There’s a whole lot of chatter out there on the Internet these days about self-publishing. Some people still think self-publishing is a secondary option to traditional publication, some fear a deluge of poorly edited books, some are heralding self-publishing as not only the way of the future, but are fast proclaiming anyone who foresees a future with traditional publishers a hopeless dinosaur.
(Speaking personally, I think there’s room for all models in the new era, we can all get along, and I’m a bit confused about why these debates have taken on such an ideological/religious tenor in some circles. But I suppose that’s not the stuff great blog posts are made of.)
Back to the question at hand: would you consider self-publishing? Under what circumstances?
Poll below! (you’ll need to click through if you’re reading on an RSS reader or via e-mail).
Boy, do I hate it when folks publish as "Anonymous" — especially when their post is excellent. Kudos to the person who wrote this b/c u nailed it:
Anonymous said…
If I were an agent I'd be VERY interested in an author who had successfully self-published and sold thousands of ebooks.
Such a person is a self-starter, knows how to take advantage of marketing tools and networking online (and in many cases, has become an expert beyond what can be found within the ranks of traditional publishing staffs), and has built a platform. In short, this person is a real go-getter — someone who treats publishing as a business.
If there's a stigma to being successful I'm all for having it. Sure, there are many who publish crap, but it doesn't sell (the readers are smart about vetting, and word of mouth is the most powerful sales tool in publishing).
ANY author who is selling thousands of books is legitimate, whether they are self or traditionally pubbed.
Crap doesn't sell, so the self-pubbed authors you see who are highly ranked on Kindle store are selling a marketable product at their price points, the same as the big publishers.
It's like any other product — quality and value sell. A Porsche by any other name or manufacturer is still a Porsche.
There are plenty of gems in the slush pile. Now the readers find them instead of the industry gatekeepers. Do you have a gem? The fastest way to find out is to put it up on Kindle store (for free – it costs nothing, no ISBN required). Don't wait for a handful of overworked agents to find you after dozens of rejections and years of waiting in their queue.
The paradigm has shifted. Indies are the new midlist.
I've published more than one way. I've done 'work for hire', sold tens of thousands of books that way, and also self-published. I also have an agent, a top name one at that, who shopped one of my books around to endless praise, but no takers. It's now self-published to great reviews and many happy readers. And isn't that what it's all about? Getting READERS is much more important to me than getting a fancy contract.
I find the objections to self-publishing silly for a variety or reasons, but since I am a full-time, fully self-supporting freelance writer, I'm perhaps more used than some other writers to seeing my work as a business. Here's some points to consider:
Even if you are traditionally published, you still have to handle most of your own promotion, especially if you are relatively unknown.
You can get world class editing and design services with self-publishers, and you should use those services.
You can also get complete distribution services onto all the usual outlets with self-publishing.
Too many writers I've met through my own MFA program and teaching in one are so starry eyed about being 'discovered' and thinking that's all it takes. It's your work and you have to work it no matter what way you get published.
Yes? . . . No? . . . Maybe? . . . Hell, I don't know.
I like it because it enables me to have the book exactly as I wish. I'm very good at photoshop and do my own covers, also good at In-Design so can easily do the layout work. I use Lulu as (so far) it's the least intrusive and doesn't seem to have any bad stuff like "vanity publishers" do. Lulu also enables me to get onto Amazon and Barnes & Noble which is excellent. I get good raoyalites and can set my own prices. It also enables me to put the books out as e-books.
What do I miss? Help with advertising and distribution … but unless I was very well known it seems to me that I wouldn't get much help and would still be expected to do lots of my own footwrok whilst having to put up with covers and layout I don't like.
For a small-time author, my books sell quite well and I get good library fees too so people are reading them and this is the main thing I want … to be read. Oh yes, I'd love to have JK Rowling's money, don't get me wrong LOL, but I have to write what I lvoe, what I read, what makes me write. I can't write to a formula that is not my own so I'm probably best off doing it this way.
I realise though that folks without my graphic and layout skills can have problems working with something like Lulu.
