For when I just don't get it...

Something that happened when I published my first book is that some other writers who had never been published suddenly thought I knew the answers to all of their questions.

Experience counts for something, but not everything.

So while I have made it a point to help people I can, from friends to aspiring authors in FaceBook groups, I can't provide the words of wisdom that everyone is looking for.

It is time to admit some weaknesses.

I have no concept of how to make a book cover. Well, technically, I know how to put words and images on a cover. But I can't make one that is pleasing to the eye. I rely on a friend for that.

And don't get me started on the technological aspects of turning a book into a Kindle or any other electronic version. I thought I'd try it with my first book, banged my head against a wall for three hours on step one, and wound up having a friend do that as well.

The Jewelry of Grace is being released in a Kindle format today, with an electronic presentation that is probably a little better than the paperback and the same beautiful cover that the print version has. This is only because of my friends. This is only because I knew I could not rely on myself.

And that is a trap I feel some people fall into with self-publishing. The "self" part does not mean you have to do everything on your own. For those of us who self-publish, we need to understand when we are out of our element. Some of us know how to design covers, convert to electronic formats, record audio books or promote our work. But not many of us know how to do all of these things.

Last week, I wrote about helping other writers out. But in these cases, writers need to be willing to receive help from others. Don't be afraid to ask someone experienced in graphic arts to help with your cover or any other images in your novel. Don't be proud and ignore help on making your story into other formats.

Help may come from friends or from paid professionals, but don't be afraid in those moments when you don't "get it". There is always someone who will.

Next week: Dealing with dishonesty