In the first part of our two-part interview with Maine-based author Jennifer Greenleaf, we talked about her Virtual Book Signing Tour, taking place this entire weekend.

A master marketer, prolific author, mixed media artist, and mother, Jenny Greenleaf doesn’t believe in getting locked into one niche in her writing – or in her life. Her current titles include:

• 101 Mixed-Media Art Projects, How-To’s & Ideas: A Beginner’s Guide to Messy Art With No Rules
• Maine Living: One Writer’s Perspective
• While We’re Apart: A Fill in the Blank Book
• While We’re Still Apart: A Fill in the Blank Book

Her goal for 2010 is 12 publications in 12 months. In the second part of this interview, Jenny shares her extensive knowledge of the publishing industry.

You have five books already published, and three coming out soon … how long have you been writing?
I’ve been writing professionally since 1999, but my book writing experience started in 2006 (with The WonderDads Handbook for Raising a Girl Ages 0-10: A Month-by-Month Look at What to Expect, Developmental Tips, & Ideas for Activities: releasing spring 2010).  Prior to that, you could say I’ve been a writer ever since I could hold a crayon – it’s been an active part of my life for as long as I can remember.

Do you have an agent?
I don’t have an agent, though I did have an agent interested in my work in 2002.  I found him when I was researching how to sell some gift books I had drawn, then life got in the way and the project was put on hold.  The process of writing the book proposal and querying the agent was far more difficult than working on the books, which I found quite interesting.  I sent out 40 queries, and received one positive response out of all that work.

Who is publishing your titles?
WonderDads is currently publishing The WonderDads Handbook For Raising a Girl Ages 0-10, and I believe I found them through freelancewritinggigs.com. I sent them a query with clips, we did a phone interview, and then we sealed the deal with a contract.  It was a very simple process, and one I wish would repeat itself over and over!  I didn’t have to shop around the idea because they were looking for authors to write specific titles.  The rest of my titles are published through CreateSpace.com.

Why did you opt to go the self-publishing route?
I ran into a lot of “issues” with traditional publishers.  I’m the type of person who needs control over the book’s content, as well as how it is presented on the page… I found myself butting heads a lot over these issues and desires, so I decided to forego it all and self-publish.

I’ve noticed that, while publishing houses do offer support in many ways there’s still a lot the authors have to do. So, there’s a lot of marketing and promotional efforts put on to the author’s shoulders that mirrors the efforts made by the self-published author.

Do you feel there’s still a stigma attached to self-publishing, or is that gone/nearly gone?
For some there is, but I’ve seen a greater acceptance for self-publishing compared to when I first heard of it in 2002.  Back then, those who self-published were often referred to as “slush pile writers” who couldn’t make the grade.  Now, self-publishing is viewed more as a business model is better understood.  When I learned that many authors, like Julia Cameron, started out as self-published authors I realized that those who turn their nose up at it might not know the true history of the matter and how beneficial it could be.

Would you recommend this route to most writers?
If you have the background, why not?  I’ve been writing professionally for ten years, so I feel like I have a lot under my belt in terms of quality and proven ability.  I wouldn’t recommend it to a novice writer because, after all, learning the ropes about the craft and business of writing is daunting for many without throwing in how to successfully market and publicize the book(s).

Is it your ultimate goal to have these titles picked up by a publisher, or is that not a consideration with your business model?
My goal, really, is to get the work into people’s hands.  I would love to see these books enjoyed and used by many.  If that means the work will be noticed and picked up by a publisher, that would be something to consider.

Thank you for being so generous with your time Jennifer. We want to wish you the greatest success with your writing goals and hope your books reach the many people whose lives you want to touch.

If you’d like to experience one or more of Jennifer’s books these four are available from Amazon right now and remember, this weekend Jennifer is also doing a virtual book signing, if you email her a copy of your receipt she’ll ship you out a custom bookplate designed and signed by Jennifer Greenleaf.