I fell that the publishing world is changing, the old ways of the publisher being "in charge" are going, the internet is making everything change. I keep a regular watch on how things are going, with lots of interest. It's exciting and sometimes scary … but then, all change is *g*.
Dawn Maria said…
As a fiction writer, I don't see self-publishing as the way to go. Perhaps if I had a non-fiction project. I have yet to meet someone who has had success with self-publishing. It's still very difficult to get newspapers/TV shows to take you seriously for reviews and promotion.
JK Rowling began this way, and she's by no means the only one.
This whole sell-it-yourself trend took place in my field of stock illustration several years ago when I was just starting out. The professionals were angry that we, the unchosen and unedited, might ruin the industry by selling crappy, unprofessional stock art at low prices. Wars of words were fought over the internet on blogs and forums for years. And in the beginning, I'm not going to lie, the sell-it-yourself art (called microstock) was a little rough around the edges (especially mine). But eventually, everyone who jumped on board the controversial trend refined their craft. And soon clients started buying. They didn't care about the stigma, they bought what they liked. Now the website were I began selling my really awful illustrations 7 years ago IS the mainstream. And I'm a better & more successful illustrator for participating.
In the same vein, I think self-publishing is a wonderful option. It's nice to let creativity run wild, whether you're an exceptional writer or not. No one needs to tell you if your work is bad or good if you love what your doing. It's art. I believe self-publishing is a great way to share and experience raw material. Many people will have something wonderful to share and many will be a little rough around the edges but that what's wonderful about being unedited. Many writer's will take the extra step to learn to market themselves, and I believe it's those people who will push this trend to mainstream b/c readers don't need publishers to choose reading material for them. They'll buy what they like.
If you haven't noticed, the whole world is becoming unedited.
This whole sell-it-yourself trend took place in my field of stock illustration several years ago when I was just starting out. The professionals were angry that we, the unchosen and unedited, might ruin the industry by selling crappy, unprofessional stock art at low prices. Wars of words were fought over the internet on blogs and forums for years. And in the beginning, I'm not going to lie, the sell-it-yourself art (called microstock) was a little rough around the edges (especially mine). But eventually, everyone who jumped on board the controversial trend refined their craft. And soon clients started buying. They didn't care about the stigma, they bought what they liked. Now the website were I began selling my really awful illustrations 7 years ago IS the mainstream. And I'm a better & more successful illustrator for participating.
In the same vein, I think self-publishing is a wonderful option. It's nice to let creativity run wild, whether you're an exceptional writer or not. No one needs to tell you if your work is bad or good if you love what your doing. It's art. I believe self-publishing is a great way to share and experience raw material. Many people will have something wonderful to share and many will be a little rough around the edges but that what's wonderful about being unedited. Many writer's will take the extra step to learn to market themselves, and I believe it's those people who will push this trend to mainstream b/c readers don't need publishers to choose reading material for them. They'll buy what they like.
If you haven't noticed, the whole world is becoming unedited.
I get that self-publishing is a way to get your story out there and that some authors are frustrated, but it feels like it limits your options. I guess if it's with a reputable source it can be a positive experience, but, I don't know, it doesn't seem right for me.
but it feels like it limits your options.
It doesn't. Even agents (like Nathan) are now saying that they'll look at self-pubbed seriously.
Self-publishing does not close the door to a traditional contract, and it may in fact enhance your chances of landing "the big one" (whatever that is).
I tried the traditional approach in '09. After twenty-five agent rejections (with some interest) I decided to self-publish. I have two books out on every ereader format known to science as well as POD. My third novel will come out before Christmas.
For me it came down to a matter of time. I want to write books, not queries! I don't mind running a webpage or using facebook to build a presence. I've learned to write my own press releases and seek reviews. Now I concentrate on writing novels and yes, my writing is good. Readership will come with time.
Sorry, Nathan.
Glad you flagged me. I wanted to take it down but didn't know how.
What I worry about with self-publishing is that there are a lot of passionate people out there writing what they think is excellent work, but may in fact have issues they can not see. I've read MS from people that are absolutely sure that the only reason they are not published is because of some conspiracy of the publishing world to lock them out. They can not admit that it might be the quality of their work that needs improvement. I can easily see these people spending a lot of money to self-publish. Money they don't have.
