Author Journey: Jamie Canosa

Hi Jamie,

To start us off, how did you get into publishing? Had you always wanted to be a writer or did you discover your love of writing later on in life?

I’ve enjoyed writing since high school, but never considered doing it as a career. I triple majored in college and not one of them had anything to do with literature. After college when my son was born I became a stay-at-home mom. All of a sudden I had time to fill. Watching TV got old fast, so I started making up my own stories. I’d sit at the computer during nap times at type away. Still, I never considered actually publishing any of them.

It wasn’t until a couple years later when two of my favorite authors teamed up to create an anthology that I finally wrote a story I intended to let others read. It was called, Temptation, and it was the first thing I ever had published. These two women (indie authors themselves) read my submission and said they loved it. Talk about Cloud Nine! These amazing authors like my work! They ran a small publishing company together and asked if I had anything else I’d be interested in submitting. It just so happened that I was finishing up my first full length novel, Dissidence, so I sent that to them, as well. And they loved that, too. It was the self-confidence boost I needed to finally enter the world of publishing.

Now, your books are self-published. Did you always intend to self-publish your books?

As I mentioned, I started out with a small publishing company. I had this misguided notion that if my books weren’t good enough for a publisher than they weren’t good enough to be published. It’s nonsense. Books (like all forms of entertainment) are subjective. One person loves what another person hates. I’ve had a ton of great feedback from my self-published books and some of my all-time favorite books were not published through traditional publishers.

After a year or two of guidance and support, I felt comfortable enough to step out on my own. I enjoy self-publishing because there’s a lot less pressure. I’ve got three kids with schedules that can make a grown woman cry. School, friends, sports . . . it never ends. Self-publishing I don’t have to miss any of it. I set my own deadlines and if something comes up I can push it. Books get published when they’re done. I have control over cover design (something I love!) and the story stays true to what I meant it to be.

Do you have any advice for people that would like to publish a book but aren’t sure whether to self-publish or try and achieve success with a traditional publishing house or a smaller publishing house?

By all means, query agents. I still do from time to time and if you want to be a best-selling author that’s probably your best bet. But don’t get discouraged if you get rejection letters from everyone and their brother. We all have. Heck, JK Rowling did. Like I said, it’s subjective. Believe in your story. If you don’t find the right agent this time around it doesn’t mean you never will. Go ahead and put that story out there yourself. There’s someone somewhere who will be glad you did. I promise.

Are your books in the Kindle Unlimited program? If so, do you think that this helps your books and would you recommend it to other authors? If you haven’t, would you ever consider it?

My books are enrolled in the Kindle Unlimited program. Here’s why . . . when I first published through the small publisher, my books were available on all platforms (Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Smashwords, etc) When earnings started to come in it became very clear that the vast majority of sales were through Amazon. Kindle Unlimited requires you not to publish on other platforms, but I received so little response from those that it didn’t feel like a big deal. I know there are a lot of kinks in the Kindle Unlimited system, but it has helped to boost my Amazon sales and every little bit helps. My recommendation would be to try your book out on all platforms for a month or two, and see how sales go. If you get a decent amount from other sites GREAT! If not maybe consider giving Kindle Unlimited a try. I also highly recommend using their ‘free book’ promotions now and then to gain readers and reviews.

What’s next for you? Do you have any new books releasing soon or are your focuses on a new venture?

I’ve got a few things going. I always do. Besides writing, I love to be creative in other ways. I’m currently building up my stock of wood burned signs for the start of craft fair season. It’s also soccer season. And baseball season. Not to mention the end of the school year. So life’s a little crazy at the moment. But none of that stops me from writing. My newest book, a NA contemporary romance, is in the works and I am beyond excited about it. I can’t wait to start sharing teasers and introduce everyone to Rae, Maxx, Vince, June, Ella, and Chad!

Thank you for joining us, Jamie!

Thank you, Kendall <3

Author Biography:

Jamie Canosa is a full time author of YA literature, which she absolutely loves. When she’s not writing or spending time with her family, she can usually be found with her nose in a book. She currently resides in Ravena, NY with her wonderful husband and three crazy kids . . . plus the cats, the bird and the rabbit.