks great, like all your stuff! Can't wait to hear more.
Congrats! How exciting! I'm really interested in the group. I can't wait to see how MG bursts into the Indie Publishing market. I know it's a tough sell and marketing for MG self published books can be really tough but I'm excited to watch the transition and learn about how others are making it happen.
I really like how this idea, (indies getting together/pooling resources) is gaining more popularity every day. It's a ingenious and workable alternative to the trad model … keep 'em coming!
Your story sounds fun! Best of luck with it, whichever way you go. 🙂
I'm eager to see Faery Swap born and delighted to have you in Emblazon with us. MG is a tough indie sell, but with the power of group thinking and more and more ereaders making their way into students' hands, it's only a matter of time.
Awesome post Susan! Your story sounds like a great read! 🙂
I'm sure the story will be a hit with tweens! It's always awesome to have some artwork inspired by a story to give you that extra motivation to write. Looking forward to the finished product!
I love the Faery Swap title and illustrations!
I'm seriously considering self-pubbing my mg next year. I will look forward to all the tips from the EMblazoners!
It's heartening to hear someone say they think MG indie hasn't "made it there" yet but it still can happen! Best of luck!