Traditional publishing (or “publishing in physical format”) has often succeeded in the past, but changes in the way we read mean that there are new options for reading and publishing. It is now becoming more and more common for people to self – publish/e – publish. However, although some may consider this an ease of access, some could argue that it is a “coward’s way out”, arguing that they have given up on the challenges that the submission process could provide. But is this true? What questions can be raised about self – publishing?
I am a writer – of course – but have never been published (apart from two poems in anthologies). I am at a stage where I have a book which I am writing, but am contemplating what will happen to it next. I aim to get published without an agent (yes, it is possible), but now that ebooks may eliminate the traditional publishing method, shall I just accept the fact that ebooks may just be the only option?
No. I’m doubting it at the moment, as self publishing is still possible, but that can also be seen as affecting the traditional publishing route. But when most people fail at the traditional publishing method, most turn to self – publishing, e-publishing (which can also be done yourself) and Print on Demand books. But is this giving up a bad thing? Can it be because we are scared of rejection, scared that people are not going to like/buy our work?
No. It’s because we want to get our work out there. Self – publishing allows us to publish without a publisher rejecting the idea, it allows us to be our own boss, and manage everything to do with our book (but this can be a bad thing cost – wise). It’s not a “coward’s way out”, it’s a way of getting our work out there, without restrictions…
Liam
Loved the title of your post. Great job!
Thanks! Glad you liked it!
To answer your question, absolutely not! Self-publishing is much different today than it was 10 or 20 years ago. A wide variety of options available through the Internet can result in a book that looks just as professional as traditionally published books.
Some people might go through the submission process for years without any luck and then decide to self-publish. Others don’t even consider the traditional route. There are pros and cons to both. Self-publishing allows you to keep a bigger chunk of revenues, but it also demands a lot of marketing/PR work on the part of the author to get the word out. If you’re willing to put in that work, go for it!
If the book is truly well-written, it will get noticed.
Absolutely. It’s a range of things, and it all comes down to the author, if they know the writing world, and they know how to write, it’ll be successful.
Thanks for commenting!
I think self-publishing takes some guts and a lot of hard work.
Absolutely. It takes a lot of commitment too.
Any kind of publishing takes a lot of effort and commitment. We as authors can’t expect to just have a book published (either self or old school) and sit back and do nothing more. I like the idea of self publishing because I have control over it. That may seem a bit anal, but are we not the author? Shouldn’t we be a bit anal on what happens to our works?
True. If you ask me, publishers and agents seem to get your book and pick at it, taking away money as “royalties” and limiting the amount of freedom a writer is allowed. They have the right to change the name of the book, and it’s writer (by this I mean pen names), but self publishing creates a form of freedom.
Yes, I agree. I think that is why more and more are going to epublishing. They have control. If writing is good I think it will get noticed. Also, trying to get an agent and all that is almost impossible for new writers, which I think is a shame.
Absolutely. I aim to find a few publishers that accept unsolicited (without agent) manuscripts. I’d rather be independent and have more control (and royalties) than be limited in the publishing process.
You’re right there. There’s this idea of sole – trader, you running your own job, and it appears that it is becoming more popular.
Oh, and thanks for being my 6,000th view!
Well you are most welcome! Does that mean I’m famous??? haha!
‘Fraid not, but thank you!
that’s ok, I’ll take the thank you.
me me 6000
Haha! Thanks for the view, sadly you’re not the 6,000th view, but thanks for stopping by, as always.
Clearly you’ve made your decision. It’s not a route I’ve ever taken or ever would take. I have sold ten books without an agent, although for the first one I did have a leg up from a friend who was already selling her wn book to a new series. She introduced me to her publisher, who later thanked her for finding me. Other than that, I’ve rarely had trouble getting publishers to at least look at my MSS.
But it’s true that self publishing is a lot of work, and then you will have trouble getting it into the bookshops and quite a lot of bloggers won’t review it. It’s not that there aren’t some great self-published books out there, but that there’s so much drek you have to wade through to find them, it’s not worth the bother. I, personally, won’t review self-published unless the author has a track record as a paid writer. There are some of those out there, who have become tired of the industry and want to strike out on their own. But they know what they’re doing; a lot of so-called “indie” writers don’t. Do yourself a favour. If you’re going that route, get an editor – a real editor, listed with the professional association and, if possible, specialising in your genre – and shell out for a decent cover artist. And when you’re promoting, be honest about it. I had one inquiry telling me the book had been reviewed in Kirkus Reviews. It didn’t say it had been a good review or quote from it. And I happened to know you can pay to be reviewed there. Did the author think I couldn’t read between the lines?
All that said, if you’re a poet, you will probably have to self publish, because most poets do. There’s not much demand for poetry any more, so it’s a niche market.
Interesting… Well, my plan is to send my manuscript to a couple of publishers that accept w/o agents. If that fails, self – publishing may be the option. I’ve had experience, as an avid reader, and know what is successful. But this is where blogs come in handy, as they are a writer’s main source of promotion. If I end up self – publishing, I will be sure to promote and do whatever I can to make sure the book is the best it can be.
In my previous experience as an editor with a traditional publisher that accepted unagented manuscripts, the three biggest reasons that manuscripts were rejected was because (1) they weren’t unique in their genre, (2) the author had little or no platform, which meant marketing would be an uphill battle, or (3) the writing was bad. If you as a writer can overcome those three obstacles, you’ll have your choice of publishers . . . and then you can choose the best option for yourself, whether that is traditional or independent publishing.
Thanks for the insight! And for commenting!
Do you know what the publisher was? I might submit to them!
I think your best bet, its the same for us all, is to get your work as ready as possible. That means, using as many writer friends as possible, hire a coach, editor and a copy editor, then using beta readers, you really might stand a chance. Either way you want to work, it has to be the best to get noticed. Start off the way you mean to go on, don’t jump in too early.
Great tips! Thank you!
To me, the biggest draw to self-publishing is that it allows writers to write. Not mail query letters, not send out sample chapters, write.
Absolutely. Great point!