I’ve made little secret (especially on IG) of how much I’ve struggled with the query process, which is the first step in the traditional publishing journey. At the risk of indulging in a little bit of hyperbole, I would say that it’s a miracle I haven’t packed up writing altogether because of it. I recently had something of an epiphany about this when I realized that what was most soul-crushing to me about the process wasn’t even the constant rejection. [Although that hasn’t been a lot of fun, it’s at least good practice for a writer.] It was the fact that it made me feel like I had no control over my own writing journey.

Now, it goes without saying that, in life, control is often and mostly illusory. We don’t, and can’t, control nearly as much as we like to think. At the same time, having a sense of control – at least over some aspects of our lives, particularly the more meaningful ones – is necessary to our well-being. Without it, we risk falling into despair. Well, I do, anyway. With age, I’ve accepted that there are, indeed, many things I cannot control. My mom’s sudden death and my own brush with cancer were stark proof of that. But this has made it all the more important for me to feel in control of some things. Work-life balance was a big one. Another one should have been obvious to me, but wasn’t … until very recently.

My creative work is one of the things that gives me a sense of purpose. [Purpose, too, is fundamental to well-being, imo.] Writing is the core of my creative life. Ergo, to be happy, I need to feel that I have (some) control over my writing journey. That I am directing it, rather than being a largely passive participant. When I put it like that, it’s pretty obvious that I was always going to struggle with trad publishing. In that sphere, success is largely dictated by external forces – and that includes the definition of ‘success’. This, by the way, is not meant to denigrate trad publishing, or suggest that it’s not a viable and desirable path for many writers. It has pros and cons, which are very much determined by the individual writer’s goals, needs, and strengths.

In my case, I came to realize that there was a misalignment both in terms of goals and needs. I decided to pursue trad publishing for what was, for me, the wrong reason. I thought I wanted or needed professional validation of my worth as a writer. For someone with ‘authority’ to bless my writing, as it were. This is not, in and of itself, a bad goal or desire. Fundamentally, though, it’s not what I actually want to get out of publishing. [Not that I would not enjoy the ego boosting, but it’s not what really, truly matters the most to me.] I write because I love to write – not to have people praise my writing, not to make a pile of money. I want to publish so that other people have the opportunity to read what I write. To be a story-teller, one must tell stories to someone. But nothing more. Publishing, for me, is about finding my audience, not about winning at publishing.

And that brings me to the other key reason why trad publishing isn’t probably my best fit. Over 15 years of blogging, one of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that the content I love to make is, in relative terms, niche content. It doesn’t have a mass market appeal, but the people who appreciate it, REALLY appreciate it. I am not saying this in a self-deprecating way, or to invite compliments or consolation. Personally, I have learned to look at it as a value-neutral statement. [This required some doing, because in a capitalist society, mass market appeal is the highest good.] Actually, I like to think of myself as a person of niche tastes – which is a nice way of saying ‘oddball’, a term I am also prepared to own, thankyouverymuch – so it makes sense that my output as a creator and writer would be similarly niche. I am okay with this.

Trad publishing does not cater to niche interests and/or content. It is a business, operating within late-stage capitalism. Broadly speaking, it needs to sell as much as possible to as many people as possible. The growing popularity of self publishing has contributed to this dynamic, too. There is now more competition for audiences’ attention than ever, and trad publishing can’t afford to bet on anything except ‘sure things’. Self-publishing authors who are not answerable to shareholders can afford to take risks – i.e. create niche content – to an extent that trad publishers cannot.

I’ll confess that, when I first started writing A Party to Murder, I truly believed that it had mass market appeal. People love Agatha Christie, right? And people who love Agatha Christie (like me) are looking for similar books to branch out to, once they finish all the OGs. You see where I was going with that. Turns out, I probably overestimated the market for historical murder mysteries. By, like, a lot. Cozy mysteries are popular, but it seems more in the contemporary genre. Anyway, it doesn’t matter. I wrote the books I wrote. Also, and very importantly, having written them and then re-read them, months later, I still love them. I still think they’re fun and funny and entertaining – to the right (niche) audience. And I still want to put them out into the world, even if no one else is willing to help me do it.  

