Reddit mentions of Unearthly Delights: Tales of Paranormal Desire (The ERWA Anthologies Book 1)

I wrote my first novel while working at Target. I had just left the air force and had been writing fanfiction for a while so i had an idea and i went for it.

I later read on a few forums "know your audience" that was my mistake, I would call my book YA similar to 'Fault in our stars' meets 'Fight club' (some weird stuff happens)
https://www.amazon.com/Dakota-Son-Mary-Ramsey/dp/1546233075

I tried to go about querying agents and even paid a life coach to help with my letter but nothing came of it.
Not that you shouldn't try; you lose 100% of shots you don't take.

After a year I assumed that self-publishing meant that i would have to devote a huge amount of time and money (i went with Authorhouse, another famous one is Iuniverse.)

they help but they are not necessary.

i entered a few contests and won a spot in 1 anthology.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B076VK27M1/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i0

this gives me a monthly payout.
(at this point i must also check my privilege since I live rent free in property owned by my family.)

I quit my job at Target to work less hours at a grocery store.
but i continue to write.

my advise is maker a blog. mine is:
http://www.dourdan.wordpress.com

wordpress is free and full of templates that make posting a breeze.

i discovered 'amazon kindle direct' and cut ties with authorhouse.
I'm not successful by any means but I'm glad that I found a place to put my stories that does not cost thousands of dollars.
And when i want actual feedback I post to reddit in places like
r/Wholesomenosleep/
(horror with more of a YA feel)
r/nosleep/
(more horror movie type horror)
r/thelongsleep/
(a very open subreddit for any and all fiction)
and
r/SLEEPSPELL/
(fantasy/drama/scifi)

just to name a few.