Why I Chose to Self-Publish My Memoir and Forgo the Traditional Route
* The following is a guest post by Linda Jämsén
When I first began writing my newly released book, Odyssey of Love: A Memoir of Seeking and Finding, I wasn’t sure I wanted it to see the light of day. My father had recently died, and writing was solely a therapeutic refuge in which I would escape into the manuscript. Did I really want to share parts of my personal life, including the demise of a long-term relationship, psychic sessions, and my romantic encounters overseas?
Dunrobin Castle, Scotland
Eventually, I warmed up to the idea of publication but first wanted to see how the book’s hook would be received by professionals in the business. After receiving positive critiques and encouragement on my opening pages at two pitch workshops in New York City, I left for my Helsinki home with a spring in my step. After all, “If I can make it there, I can …” (cue Frank Sinatra). Now I had a goal: finding an agent who could land a book deal with a traditional publisher.
When I got back, I contacted April, an agent who had expressed interest in reading my manuscript upon its completion. Her enthusiasm buoyed my hopes until she told me that memoir was a “hard sell” for an unknown writer. In other words, not a money maker. Her solution? Fictionalize the entire book. While I could appreciate April’s perspective, especially considering how Kindle and booming e-book sales were changing the publishing landscape, it didn’t feel right or honest to present my personal story as fiction. I persevered.
Some years later, I attended the York Festival of Writers and booked a one-to-one with “Jan,” a prominent and promising UK agent. Although she did not suggest fictionalizing my story, she did emphasize that it sounded like another travel-romance-spirituality-related memoir.
“It seems you’ve written another Eat, Pray, Love,” Jan said, wincing as she uttered that memoir’s title. “Publishing houses are flooded with memoir submissions right now.”
I squirmed in my seat. “But Eat, Pray, Love is a huge international bestseller,” I said, confused. “Isn’t that a good thing?”
“Yes, but that book has a very strong hook.” Jan folded her hands atop the first ten pages of my manuscript and nodded in my direction. “Tell me about yours.”
A fan reading Linda’s book in Ireland.
I stifled a sigh. As part of my agreement with the Festival, the agent was supposed to read my work prior to our meeting and offer constructive feedback. Clearly, Jan hadn’t bothered. I read aloud from Odyssey’s first chapter in which a psychic revealed her prediction that I would be moving overseas in search of a “tall man with glasses” and that a “Russian icon” would bring us together. Afterward, I put down the manuscript pages and gazed at Jan’s blank stare.
“I get it, Linda, but it’s already been done. Plus, that author had a huge platform.” Her eyes scanned my cover letter as if seeking some magical number. “How big is yours?”
At this point, I wanted to bolt from the session. As I struggled to explain that as an unpublished writer my platform was still growing, Jan glanced at her watch, indicating our time together had come to a halt. This was the final nail in the traditional publishing coffin. I left the room with the realization that I would self-publish my book the way I had intended: as a memoir, not fiction. And I would be delighted with any Eat, Pray, Love comparisons. But how best to proceed?
Because I wasn’t tech-savvy, nor did I have much knowledge of the indie publishing business other than what I had learned at the online Women in Publishing Summit (highly recommended!), researching the nuts and bolts and doing it myself seemed daunting. With more free time on my hands during the pandemic, I got serious and enrolled in a marketing course for indie authors. The team of presenters was so helpful and knowledgeable that I wound up hiring then to assist me in all aspects of Odyssey’s production and promotion. I signed the contract in November, and the book was launched on my June 1st birthday with much excitement and fanfare.
By self-publishing I was able to maintain artistic control of my book—from genre and final edits to the book blurb and cover design. As I continue to receive selfies from satisfied readers around the world (see photos) and glowing reviews (many comparing Odyssey to EPL, surprise!), I’m so glad I did it my way (cue Frank again).
Odyssey along the Thames.
Even though self-publishing made sense for me as a first-time memoir author, it may not be the best fit for you or authors in other genres. The flip side of having artistic freedom is that you also are responsible for the bulk of the work, which is stressful. If you hire outside assistance (cover designer, editor), the expenses add up quickly. Due to the latter, I will approach agents and small presses in the future when I pitch my children’s Christmas picture book. Otherwise, it would be too costly to hire an illustrator and interior designer. But first, I will self-publish another memoir, Triptych.
Whichever route you decide to take, I wish you lots of luck on your publishing journey!
Thank you for the insightful post, Linda. Click here to read my review of Odyssey of Love.
