Strategizing

Since changing my focus and direction from traditional publication to self-publishing my future works, I’ve had time to experiment and think. I’ve written a prequel novella for my debut novel, Shadow Watcher.  I’ve written another novella with the intent to publish under a different pen name. I’ve also attempted to breathe life into one of my five or so versions of Shadow Watcher.

After doing the above, I realize I need to narrow my attention to what is important for a new author—branding. What better way to brand myself than to concentrate on the books I currently have out there. Branding then translates to more books in my series—If Only (contemporary- Willowbrook series), Shadow Watcher (paranormal-Shadow Watcher series) and My Fallen (paranormal-Demon Knight series).

Lately, I’ve been reading series—Darkest London, Parasol Protectorate, Alpha and Omega, Guild Hunter and Guardian Series. I like series because I understand and love the world built by the author. I’m also invested in the characters.

I thought my decision to leave the Shadow Watcher world would give me creative freedom to explore other story ideas. However, my muse isn’t ready. I have at least three books churning in my mind. There’s Silver and Malice, Echo UnMarked and of course, Cage Steele needs his own book too.

Which brings me to the title of this post—strategizing. I want to release Reclaimed, the prequel to Shadow Watcher. Yet come September, I might have the opportunity to get my rights back to Shadow Watcher from my publisher. I’d also be done with writing Silver and Malice by fall to release in November or December.

So, should I wait? Or should I publish Reclaimed? If I publish Reclaimed, the novella could bump my sales of Shadow Watcher, therefore I might lose the chance to get Shadow Watcher back. I like Shadow Watcher, but I’d make some changes and extend the story close to its 300 page original.

Thoughts?