For those of you who don't know about this support group,
Thank you to Alex Cavanaugh for hosting this group!
And so this month, here is my topic:
To self-publish or not to self-publish? That is the question.
I've been going over this question and it seems there are so many reasons for someone like me to self-publish.
CONSIDER ALL THE FACTS!
Some truthful facts:
- I'm a relatively new and inexperienced writer.
- I've learned a lot and have a lot to learn.
- I know I have not written the next Great American Novel.
- What I write is kind of quirky
- My work is not five-star (except to family and friends! God Bless them!), but I hope it's three +++ or four+++ (I'm okay with that)
- I believe I can attract a following of people who like my stories and characters, even if I haven't created a Harry Potter world. Even if I'm no Hemingway or Dickens or Stephen King.
- I've read tons of awesome books by self-published authors
- The more I write, the better I get.
- No publisher shopping
- In charge of own artwork, editing and formatting
- Self marketing and social media
- You're on your own timeline - no deadlines
- Up to 70% of the royalties all to yourself
- Instant gratification on publishing timing - no waiting.
- Paid 60 days in arrears on royalties
- Total
world dominationcontrol and the final word!
- Shopping for a publisher takes time, maybe even forever!
- Once a publisher wants you, it takes 6-12 months to see your book in print
- Gratification that a traditional publisher likes your work thereby validating you as a good writer (yes we all want this!)
- Still self marketing and social media
- 30% royalties? I'm not sure on this, but I know it's less than self pubbing
- Not sure when the money starts "pouring" in... (maybe "pouring" is too strong a word, lol?)
I'm struggling with this question too. For me, the major downside of self-publishing is the technical bit of formatting etc. And also, the need to find a good independent editor, because I don't think I'd be confident enough without one.
ReplyDeleteAnnalisa, good points. I think formatting costs $100, but an editor can cost $700 - $3000, depending on the level. I did pay an editor for a critique and was a bit disappointed. My CP is doing a more thorough job.
Delete30% royalties? Yes, go much lower.
ReplyDeleteI know many who are successful pursing each path. I'm glad I'm with a small publisher as they can do many things I can't to promote my books.
Alex, for research purposes, what sort of things does the publisher do for you? I'm really pretty clueless, lol!
DeleteHi! Popping in from IWSG, and a new follower. Interesting post! I write YA fiction myself, but the first book I wrote I self-published on Smashwords (a quirky chick-lit, that didn't really fit into the chick-lit genre).
ReplyDeleteTo be honest, I didn't really give this book a chance because I didn't send it to any publishers, only agents, but I was so discouraged with it that I just left the manuscript in my closet to collect dust. Last year, I self-published because it was a lot better than just tossing the manuscript. It was an a good experience, but unfortunately sales were almost nil.
Perhaps it was because I'm not a good sales and marketing person, perhaps it was because it was a first attempt at a novel and it just wasn't that good, or maybe the topic was just too off the wall. Who knows?
Right now I think I'm focusing on the traditional publishing route and leaving the self-publishing as a last resort. I also heard that if you do plan to traditionally publish in the future, you may want to be cautious of what you self-publish, since some Publishers are fickle about this. Could just be a rumor though.
Good luck on your journey, and sorry about the novel of a comment ;)
Siobahn, It's been a long road and I'm just ready to be published. I've only queried one publisher, but she was interested after edits. I've heard that you need to just keep pumping out the work and have more than one thing going. That way you build a following. But I am still interested in traditional publishing, too. I just want to experience it all!
DeleteSiobhan: Many high earning authors started out self publishing. I think Trads used to frown on SP's, but if they see a SP author with following and sales, they really don't care anymore. They always were and will be after the money you can earn for them - they see potential on that score and you're in. If not, well? You were never in either way.
