My head is spinning as I try to think of ways to promote my novel No Sensible People, my poetry collection The Long and Short of It ,my writing in general, and to help other self-published writers in the process. Both the  novel and a poetry collection available on Lulu.com one of many print on demand sites that assist independent authors in independently publishing their books. In a month or so my novel will be on Amazon.com as well as other online retailers.



I am also in the process of updating my website so that it will function as a personal author site to me, a resource for other writers looking to network or submit their work, and form an online book review magazine called The Mixed Bag Review. My catch line is, "Because Life is a Mixed Bag."



In the magazine I plan to feature traditionally published books as well as independently published books, a mixed bag. Right now I have two reviews written and posted, although the links are not set up correctly at the moment. They are both tradional memoirs. I have two poetry collections and a novells I am in the process of reviewing, and a lead on another self published novel that has already received positive reviews.



Many other review magazines do not consider self published books. They believe them less than worthy. Some of them are, but who hasn't picked up a god awful traditionally published book from time to time?



All writers, if they want to be published, must contribute to their own marketing plan. That marketing begins for many when they go off looking for an agent or publisher. It can take years of copying charges, postage, query and summary writing that doesn't get used when and if the author ever finds the right fit for their book. Traditional publishing is a tightly wound system, that much like the public educational system does not fit every situation. The decision to self-publish is much like the decision to homeschool your child. My creation of The Mixed Bag Review is my answer to the "socialization" question.



A traditional publisher may need to see the potential to sell thousands of books, and while selling more is definitely better, self publishers -- at least those who use print on demand services, such as Lulu, only have to worry about selling one book at a time. Marketing Packs can be purchased for those who don't want to do the legwork, but I prefer to put my own unique spin on my promotion.



Homeschooling has been ostracized in the past, but has come around to gain respect and even admiration. If writers stand up in belief of their books and the stories they tell I believe  that the same will happen to self publishing. A journey of a thousand miles does indeed begin with a single step.



Watch for more information as the magazine develops. And to link to everything else I'm doing with the book go to



www.gretchenleebourquin.com