So, yeah: self-publishing.

A Party to Murder, hopefully coming to an Amazon near you in January 2026. Eek!!!

Now that I’ve blathered on about how I realized that self publishing was my answer all along, let me also throw a bucket of cold water all over myself. One of the reasons why I didn’t pursue that route in the first place is because it’s bloody hard. The practical realities of it don’t align as well with my strengths as trad publishing does. I know nothing about how to get a book physically ready for publication, cover design, marketing, etc. etc. etc. I have zero budget to hire professionals to help me along (at least for the time being), so I now have to figure it out on my own. I’ve got my husband in my corner, and he’s far more savvy with some of this stuff than I am, which will be a huge help. But overall, while the end goal and overall direction of self-publishing fits my needs, the process doesn’t fit my strengths. It will be a challenge, no less than querying … but with one key difference.

I will be in control of the process.

I might fall on my face, but at least it will be my doing. And I will try very, very hard not to.

I should probably stop now because, wow, this is a long time to navel-gaze, but I’m going to be cheeky and close this post with an ask.

I need a favour.

If you have enjoyed my content over the years, I would really, really appreciate your help in getting A Party to Murder to connect with its audience. Millions of books get (self)published every year, which means that getting eyes –and especially the right eyes – on your book is extremely difficult. Positive word of mouth and reviews, especially in advance of publication, help a TON. As do pre-orders, which help push a book higher in Amazon’s algorithm and, in turn, make it visible to more buyers. I am going to be writing more about this in the coming months but, for now, if you are interested in supporting me, please consider doing one or more of the following:

  • Leave a comment to indicate if you would like to be added to my mailing list to receive updates on the book. I promise not to spam you (mostly because I will have absolutely no time to do so, lol). I will use the email address attached to the comment (which is only visible to me). Alternately, feel free to email me at bluecollarredlipstick(at) gmail (dot) com.
  • Let me know if you would be interested in receiving an Advanced Reader Copy of A Party to Murder. For those not familiar with ARCs, their purpose is to generate advance word-of-mouth and reviews in preparation for publication. [Although, feedback on the book itself is always welcome.] So if you’re active on Goodreads or similar bookish spaces and would be inclined to share about the book (assuming you end up enjoying it, of course), please consider requesting an ARC. I am hoping to be in a position to send those out by late November.
  • Follow my writing account on IG [murders_she_writes] and share my content with friends whenever it resonates.

OK, that’s it!! Thank you so much for reading this – and always – and I hope you will stick around for the rest of the journey.

60 Comments on I Write Things: Paradigm Shifts

  1. I don’t have a wide audience to help spread the word since I’m not on social media (I know!) but I am happy to order a book to help you out. And I look forward to reading it! So please add me to your email list.

    • Thank you, Janette! IRL word of mouth helps a ton too — even if one extra person hears about it, that’s a win in my books 🙂

  3. Congrats – I think self-publishing will defiitely be a better fit for you.

    Question – do you intend to make an audiobook version available? I only have time for audiobooks (since I can listen while I cook dinner, clean the house, drive to the office, or all those other things). I would definitely purchase that.

    In the meantime, please add me to your list.

    • Hi Rebecca! It’s def on my radar, although I need to do a lot more research into it. Ebook and physical book are my first priority, and once I’ve got that under my belt, I am going to look into audiobooks. I feel like I’m at a disadvantage because I don’t currently have the likely budget for a narrator (and hate the sound of my own voice / accent). I am not a fan of using AI narration, but there may be other options I’m not aware of currently.

      If I am able to make any sort of profit off the first book, I will def be investing it in expanding my offerings with the next books.

      Stay tuned!

  4. I would love to receive updates on your book! I have been hoping to read it just based on your descriptions. I’m pretty sure I fit the niche to which you are writing.

    • Hi Adina.
      I’ve been following along on your writing/publishing journey with great interest.
      I already receive your emails, so I’m not sure if I need to opt in for book updates but I would love to hear about the latest news.
      I would also love to receive an ARC for the book. I’m a big reader and am on Goodreads, so I’d be thrilled to put the word out! Best of luck on your book.

