A self-published author success story: Duncan Shore

Let's begin with the question I always ask my clients…

Why did you want to write a book?

I genuinely don’t know where the story of Unforeseen Consequences came to me from, but the idea stayed with me enough to develop it and eventually hone it to what it is.

I’ve known many people who’ve said they wanted to write a book and didn't even start, so there was an element of proving to myself as much as proving it to everyone else, that I could actually finish one.

I could have potentially embarrassed myself, but I believe you need to challenge yourself. I think it's much healthier to get out of your comfort zone than stay in it. 

What the books are about

The book that started it all is Unforeseen Consequences.

The Ashton Trilogy was launched out of sequence. The first book, Unforeseen Consequences, was my first novel and traced the actions and reactions of a Prime Minister who raised the minimum wage. Part-political thriller, part-romcom, it’s a gentle tale that is a page turner and makes the reader laugh. 

Next came the prequel, Ashton’s Ascent, and the sequel, The Lure of Power.

I spent so much time developing the characters that I didn’t want to waste them. So it seemed natural to expand their character arcs and write their prequel in Ashton’s Ascent and conclude the trilogy with The Lure of Power. 

You’ll enjoy these books if you like

I try to write fast-paced books with hopefully several laughs per chapter. All my books will appeal to anyone who likes light drama with dry British humour, deadpan reactions, laced with a little bit of romance.

The trilogy is also based in NZ politics, which is pretty uncommon.

The impact editing had on these books

I was genuinely scared with my first experience of using an editor. It was the first time anyone had reviewed anything I’d written creatively since school. I hadn’t spent money on writing courses, so I was trusting the editor’s feedback on whether it was any good.

The feedback was very supportive and positive, and in subsequent books has proved to be a really important second set of eyes, picking up not just typos, but continuity mistakes (if you’ve not edited the drafts enough). 

It’s tempting to dismiss the idea of an editor, thinking you can do it yourself. Whilst I appreciate everyone has to cut their cloth to their budget, I would certainly recommend an editor if you can.

The truth about publishing and book sales

My publishing success hasn’t been spectacular, but the business model I have always been following relies on creating a body of work, to enable read-through readers.

I have now published five books and will start promoting one book, which should hopefully lead to multiple purchases per promotion. The only downside is that it takes time to build up the catalogue!

What Duncan’s working on at the moment

I’ve currently got two books in the pipeline. One explores a UK police marksman with PTSD – an obvious choice for a light drama with deadpan humour.

My second book on the go is based in the USA and addresses gun control and healthcare. Again, an obvious source of humour, but hopefully one that I can entertain my readers, and appeal to a lot more.

Stay up-to-date with Duncan’s work

You can follow Duncan on Facebook or visit his website to see all of his books, keep up-to-date on new releases and participate in giveaways.

I know you've poured your heart, soul, and countless late nights into your book. Now it’s published, you’re ready to get your story into the hands of the readers you wrote it for. 

If you’ve self-published, it’s your job to market, promote and get people talking about your book which is no easy feat! In this new blog series, I want to feature authors I’ve worked with to hopefully provide another way to spread the word about your novel.

If you would like to apply to be featured, send me an email: leanne@inredpencil.co.nz