While believing in your writing is necessary no matter what avenue to publication you pursue, I know I value an unbiased, professional opinion.
I would rather publish traditionally, for the validation and distribution, but I'm getting more and more excited about the notion of self-publishing. Indeed, I find myself eager to exhaust my list of prospective agents so that I can get on with self-publishing my work. It's a nutty sensation to think, "C'mon agent, hurry up and reject me already; I've got a book to publish and promote."
One poster commented as follows: "Um, if I don't find a traditional publisher interested, it probably means my book sucks."
"probably" is the key word. There are plenty of books out there that don't "suck" but never make it through traditional channels because the industry doesn't deem them, ex ante, profitable. The fact that Snookie and Justin Beiber have book deals is the anecdotal evidence that the industry has less to do with literary merit and more to do with turning a profit. I don't fault the agents and editors for that practical reality. They are, after all, in business. That doesn't mean they always make good calls though either. Look at all the rejections Robert Pirsig or Joseph Heller got before the value of their work was ultimately recognized by the industry. So, c'mon agents, hurry up and reject me already. I've got stuff to do.
For my weird format projects (e.g. series of 5 novellas in the same fantasy setting, but from different POVs), I'm definitely considering it. I also want to do a webcomic at some point.
I have more regular novel and graphic novel projects that I would try to get traditionally published, though.
I'm very very tempted by self publishing. I love the control and the marketing aspect, and the 70% royalty. At the moment though I'm still going for traditional. As a beginning writer, I need the street cred.
Going off on a hypothetical now. Say in the future, many authors go the JA Konrath route — self publishing, but still having an agent who sells foreign rights, audio rights, movie rights, etc. In that case, would the agent compensation model have to change? It would make much sense for an agent to spend much time on editing a manuscript if they're not going to be selling the main rights, does it?
By the way, for those that think self-publishing has a stigma, well, I'd just say that it didn't hurt, oh, Edgar Allen Poe, Virginia Woolf, Walt Whitman, the dude who wrote that bloody book about the white whale….the list is endless.
Traditional publishing is no more a guarantee of quality than self-publishing is a sign of crud.
After all, in the movie world, they call them "indies" and they are a badge of courage!
I may try self-publishing when the e-book aspect becomes more developed, but for now, it's just not a possibility. I'm a student and there's no way I could afford it. I also think I need the support system of an agent, editor, publisher, etc., especially because I'm a little younger and haven't learned enough about the business yet. Kudos to those brave enough to self publish, though!
I was initially considering self publishing for a niche non-fiction project (before I got into fiction writing, which is taking my book writing time). Now, I might consider it for a short story/poetry collection at some point, because it's hard to get publishers for those. Poetry especially, it's considered normal to self-publish collections once you've had some success in magazines.
Novels… no. If my current one doesn't sell, I'll write another one. I want all the shiny stuff that professional publishers provide, like getting into book stores and major review outlets.
@AndrewDugas
About e-pubbing: Nathan's post didn't qualify what type of self-publishing. My reply covered hard print books only. Sorry I didn't make that clear. And yes, I do remember James Redfield's "The Celestine Prophesy." A hard-print, self pub to standard pub anomaly at the time… a huge success.
But that's hardly the norm. I've watched first-time authors go through the (hard print) process of self publishing with complete confidence at the outset, only to become disillusioned, frustrated, and angry later on. It is a huge undertaking in many respects. I only hope that anyone considering hard-print self publishing takes the time to research every aspect of it to prepare oneself for becoming something other than just an author.
One author I know blindly assumed that once her book was in print she would become an instant success. I even asked her what her marketing plan was, to which she answered, "I'll figure that out when I get there."
A lot of first-time authors have lots of confidence, which is great. I only hope they research ask around and study the heck out of the possibility of self pubbing hard copy so they know before hand what they are getting into.
One thing in self publishing via vanity press (someone else printing for you) is that they will often tell you what you want to hear; that your work deserves to be published. Go figure… they want your work, your money. Some offer editing services that you will have to pay for. Some don't care and will print whatever copy you give them. There are many more steps in the pubbing process, all of which require the author's input, either by providing the material or specs required, or by paying someone else to provide them.
