Jana` Chantel's Blog
October 10, 2019
Release Day!
Surviving Red is officially out! This accomplishment means so much to me. This journey has been five years in the making. To finally be here is surreal. I hope you enjoy this story and this world I created. Let me know if you can survive the red.
Thank you for your support.
Survive the Red,
Jana` Chantel
Thank you for your support.
Survive the Red,
Jana` Chantel
September 16, 2019
Why I Decided to Self-Publish
As a writer, I feel like we all eventually come to a crossroads when it comes to publishing our work, and that is whether to publish traditionally or self. Most of us aim towards traditional, I mean, who doesn’t want their work supported by a big publishing house? But getting a deal with a big-name publisher can be trying. That is why some tend to go the self-publishing route. For my first book, Into My Mind , I ventured down the self-publishing route. And I must say I enjoyed it. That journey taught me a lot about writing, publishing, and marketing my book. But for my debut novel, my original goal was to go down the traditional route.
For this project, Surviving Red , I felt that traditional publishers could get this out to a mass market better than I could. So, when I finished the manuscript, I began to look up literary agents to query to. But for some reason, I didn’t feel right. I didn’t feel the excitement and exhilaration about finding an agent. My spirit didn’t feel aligned. And as someone who relies heavily on their spiritual alignment, this became a big issue for me.
I began to question whether traditional publishing was right for me. I started asking family and friends, whether I should self or traditionally publish. Everyone and I mean everyone, said self—without hesitation. They all encouraged me that I had the knowledge and understanding to get my book out there to the masses. So I finalized my decision, I was going to self-publish Surviving Red.
Almost instantly, I felt my spirit align, and I heard this voice ask me, “Why are you waiting for someone to tell you yes?” I was stunned by that question. I didn’t realize it at the time, but I was waiting for someone to tell me “yes” to achieve my dream. I was waiting for a “yes” from a literary agent. I was waiting for a “yes” from a big publishing house. I was giving others control over my dreams. At that moment I decided to say “yes” to myself.
Yes, I can do this.
Yes, I can make this project successful.
Yes, I can create a story that everyone will love.
I am confident that I have made the right decision, and this journey will be an exhilarating one. I am happy to share this journey with you all, and I hope you enjoy the ride.
—Jana` Chantel
For this project, Surviving Red , I felt that traditional publishers could get this out to a mass market better than I could. So, when I finished the manuscript, I began to look up literary agents to query to. But for some reason, I didn’t feel right. I didn’t feel the excitement and exhilaration about finding an agent. My spirit didn’t feel aligned. And as someone who relies heavily on their spiritual alignment, this became a big issue for me.
I began to question whether traditional publishing was right for me. I started asking family and friends, whether I should self or traditionally publish. Everyone and I mean everyone, said self—without hesitation. They all encouraged me that I had the knowledge and understanding to get my book out there to the masses. So I finalized my decision, I was going to self-publish Surviving Red.
Almost instantly, I felt my spirit align, and I heard this voice ask me, “Why are you waiting for someone to tell you yes?” I was stunned by that question. I didn’t realize it at the time, but I was waiting for someone to tell me “yes” to achieve my dream. I was waiting for a “yes” from a literary agent. I was waiting for a “yes” from a big publishing house. I was giving others control over my dreams. At that moment I decided to say “yes” to myself.
Yes, I can do this.
Yes, I can make this project successful.
Yes, I can create a story that everyone will love.
I am confident that I have made the right decision, and this journey will be an exhilarating one. I am happy to share this journey with you all, and I hope you enjoy the ride.
—Jana` Chantel
