Tara Sivec, of Oberlin, is a USA Today Best Selling author through self-publishing and shares how working independently rather than through a company has benefited her life.
Sivec, 42, first began publishing books through a publishing company in 2012 while she was working a job in finance.
During that time, she said she spent much of her life-long hobby writing poems and fan fiction on the side.
Sivec said she then was convinced she had to get her work out to the public.
Her first book through her publisher was called, “Seduction & Snacks,” which today remains her most popular book.
However, Sivec said she soon realized she wasn’t fully satisfied and wanted more control over her career to “do what I want, when I want.”
She then became her own publisher and had full control.
Now, in the last seven years, Sivec is a full time, self-publishing, USA Today Best Selling author with 37 published novels, in print and online.
Her latest published book is a Romantic Comedy called “The Simple Life,” which came out in 2018.
Sivec’s books are written in genres including Romantic Comedy, Romantic Comedy/Mystery, Romantic Suspense, New Adult Drama, Contemporary Romance and Psychological Thriller.
They are available through Amazon, EBooks, Kindle, Barnes and Noble, ibooks and Audible.
Sivec said through self-publishing, there is more freedom, scheduling is on her time and she can write what she wants.
With a publisher, authors have certain guidelines to follow, such as writing a certain way and following deadlines, she said.
“Self-publishing is the best thing I ever did, and I started out the normal way any other author does,” Sivec said. “I thought the only way to publish a book was to have an agent or a big New York publisher had to love my book.”
“So, I sent out a million letters and got a million rejections. Then did some googling and found that anyone could publish a book on Amazon. It’s so easy to do. You upload your book, and then in 72 hours, people are beginning to buy your book.
“It was the most amazing and crazy thing I’ve ever did.”
Following her dream
Sivec said at times, she still can’t believe this is her life.
“I was in a corporate world for 20 years working in an office, but I always have loved reading and writing,” she said. “Following my dream got me where I am today.”
Having a publisher did help Sivec grow as a writer, educate her on how the publishing industry worked and started her career as an author, but she knew she wanted to be her own boss.
Sivec said a publishing company was not for her, but it still can be a great tool for others of different lifestyles.
As a self-publishing author, she said it keeps her busy but gives her time to be with family or do the things she enjoys.
However, it can be tough at times when not only playing the role of an author, but as the editor, cover designer, promoter and marketer.
“It can get hard sometimes, yet it’s easier to do things on your own,” Sivec said. “You’re the boss and you make any decision.”
She said having an assistant who helps plan agendas and assists her with anything she may need as a self-publisher makes things less hard.
“It’s the hardest job I’ve ever had, but it’s the most rewarding and amazing thing I’ve ever done,” Sivec said. “I’ve gotten to travel out of the country because of it, reached so many opportunities and made friends along the way.”
Sivec also thanked her readers and family for their support, because without them she would not be successful or have the inspiration she uses to write.
She and her husband, James, have a daughter, Madelyn, 15, and a son, Drew, 12.
To purchase any online or paper-back copies of Sivec’s book’s visit, www.amazon.com/Tara-Sivec/e/B008B6LBLM/ref=dp_byline_cont_ebooks_1