It's the first-time authors I have the most concern for. Just make sure before hand what you're getting into. 🙂
@Del
Well said. I agree!
I agree that there is a lot of work to promoting your own book. But my understanding from the agent query process is that self promotion is now expected in the traditional world as well.
In my own case, I rather start getting books out now, while I continue to produce my urban fantasy series. Planting seeds takes patience, but an ebook out in distribution is always there, waiting. Building pathways to that book is not hard, and those paths get thicker and more numerous with time. My expectations are moderate, my goal is to just to build readership.
I'll pursue any path that'll get my stories in front of readers. That's my primary concern as a writer–to be read. Few readers care which publisher's icon is on the book spine; they want to read good stories. If it's paperback, ebook, hardcover, traditional publishing, self publishing, chapbooks, whatever. I'm open to any option.
Technology in this day and age is sufficient that not every writer has to subscribe to the traditional NYC bottleneck to get their stories in print and read.
Also want to note that the original post contains a somewhat innaccurate assumption–not everyone who self-publishes will have an unedited book. There are very good freelance editors out there who will do a professional job at a reasonable price. For self-publishers, it may be a worthwhile investment to help your book rise above and find more readers.
I supposed I'm a dinosaur. I feel editors and agents have a job for a reason, and conversely I assume I get a rejection for a reason. If I get lots of rejections, I can assume it's also for a good reason. I'm still unpublished and terrified of submitting, mostly because I believe if I receive rejection upon rejection, my worst fears are confirmed: I love writing, but I'm no good at it.
Having an editor tell me they like my manuscript and will devote time and money to it sends the message that they think my writing and my story are worth it.
Of course this is all conjecture, because I'm a coward. ; )
To each his own. Who are we to judge? I am trying to the traditional route, but if it doesn't work, I will self-publish. And I will do everything possible to sell my work!
At the end of the day, I remind myself of some very soothing comments from some very wonderful authors.
"Write like there is no tomorrow, and write only for yourself!" Loriann Hemingway
"Write the story you wanna read!" Guest speaker-2010 NJSCBWI
I'm waiting for the blog post about B&N's new self-pub program, "PubIt."
My mom sent me a link to their page this morning (I'd already read about it), and I had to email her back the many reasons to avoid it. However, as the future progresses, who knows?
I think the wise approach is to take it book by book. Get the best deal you can for each book, period. If that best deal happens to be an Amazon marketplace Kindle contract, then that's what you do. If it's a 7-figure advance from 1 of the Big 6, then that's what you do.
As soon as you release one book, move on to the next.
Self-publishing is definitely getting a bigger name these days and is an option writers should consider. Great idea for a poll!
I think it's sad to see people detest self publishing. Why? because that's like saying I detest indie films because they don't have millions of dollars behind them.
I have seen better acting on small stages than on big film production. And sorry Nathan because I knew you hate this in a query -but some of the trash being published by the big 6 is unbelievable!
I will not put down the regular publishing industry because YES they have the mighty dollar to push people forward. But the fact that they are drowning in manuscripts and only have so many agents to read them is a big negative. I am in the crossroads right now. I just finished a 500 page novel and yes I had it professionally edited with my own money. I want to release it in scribd by Halloween. I only sent it to a couple of agents because frankly I just didn't think it worth the time. Life is very short and if you have something good that you want to share with others why not put it out there. seriously what if I die tomorrow? For those who thumb their nose at self- publishing I feel sorry for you-but for some money is more important than the art itself.
I don't write for money-if I get paid great. I write to share my passion. I'm sure there are horrible books out there-but you find them in both traditional and self-publishing. getting publish DOES NOT MEAN YOU'RE BETTER- you just lucked out and landed an agent that had the mental and emotional space to stick with your manuscript. If it's descent they will see potential. The bar is very low-personally-it's mostly luck.
I think it's sad to see people detest self publishing. Why? because that's like saying I detest indie films because they don't have millions of dollars behind them.
