The Kickstarter Journey

Why did I decide to do it? Audiobooks are the next logical step in my publishing journey, but to produce them as an independent author is ungodly expensive. Hiring the right voice actor is crucial and the best ones always charge the most but come with their own ravenous following. People who consume audio have favorite narrators and will often listen to every book in their catalog. 

Part of the reason I decided to take this path is I want to believe that there is some magic in the universe. After being a background player in many successful ventures with other entrepreneurs, I wanted to bring success to my own project. Success that was earned through my blood, sweat, and tears and success that no one could undermine or take from me. 

It's no secret I've been working as an independent author for the last 2 years. The part people don't know is this business is the hardest one I have ever tried to succeed in. I tell my boyfriend all the time, "I have never worked so hard for so little income." It's true when you consider the royalty split and the cost of producing a professional book with a professional editor and cover designer, the deck is stacked against you. 

For fun, I figured out my hourly wage, it comes in at about twenty cents an hour. I could easily double my income by picking up discarded pop cans on the side of the road. 

So why do I keep going? I have asked myself this question many times over the last year and the answer is simple. Because this is what I was born to do, and someday, some way, the universe will align and I will be able to claim my worth as a writer. Income is not the only measure of success, but it is the one that gives you the freedom to continue. 

Will this dream come true? I hope so, but I'm smart enough to know hoping won't make it happen. Hard work will. Someday this book will be an audiobook. Someday I will be able to retell my journey to become a bestselling author with a new ending, an ending that I am finally able to be proud of.

Thank YOU for following me, picking me up when I fall, and for supporting me with your encouraging messages along the way. When I want to quit, they sustain me.

XOXO Ninya