About the Author, Linda Jämsén
Linda Jämsén is an American ex-pat writer-musician living in Finland. She grew up in New York, holding a book in one hand while exploring the piano keyboard with the other. Mesmerized by her mother’s playing of the Romantic repertoire, she soon studied piano with her and later graduated with a B.A. in Music from Bard College. Linda is also an avid choral singer and has performed in Hungary, Finland, the UK, and Israel.
During her years in Boston, Linda raised funds for a variety of philanthropic causes and completed the graduate management course at Radcliffe Seminars/Harvard. However, longing to return to her musical roots, in 2001 she moved to Budapest, land of her musical idol, Franz Liszt. There, she volunteered for the Music Academy in his name and received a CELTA certificate from International House, where she then taught English as a foreign language. Her musical, romantic, and travel adventures abroad inspired her to write Odyssey of Love: A Memoir of Seeking and Finding, her literary debut.
Linda lives on an island in Helsinki with her husband, the “tall man with glasses” from the memoir, and their treasured Russian icon. A sequel, Triptych, is in the works.
To follow the author, visit her website at www.lindajamsen.com. Make sure you also follow her on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and GoodReads.
- Blog Tour Calendar
September 20th @ The Muffin
We kick off the blog tour over at WOW! Women on Writing's blog, The Muffin, where we interview the author and give away a copy of this amazing memoir.
https://muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com
September 21st @ One Writer's Journey
Join Sue as she features author Linda Jämsén's guest post about how to organize and host a kick-ass virtual book launch event at little cost.
September 22nd @ Create Write Now
Join Mari as she publishes author Linda Jämsén's guest post about what inspired her to start journaling.
September 23rd @ One Writer's Journey
Visit Sue's blog again where she reviews Linda Jämsén's memoir Odyssey of Love.
September 24th @ The Faerie Review
Join Lily when she features Linda Jämsén's memoir Odyssey of Love.
https://www.thefaeriereview.com/
September 26th @ Michelle Cornish's Blog
Join Michelle as she shares her review of Linda Jämsén's memoir Odyssey of Love.
https://www.michellecornish.com/blog
September 28th @ Lisa Haselton's Reviews and Interviews
Join Lisa as she interviews author Linda Jämsén about her experiences and writing her memoir Odyssey of Love.
https://lisahaselton.com/blog/
September 30th @ Choices
Come by Madeline's blog today and you can read a fascinating guest post by the author about how a visit to a psychic ended up changing her life.
October 1st @ Michelle Cornish's Blog
Visit Michelle's blog again and you can read a guest post by the author about self-publishing versus traditional publishing and why she chose the former.
https://www.michellecornish.com/blog
October 3rd @ Word Magic
Join Fiona as she features Linda Jämsén's memoir Odyssey of Love and gives away a copy of the book to one lucky reader.
http://fionaingramauthor.blogspot.com/
October 5th @ A Storybook World
Stop by Deirdra's blog and read a feature of Linda Jämsén's memoir Odyssey of Love. A memoir you don't want to miss if you are looking for love!
http://www.astorybookworld.com/
October 6th @ Beverley A. Baird's Blog
Visit Beverley's blog and read a guest post by the author about publishing as a debut author in mid-life. Don't miss this inspiring post!
https://beverleyabaird.wordpress.com
October 8th @ Beverley A. Baird's Blog
Come by Beverley's blog again and you can read her thoughts about Linda Jämsén's memoir Odyssey of Love.
https://beverleyabaird.wordpress.com
October 11th @ What is That Book About
Visit Michelle's blog and read Linda Jämsén's guest post about taking chances in mid-life and finding adventures and true love.
https://www.whatisthatbookabout.com/
October 12th @ Alanna Jean
Alanna features Linda Jämsén's guest post about top European travel destinations.
October 14th @ Knotty Needle
Visit Judy's blog today and read her review of Linda Jämsén's memoir Odyssey of Love.
http://knottyneedle.blogspot.com/
October 15th @ The Forgotten Books
Join Heather as she reviews Linda Jämsén's memoir Odyssey of Love on her Instagram page.
https://www.instagram.com/The_forgotten_books_/
October 15th @ Balance and Joy
Join Sheri as she reviews Linda Jämsén's memoir Odyssey of Love.
https://www.balanceandjoy.com/
October 18th @ Memoir Writer's Journey
Visit Kathleen's website as she reviews Linda Jämsén's memoir Odyssey of Love.
October 20th @ Words from the Heart
Visit Linda's blog where she reviews Linda Jämsén's memoir Odyssey of Love.
https://contemplativeed.blogspot.com/
October 24th @ Leslie's Voice
Join Leslie on her blog today and read her review of Linda Jämsén's memoir Odyssey of Love.