I have seen better acting on small stages than on big film production. And sorry Nathan because I knew you hate this in a query -but some of the trash being published by the big 6 is unbelievable!
I will not put down the regular publishing industry because YES they have the mighty dollar to push people forward. But the fact that they are drowning in manuscripts and only have so many agents to read them is a big negative. I am in the crossroads right now. I just finished a 500 page novel and yes I had it professionally edited with my own money. I want to release it in scribd by Halloween. I only sent it to a couple of agents because frankly I just didn't think it worth the time. Life is very short and if you have something good that you want to share with others why not put it out there. seriously what if I die tomorrow? For those who thumb their nose at self- publishing I feel sorry for you-but for some money is more important than the art itself.
I don't write for money-if I get paid great. I write to share my passion. I'm sure there are horrible books out there-but you find them in both traditional and self-publishing. getting publish DOES NOT MEAN YOU'RE BETTER- you just lucked out and landed an agent that had the mental and emotional space to stick with your manuscript. If it's descent they will see potential. The bar is very low-personally-it's mostly luck.
I'm sorry that my post was duplicated. I wanted to clarify that self publishing is what people refer to print to order.
I hope I didn't sound too harsh but when people started telling others that if they get rejected it means that their work is not good enough is just being nasty. I guess Lord of The flies being rejected 20 times meant that it was a bad book? Or Dune 23 times? It just meant they didn't reach the right person-they finally got lucky-good for them
My answer isn't in the poll, so here it is:
I will go trad.pub with some projects and self-pub with others (I already self-publish comics&graphic novels, and might continue with fantasy novels, while I'll look for an agent/publisher for my historical novel when done)
I picked the option "Yes, and I'm not going to try to seek traditional publication" only because it came closest. I want to self-pub the works I want to self-publish. They aren't side projects, though.
Why?
Well, it calls to mind a quote I heard again recently. There are those who look at things the way they are, and ask why… I dream of things that never were, and ask why not? (Robert Kennedy)
I look at the way things are for my writing, and am picking an option that opens up possibilities of sharing my works. Why not?
Jodi
I can't see putting out the money to self publish in a print format what a traditional publisher isn't interested in. If I never find a traditional publisher I will probably self-publish in ebook format so my family, friends, and the small following of acquaintances who have expressed interest in my work can get hold of it.
I self published my first novel here in Ireland on a very small scale. It was a learning experience and most of it was painful. I would not do it again. I made all the classic mistakes but above all I suffered impatience. I put it out scarce half made up and am now ashamed of the thing. Not the story that was and is great, (now it's been seriously re-written.) But the actual book was filled with typos and badly presented. Those that read it loved it but it stuck to the books store shelves. Why? Becasue I am a good writer but a bad marketing man. At a book reading I sold plenty because people got beyond the dismal cover blurb that was acted as shelf glue.
I guess for some it may work but for many it's a path strewn with pitfalls and painful truths learned late.
All the best, David Rory.
This is a really difficult question. Self publishing really is an option… but I wouldn't consider it for my "babies"… that is to say, the novels that are closest to my heart. I have one novel that I've been querying and it looks like I just might have a publisher interested… maybe… but this particular novel is a side project, and if after much querying I still can not find a place for it, I am willing to self pub it because I believe I have a marketing strategy that would work just as well with self pubbing as with printing through a small pres (which is what I have looking at it).
I've thought about publishing anthologies of poems and short stories before… just for the fun of it, not really to make any profit. It would be an adventure and a learning experience, so I'm not going to lock up the thought of self pubbing in some dusty old tomb to rot. I just want to make sure I know what I'm doing first.
Like I said, the novels I have closest to my heart would probably never be self published. For those I go traditional. I know they are good enough… I know it beyond any shadow of any doubt, even though I do have personal doubts sometime. They will eventually find a home at a traditonal publisher, that is for sure.
I agree with Anonymous in that I would prefer to go the traditional way of agent and publisher, but I will leave the prospect for self publishing open for further down the road.
I would. In a world where authors have access to means of publishing their works electronically without the fear of rejections from traditional publishing houses, self-publishing is a welcome idea. That's not taking away the important roles traditional publishing still plays in the publishing world.