I Did It MY WAY


If you squint hard, you can see me dancing up there!

I have crowed, long and loud, about my accomplishments as a traditionally-published author. Loads of sales and foreign translations, along with beautiful shiny medallions and pretty certificates, made it possible for me to call myself a Bestselling, Award-winning Author.

But several years ago, I became an Independent Author who no longer had the backing of a huge publisher. I started doing it all: writing, editing, proofing, cover design, marketing, and promoting…hell, I was hand-selling my books to anyone who looked remotely interested and to many who did not. The journey has definitely been uphill. You know, the one-step-forward-two-steps-back kind of struggle.

However, things seem to be changing. Yesterday was a banner day for me as an Indie Author. One of my books hit the Top 100 Lists of not one but three different stores. Can you see me walking on clouds? Heck, I'm dancing, baby!

Nanny and the Professor reached #53 on the Amazon Kindle Top 100 List. The book made it to #30 on the Barnes & Noble Nook Top 100 List. And Nanny also hit #13 on the iTunes iBook Romance Bestsellers List.

Many of you saw my recent news that Her Fake Romance won the 2013 BigAl's Books & Pals Readers Choice Award for Best Romance.

What does this mean? Well, it means I can once again call myself a Bestselling, Award-winning Author! And I did it my way…without the help of a New York publishing house. I don't mind saying, I am amazed and astounded. And just for the heck of it, I'm posting my award again for everyone to see:

Don't think for a minute that I don't know how this happened. I couldn't have done it without YOU, my loyal readers.

I humbly thank you for sticking with me!

8 comments:

Carol Butler Crawley said...

Donna, I am thrilled for you! I'm sure the backing of a NY publishing house was nice, but in the end, your talent is what sells. Your writing and hard work.
The first I heard of you was in an article a few yrs back in the Wilmington News Journal. I followed you because...well, Delaware is small, we have to back each other, right? Then I discovered I loved your writing style.

My first book, my launch book! was released in April, so I know what a scary thought it is to go from a nice paying career to that frightening place that has called your name for so long. I'm also becoming all too familiar with the talent and hard work it takes to keep those sales up there!

I am totally THRILLED for you! Don't think for one minute your success isn't well-deserved. It definitely IS!

Kudos to you, Donna!

Carol (Carley)

Ruth Harris said...

Donna—YAY for you. What superterrific news and how wonderful to have done it the way you have. This is no small accomplishment, not at all. Congratulations! You're a total inspiration.

Unknown said...

You ROCK my friend! I know it's been a lot of hard work I hope you know that you're an inspiration! Love you!

Anne R. Allen said...

Major congrats, Donna. Wow. It does happen!! I hope you're planning a great celebration.

Katherine Owen said...

Congratulations, Donna! You're an amazing author and generous person!!

kb1125 said...

My favorite thing about your books is that I can hear your voice in my head when I read. Your writing is so personal, just so intrinsically you! Th rock!

Prue Batten said...

Donna, well done and am so thrilled for you. Quality is as quality does! Makes me feel honoured at being included in the anthology with you. Cheers and very best!

holly adams said...

Yay!! Many many congrats, Donna!