Gatekeeper Press Author Q&A
1. When did you first know you wanted to be a writer?
I was at a friend’s house when I was a teenager and he showed me a book that his Dad had written. I thought, “That’s would be neat to do someday!”
2. How long have you been writing? How many books have you written?
I started writing in 2001 – 20 so far.
3. What made you want to self-publish?
I started out with traditional publishers. After 3 books, they didn’t like the idea for my 4th book (which turned out to be one of my best selling books). So between making peanuts from traditional publishers, as well as growing tired of losing a lot of creative control, I decided to look elsewhere. It was then that I got into self-publishing.
4. Would you recommend new authors self-publish, and would you recommend Gatekeeper Press?
Having been on both sides (3 books with traditional publishers), self-publishing is the ONLY way to go. Your profits are so much higher, and YOU have control of everything from the cover, title, what’s inside, and how its formatted. My books don’t lend themselves to e-books, but I don’t have anything against them.
5. What do you do marketing-wise to help announce and sell your books?
Nothing in particular.
6. What advice do you have for a new or fledgling author?
Write a book when you have something to say or know something you think others should know – not because you just want to write a book. It’s the best way to avoid writer’s block, and when it comes from the heart, it shows in the writing. And definitely self-publish!
7. What social media platforms are you on?
None.
8. What is the one piece of advice you wish you had known when you first started out?
Find a good self-publisher, preferable one that operates like GateKeepers. My last self-publisher owes me upwards of $50,000 – and because of the contract and the way he ran the business, I’ll never get a penny back!
9. What do you feel is the biggest challenge authors are facing going into 2020 (and beyond)?
Getting your book known. Because of e-books, anybody can write something and call it a book – this floods the market and makes it hard for consumers to find yours.
10. Have you won any awards or contests that you would like to mention?
Nope.