I’ve Decided to Self-Publish My Dystopian Novels!

This illustration is by Ylivdesign

I'm author Carrie Herthwell and I have an exciting announcement. I've decided to self-publish my dystopian novels!

I’ve concluded that self-publishing is for me and now that I’ve made my decision, I’m practically dizzy with excitement! In the GeneEarth universe, I have four books ready for publication prep. I also have one rough manuscript and three more books planned. I’ve decided to release Don’t Let Chacha Die first, which is the standalone, origin story of one of the side characters from the main series.

Don’t Let Chacha Die is a dystopian novel following Chacha as they grow into adulthood under the oppressive regime of the God-King. Chacha must conform in order to avoid execution, but conforming is also psychologically deadly. Chacha needs a friend to survive, but it’s too dangerous to trust another person. If you want to find out more about Don’t Let Chacha Die click here. If you want to learn about the GeneEarth novels click here.

I will be publishing Don’t Let Chacha Die as a print book, e-book and audiobook through Amazon. I’m also going to publish Don’t Let Chacha Die as an e-book through Kobo. The e-book and print books will be published in January 1, 2025. If you prefer to wait for the audiobook, I’m aiming to have it ready by the end of January, 2025. I’m hoping to have book one of GeneEarth novels, So I trusted Patrick, released by the summer of 2025.

I have a mile-long list of things to do and it’s a bit overwhelming. I have no experience with marketing, promotion, or anything like it, so I know I’m going to make a few mistakes. But overall I’m feeling positive and ready to learn. I have an amazing professional editing my book and a talented illustrator drawing my cover art, so everything’s coming along fantastically.

The most important item on my list is to find readers who might enjoy my fiction. I believe anyone interested in dystopia and gender might love Don’t Let Chacha Die. My prose style is fast-paced and contemporary, but the subject matter is not for young teens. I’d categorize Don’t Let Chacha Die as new adult fiction. New adult is not an official genre, but I think it should be! To me, the most exciting age for adventure is when a young person is growing into adulthood. It’s a time in a person’s life when they’re discovering so much: their sexuality, their identity, their relationship patterns, their career paths, their mental health concerns. My target audience is seventeen to thirty-five-year-old women and queer folks, but I think Chacha’s story has broad appeal. If you’re interested in Don’t Let Chacha Die or the GeneEarth novels sign up to my newsletter and I’ll keep you updated on my upcoming publications.