  6. I will be following on Instagram. I love all cozy mysteries, especially historical. I am looking forward to reading the book!

  7. Please add me to your mailing list! I would also review an ARC as I’m active on Goodreads.
    I love your content! Looking forward to reading your book!

  8. Add me to your mailing list please. I have friends who are avid readers with very active good reads if I can get an ARC copy I can try to circulate it between my reader friends. Wishing all the best I. This exciting adventure and looking forward to reading your work.

  9. I would love to be added to the mailing list and receive an ARC for your book. I read a lot and am always looking for new material.
    As a visual artist I can only tell you that rejection gets easier with practice, and you get lots of practice in any arts. Wishing you the best!
    Maggie

  10. I’m super excited to read the book – I love Agatha Christie and prefer historical mysteries to contemporary ones.

    I’m trying to minimize my email – will you be posting updates here on your blog as well? I check your blog regularly (probably once a week at least), so if you’ll update here, then I’ll opt out of email updates too to spare my inbox, If the email updates will have info that won’t be here, then please sign me up 🙂

    • Hi Shiloh! Totally understand where you’re coming from. I do not plan to send more than 2-3 updates between now and January, but I will also post the key news (pub date and pre-orders) here. So you don’t need to join the mailing list to get that info 🙂

  11. I am so excited! I would love an ARC and to be on your mailing list. I do use goodreads and l LOVE a murder mystery.

  14. Hello,

    please, add me to you mailing list, I would like to receive updates and can’t wait to read the book.

    SImona

  16. Congratulations to you for grabbing the ring on this challenging curve of your creative journey. You are an engaging writer and creator, and I hope your fiction finds its audience and brings you great satisfaction.

    I would like to be on the mailing list, and since I’m fairly active on Goodreads I would be willing to receive an ARC and review the book there.

  17. Please add me to your email list. I’m a big fan of mystery and historical fiction so I would love to receive an ARC. I also use Goodreads regularly.

  19. Definitely want any/all updates on your book(s) progress! I am useless re: social media, but am looking forward to buying a copy or two (presents! Too bad it won’t be out before any upcoming gift-giving seasons ;).
    Ah, the pragmatic side! I hear this often in photography circles; time spent with paperwork, selling, customers, clients – usually equal or more than the time spent actually making photographs. The bane of the artist’s existence!

    • I was originally planning to publish in early December, but then I read in the self-pub community that Dec is the single worst month to publish, lol! Apparently, that’s when trad published push out some of their big titles, and people are spending their Xmas dollars elsewhere.

      But I am very flattered that you would consider gifting my book — thank you!

  20. Yes, I would like to be added to the mailing list for updates. I’ve been meaning to comment earlier about your publishing pursuits, I was disappointed when you decided not to follow through on your first book, it seemed like such a good concept. In any case, bravo! for forging ahead. You certainly have the soul of a writer. I look forward to reading your new book.

  21. Hi! I always make sure to check your blog at least once a week to read your posts! I would love to be on your mailing list! Already subscribed to both IG accounts! 💕

  22. I’ve definitely said this, but I would also officially like to request that you add me to your mailing list, please!

  23. I’ve always loved the quality of your writing on the blog, so please sign me up for the email list!

  24. I love your writing style – please add me to the list and I’ll hop over to IG to follow your other account there too. I am a big reader and look forward to your book(s)!

  25. I would love to be added to your email list for updates – your novel sounds right up my alley!

  26. Adina,
    I have followed you for a long time for your stellar thrifting content, as well as your thoughts on the changing nature of thrifting as the market becomes flooded with substandard fast fashion. But I was even more excited when you described _A Party To Murder_, and I would love to be added to your mailing list for updates as you publish. I am mostly a social media lurker, but trust that I am cheering you on !

  29. Eeeeeep! So exciting! I’m sorry the trad publishing path caused so much pain, but selfishly glad you’ve decided to self publish so I can read it sooner!!! Please add me to your mailing list and I’d be happy to read an ARC and post about it on my Goodreads. Congratulations and good luck with all the steps still left!