This fantastic lady’s success story makes me truly envious. Who wouldn’t love to have writing be their full time job? It certainly proves that in this day and age there are so many ways to achieve the dream. Be sure to check out Ruth Cardello’s One Month Promotional Challenge at AQC, where she shares tips on getting yourself and your work out there. It's really worth a look.
A little over a year ago, I had just about given up that my book, Maid for the Billionaire, would ever find a home. I had written it as a category romance, but the lines I had written it for passed on it. Each pass said about the same thing, “Good writing, but it’s not what we are looking for right now. Do you have anything else?”
Maid for the Billionaire was the first book in a series I intended to write, but when it wasn’t selling – I wasn’t sure if I should continue the series or start a new one.
A self-published author came to our local romance writer’s group and discussed how her rejections had been the best thing that could have happened to her. After hearing her story, I thought – why not? It’s free and might provide me with the feedback I needed from readers.
I put my first book up for free and held my breath.
I never dreamed that it would be as well received as it has been or that self-publishing would bring so many wonderful people into my life. Within months, over 200,000 people had downloaded it and my reviews were mostly positive – creating a good base of readers for the release of my second book.
Self-published authors don’t get “the call.” We don’t usually have agents or contracts. It’s difficult to feel published -- difficult to know when to celebrate. For me, the moment I celebrate is when my second book cleared $100,000 in the first six months.
After some soul searching, I finally left my day job to write full-time. My third book, Bedding the Billionaire, is expected to be released mid-July. The best part of writing full-time? More time with my children. I write every day from 8-3 then I close my laptop and am simply MOM. No more waking up at 5 am to write before the kids wake up. No more sacrificing my own sleep to find time to write after everyone has gone to bed. Weekends are time for family, friends and relaxing again. I couldn’t be happier.
There is an ongoing debate in many circles regarding the best route to publication. The only thing I’m sure of is that change is ongoing and inevitable. What this will all look like a year from now, five years from now – I have no idea, but I pray I’m still a part of it.
What an amazing story, Ruth. Thanks so much for sharing!
ReplyDeleteYay for Ruth! She's worked so hard for her success. I love her stories and can't wait for #3! :)
ReplyDeleteTruly a remarkable story. Never give up your dreams, because they do come true.
ReplyDeleteSometimes you just have to strike out on your own. Glad this worked out for you! I'm considering it myself. I've released my previously published book on Kindle and now I'm looking at my children's series. What's marvelous is to have some creative control.
ReplyDeleteAnother remarkable success story. One of my mottos and you've certainly proved it: If you work hard enough, someone is bound to "get" your vision. :)
No one and I mean, no one, deserves the success more than you, Ruthie; and because of your inspiration and drive, that all authors out there can be successful, I, too, am going the self pubbing route, for better or worse. I will never again give my work away to an e-pub; I want my work to sound like my work; and with encouragement from friends and fellow writers like you, we can all make our dream come true. Thanks, Ruthie.....
ReplyDeleteSuch a great success story for such a great woman! SO many of us are looking forward to Bedding the Billionaire and July can't come fast enough!
ReplyDeleteKaren Lawson
Love it, love it, love it!
ReplyDeleteI love that Ruth is doing what she loves. I love that she has met with such success. And I love that she has more time with her family. It's awesome and inspiring and she is such a great lady.
Oh, and I loved her book too. :D
Congratulations Ruth on all your success, which I know will indeed continue, because I am among the masses who will download your third book the minute it's up for sale. I would especially like to thank you for kicking my butt so I would self pub my backlist titles; that was the best Christmas gift ever.
ReplyDeleteAnnette Blair
You're an inspiration, Ruth. Although not everyone will be able to replicate your success, you've shown what is possible with a great story and a bit (a lot) of savvy marketing.
ReplyDeleteUpdate, book 3 is out and is in it's second week on the New York Times Bestseller's list!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.nytimes.com/best-sellers-books/2012-08-05/e-book-fiction/list.html Thank you to everyone who helped me spread the word about book 3 being available!
What an awesome success story!! Well deserved and well done!!
ReplyDeleteLove this book, series and author!!!
ReplyDeletei love this book, series and author
ReplyDeleteLove this book -highly recommend -AWESOME read!
ReplyDelete<3 Love this series. Ruth is amazing. <3 Andrea
ReplyDeleteA wonderful story to a fantastic series by Ruth Cardello
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