I’ve always been open about my publishing journey, and today, I want to share a difficult decision I’m facing. The sequels to Dark Days have been completed for some time—Book 2 has gone through two rounds of editing, while Book 3 has had one. However, after reviewing the latest editing notes for Book 2, I’ve realized a third round is necessary. This work will define my career, and I want to get it right.
So far, I’ve invested nearly $3,000 in editing both books, but now I need a new editor. The rates I’ve found range from $1,400 to $5,000 per book. Even at the lowest rate, that’s another $2,800 on top of my existing investment. Then, there’s book formatting and cover design—two crucial expenses I can’t overlook. Realistically, I could be looking at $7,000 or more to bring these two books to life.
Navigating the Challenges of Publishing Dark Days
This journey hasn’t been easy, but I’m committed to delivering the best possible version of these stories. Your support means the world to me, and I truly appreciate it. While this may not seem like a major hurdle, the reality is that I no longer have my second and third jobs to finance my publishing costs as I did with previous books. That means taking on additional debt simply isn’t an option right now.
Many have encouraged me to try a Kickstarter, and I’ve explored the idea. However, the pricing required to make it viable is challenging. For instance, a $25 pledge for a paperback would only yield about $8 after factoring in shipping, taxes, and other costs. To break even on the lower estimate of my expenses, I’d need around 875 backers at this level. While not impossible, industry data suggests it would be an uphill battle.
I’m still weighing my options, but I remain dedicated to finding a way forward. Thank you for your continued support—it truly makes all the difference.
A Pause on Maya’s Journey—For Now
With all this in mind, Maya’s journey is on hold. I love the world I’ve built and the story I set out to tell, but I can’t keep taking risks without seeing a return. This isn’t a farewell—just a “not right now.” My focus now is on expanding my readership, and with enough support, I hope to one day continue Maya’s story.
To everyone who has supported Dark Days, I am incredibly grateful. Your encouragement means everything, and I truly hope to bring you more adventures in the future.
How To Help
Option #1 ~ Purchase a book
D.W.’s books are available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Apple Books, and other major retailers. Most titles are offered in paperback, hardcover, and ebook formats, though audiobooks are not yet available. However, bringing his stories to audio is a future goal, as it’s one of his favorite ways to experience books.
Ready to dive into his work? Browse the links below to purchase one, two, or even all of his books from your favorite retailer. If you love signed copies, D.W. has you covered—visit the Signed Copies link in the menu to order your personalized edition today!
Option #2 ~ Youtube
📌 Support D.W. Saur on YouTube! Subscribing to Polar Press Presents helps grow the platform and bring more exciting content to life. Click the links below to follow D.W. Saur and be part of the journey!