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.
CONSIDER THE FACTS!
Some truthful facts:
- I'm a relatively new and inexperienced writer.
- I've learned a lot and have a lot to learn.
- What I write is quirky
- I know I have not written the next Great American Novel.
- My work is not five-star (except to family and friends! God Bless them!), but I hope it's three+++ or four +++.
- 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 some totally 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! (Oh yeah, that's what I'm talkin' about!)
- 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?)
So what have I missed? Any information you'd like to share? Any advice?
I've been going over this question and it seems there are so many reasons for someone like me to self-publish.
4 comments:
The one thing you really want to consider is a professional editor. That's the pitfall of most self-pubs IMO, and one area where trad publishing has an advantage. I'm not saying every trad pub book is the bee's knees or anything... just that a lot of self-pub authors tend to forget that they need someone else to edit. We all do.
fairbetty, I agree about the professional editor and that's why I got a critique from an editor (the full developmental edit was too expensive) and came away disappointed. I got some good info but it wasn't as thorough as what I'm getting from my CP. If I self-pub my second book, I'll find a different editor...
Quite good points!Thanks for your share!
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affordable editing and proofreading
Blogs are so informative where we get lots of information on any topic. Thanks and keep up the good work.
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