You Say Self-Publishing Like It's A Bad Thing: Ways To Make Sure It's Not
posted September 22, 2009 - 2:45pm The following is based on the upcoming workshop I’ll be conducting at the Muse Online Writers Conference. This conference takes place entirely on the Internet and is free to all attendees. For more information, go to:
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This is Part One in a Series
Okay, first off, I’ll admit it if you will. A part of me still gazes longingly toward the New York houses as though they comprise the holy grail of publishing. Especially for an old-school author like me, it’s a very hard habit to break.
But increasingly, especially in today’s economy, the way to the fisher king’s coveted realm is becoming a difficult trek. Times are tough, even for the greatest of New York publishing nobility. Aspiring authors struggle harder than ever to gain the favor of the gate keepers of the industry...literary agents. Even seasoned, consistently selling authors who were once the darlings of the realm are being booted from the castle, the draw bridge clipping their heels on their way out.
Twenty years ago, if a global downturn of this proportion had occurred, we writers would have been flat out of luck. Scores upon scores of us would have had to abandon the dream of one day standing outside the ramparts, watching the portcullis lift in welcome.
But not today, baby. Why? Two words: the Internet.
The Internet is the modern writer’s white knight. But, enough with the medieval metaphors. Let me bring this discussion into the 21st century. And, my friends, the 21st century promises to be the golden age of self-publishing.
Oh, my. I can hear chairs scooting back and grumbles of doubt and cynicism even as I write. Self-publishing? A good thing?? Absolutely, if you know how to use it.
Self-publishing is like any other tool at the disposal of humanity. An axe can be used to chop wood or off somebody’s head. A car can take us to wonderful destinations or rocket us off a cliff. Happily, self-publishing gone bad doesn’t follow that extreme and, when it’s done well, it can keep you name and work in front of the public, make you a little money and maybe even catapult you into New York or Hollywood.
By now, I’m sure it’s pretty obvious that I believe self-publishing is under-used and overly disparaged by the writing community. Nevertheless, it’s my intention to make this series an honest study of this emerging industry’s pros and cons. As I pointed out above, self-pub is a tool, after all. To use it properly, it’s important to know exactly how it works.
So scoot those chairs back in place and set your doubts aside. If it makes you feel better, keep them handy, maybe on the floor next to your chair leg. But by the end of this series, I think you’ll be re-thinking some of those preconceptions about self-publishing and just might toss those doubts in the trash basket as you leave.
Coming In Part Two: B.Y.O.B. (Be Your Own Boss)
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Comments
self publishing
I have tried a few brick and mortar publishers and a self publishing site. It's not easy to be accepted. I know it is one of the most difficults things to do to get a book published. Writing the book was a task in it self, but the manuscript is finished for more than a year. First I was taken for a long ride by a so called publisher that seemed to be kosher, only at the last stage of the procedure they asked me for a large sum of money. Next I set of to find a POD publisher and I found one that I thought was the most suitable for me, however there I was wrong again. They make a complete mess of your product. I just keep approaching publishers and perhaps one day the book will get published.
Self Publishers
I've been reading your series with great interest, thinking of putting my book on Lulu but can't get up the courage.
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Self-Publishing
It's interesting how in recent years the writing landscape has changed. As you mention, the Internet can be a real boon to writers. It's encouraging to see the number of writers who have self-published and seen their books go on to become popular or best-selling. The road to success is ever-changing and those who work hard and show initiative reap rewards.
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Athlyn Green
This is going to be an exciting series to read...
And in agreement with everyone else, Im looking forward to your next installment. Thank you for sharing.
I look forward to reading
I look forward to reading future posts about this subject, particularly ways to market your own book and get it onto the major online book retailers. I have even heard of people self-publishing their own book and having it picked up by a major publisher to be printed in a new edition.
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YES! I would like to hear more on marketing...
I admit I will never know everything (darn!) and in my mind when I write an article and post it - to me it has been published.
I know nothing of marketing, and realize it to be a key player in the whole publishing game.
And thirdly, the food on the table is scarce.
I'll be looking forward to new information on this elusive subject. +1
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Publishing is a snap. But the Marketing...
You're absolutely right: 1) We need to look at the many self-publishing alternatives that Internet provides. 2) Self-publishing is so easy now thanks to sites like lulu.com
But marketing is still a problem. As an author who self-published quite a few volumes on the Internet I have to remind that self-publishing does not solve the ages-old problem of "putting food on the table" if all an author does is self-publish and leave it there. If that's all an author is willing to do she might as well leave her manuscript in the drawer because without a consistent and persistent marketing campaign the result will be the same -- no readers; no income.
So I hope you'll follow-up your self-publishing conference with one on marketing as well since you can publish a book on lulu.com within 15 minutes (I'm not exaggerating). But it takes months and years to sell the same book that's published in 15 minutes. I think we writers need to become much better marketers after decoding the new rules of self-publishing.
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