DeleteGwen: I want to be hybrid - self pub, build following - trad pub. Then to pick and choose which projects I trad or self pub. Seems to be the best way forward, at least for me. Each of us now has a fabulous choice on our hands. And one which is not wrong - because we can change it as we move toward developing as writers. I would always advise putting your very best work on show though - we are building our 'platform' or 'brand' and once tarnished, I fear polishing it back to shiny new maybe difficult.
Thanks for visiting my blog :) X
Good luck, whichever way you go.
ReplyDeleteThanks Tonja! I think luck plays a big part:)
DeleteHi Gwen!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the follow and for stopping by my blog. As for publishing, I'm going Indie since I'm a nonconformist.
Hugs,
Shelly
Now a follower.
Shelly, welcome to my site:) Non-conformist sounds interesting....
ReplyDeleteHi Gwen! Popping over from Write Escape! I think self pubbing isn't something I'd ever consider. I enjoy the idea of actually having someone in your corner to discuss and dissect with far too much for me not to attempt a strong push through the slush. But heck never say never I guess! : )
ReplyDeleteLinda, I'd love the backing of a publisher, too. I guess I'm in a hurry to move forward, though. Lots of pros and cons!
Deletesounds like you want to self pub. you didnt list neg for self or much pos for trad...
ReplyDeletei am not partial to either yet, but here are a few more things to consider
self - yes, all you, but that means editing, cover, marketing, etc. i have read a lot of self pub that needed a lot of work & should have waited. makes me wary of it...
trad - professionals who have connections & experience
and dont forget small publishers, that are somewhere in between...
its a tough call & changing all the time. nice that we have so many options!
Tara, I don't mind doing all the work. But you're right, I've read some pretty bad self publishing. One had five misspellings/ typos in the first five pages. I can promise I won't have that! I'm looking at this as somewhat of an experiment and learning experience. I'd love to have the backing of a trad publisher, but just don't really want to wait or go through the query process. I want to keep moving forward and part of that is blazing a trail. Lots of options and knowing exactly what to do is not easy:)
DeleteHi Gwen, thanks for stopping by my IWSG post. Great synopsis of pros and cons. I'm going the self-publishing route. I've already done some short stories and compilations, a book will be next I hope.
ReplyDeleteDonna, I'm loving everybodys view on self-publishing and I'm leaning that way...
DeleteI, too, am becoming really really attracted by the self-publishing idea. Plus there are lots of bookstores out there that celebrate indie authors - last week's New York Times book section had a full page ad by a bookstore, featuring only indie authors!
ReplyDeleteDeniz, the indie bookstores are loving indie authors. I'm glad they support each other since I know how tough it is for them these days.
DeleteGreat topic. My writing group is self-publishing an Anthology this year, but with the help of an agent who is also an editor, who we are paying to edit our submissions. I will let you know how we get on. I am very interested personally, as I still am not sure whether to self-publish my memoir or try for a publisher (don't we all want that validation?). Good luck.
ReplyDeleteClaire, I think the freelance editor route is the way to go. It can be pricey, though. Are you getting close on your memoir?
DeleteSelf-publishing has changed so much over the last few years and is becoming increasingly attractive to writers of all kinds. I'm no where near this stage in my writing but I do look forward to it. Anyway, good luck which ever way you go and I wish you much success!!!
ReplyDeleteElise, publishing has changed a lot and self publishing is not vanity publishing as it was once termed. It's opened up a whole new world to those who were once locked out. It's pretty exciting!
DeleteI tried the self publishing thing twice. Both left a terrible taste in my mouth and I am so glad I never submitted a manuscript to either editor. Now, I am working hard to catch the eye of a traditional publisher. If what I am doing now (joining contest) does not work, I plan to move on to Option C: Slushpile Hopeful.
ReplyDeleteInk, I'm sorry you had a bad experience. I'd love any advice you have on the subject:)
DeleteSounds like you have a lot of facts and have already made up your mind. Good luck in whatever you choose to do. :-)
ReplyDeleteLexa, yes I think I'm going to self-publish. My main concern is I don't want to humiliate myself by publishing something that's not good enough....
Delete