There is so much talk about self-published books in the writing-o-sphere.
But have you actually read one?
Poll below – please click through to the actual post if you’re reading in a feed reader or via e-mail.
UPDATE: poll is closed!
Also, your further thoughts requested in the comments section. Did you like the self-published book you read? Would you read another? Do you only read traditionally published books? Etc.
Margo Lerwill says
I'd be interested to know from the people commenting here how many are readers *who are not also writers.*
We writers have vested interests. Those of us who have tried self-publishing want to be able to point out great self-pub books as proof that the stigma is at least partially unfair.
Those who still want to go traditional need to believe that they are doing the right thing, that only hacks go self-pub.
Then we behave and comment accordingly.
I do notice the number of people who said they will only buy a self-pub book if it comes recommended to them. That describes the vast majority of all book buying, not just the selection of self-pub books.
Anonymous says
Yes, I've read self published books, and I to may be biased because I've written one as well. It's the message in and of the story being told that's counts!
Peace,
Becky Mushko says
(Disclaimer: I have self-published one book—albeit with part of the cost underwritten by an arts council—and vanity-published some collections of previously published stories and columns.
The self-published and vanity-published books I buy and read are usually from people I know or people I've heard do readings. The best ones tend to be memoirs or local history. If I'm not familiar with the author's work, I rarely buy their books. On my blog, I sometimes review self-published books I've especially enjoyed.
Anonymous says
I've read a handful of self-published books. All had an interesting concept and the storyline overall was fine, but all had issues with pacing, dialogue that should be pared, and a lot of redunancy. They all had potential — it was the execution of the concept that was lacking.
Ilima Loomis says
Only because my friend wrote it.
Anonymous says
I've started three, finished none. I had a real problem with one book being self-published.
This author showed me his first draft of a non-fiction work. I loved it and encouraged him to get it published. He had a great perspective.
"25 drafts later" – he shopped it to a few publishers who didn't take it, so he self-published. I read it again. It was barely changed from the first draft, and chapters still ended abruptly, thoughts not wrapped up, lines of digression never came back to the original thought — in short, the book wasn't finished. I think it will suffer because of that.
And his font choices were a bit jarring, in combination.
The other book was basically a book of blog posts about the author. The third I just haven't had a chance to give much time to, yet. It's on my kindle, waiting.
I've also paged through a book or two of self-published poetry at the bookstore, but always felt the poetry was not written at a highly-skilled level, so again, not interested.
But I'm a very critical reader, too.
L.K. Rigel says
Yes, I've read self-published books – more since I've published a few myself.
I've been an avid reader all my life, and I don't remember considering the publisher when choosing a book – unless I wanted scholarly commentary and notations.
I predict: As more people read more self-published books, more people will talk (and blog) about the ones they like. And then more people will read more self-published books.
Vinny says
I've read a couple. I enjoyed them but there were some issues with typos and the writing that I can't help but wonder if a bit more editing would take care of.
Nancy Kelley says
I actually own a website that reviews only self-published books, so I read quite a few of them. I also read self-pubbed works in genres we don't review–for example, mysteries and YA.
Since I work at a library, I'm surrounded every day by traditionally published works, so I read a fair amount of those as well. My conclusion is that the method of publication offers little indication as to the quality of the story. If a book is good, it's going to be good no matter who publishes it, and the reverse is likewise true.
As for formatting issues, those are certainly not limited to self-published books. I've read traditionally published ebooks that had random italicized passages, for instance. Even paper books are liable to have issues. One of the authors in my genre (Jane Austen fiction) blogged yesterday about an incredible gaffe on the part of her publisher. On page 298 of her latest book, it suddenly switches to another book by a different author.
The bottom line is this: Good books will be put out by authors and publishers who take the time to do professional work. Those can be found on either side of the indie/traditional line.
Danielle La Paglia says
I've read both self-published books by Michelle Muto because I know her and I know how strong her writing is and they have a profession (aka traditionally published) quality to them.
I would purchase a self-published book for the same reason I purchase any book – recommendation from a friend or I liked the blurb and sample pages. I have purchased two other self-published books on recommendation and was not satisfied, but that happens sometimes with traditionally published books as well.
Tina Boscha says
As a self-pubbed author, clearly it's in my best interest to read both. I do recognize that many self-pubbed works suffer from all the pitfalls many have already mentioned, and I worked by a** off to do the best I can without the help of a publisher, and it's anxiety-inducing to be a one-woman show. But at the end of the day, I wanted my book (River in the Sea) to be as indistinguishable from a traditionally-published book as possible.
That said, I have read many traditionally published works with typos, cliched characters, predictable plotlines, etc., just as much as I've read terrific trad-published books. It's gratifying to see more self-pubbed writers out there who are putting out high-quality work and demanding the same from others.
Mimi Hawthorne says
The only ones I've read are two that came to life as self-published but then had success and were picked up by legit publishers. The Shack and The Lace Reader. I wanted to see whether the writing justified their being banished to self-pub world. In the case of The Lace Reader, I was desperate to get out my red pen. It had so much potential and could have been so much better with a good editor. With The Shack, I think conventional publishers had no idea how to market it, so they passed on it. Having said all that, I recently read two books by very successful well-known writers, and I thought the writing was terrible. How on earth are these people successful in mainstream publishing? And how did they get through all the gatekeepers?
Vera Soroka says
Yes I've read a self-published YA book and I did enjoy it very much. It was given to me so I didn't buy it and I didn't know the author. I'll buy a book after I've read a bit of it and if I like it I will then buy it regardless if it was self-published or not. I think good editing is the key.
RetroKali says
Wow, you really hit a nerve. 🙂
I think the self-published world is a lot like the blog world. Maybe 70% of the people out there either lack the talent, or skills to be writing. Some are downright garbage, some just need a little doctoring.
But there is a 30% that makes it all worth while. You just have to be willing to wade through all the crap. I read lots of self published books, the good, the bad, and the ugly, and am getting ready to self-publish my first book. Thanks for bringing up the topic! Love your blog!
SBJones says
I have read a few self published books. They are no different than a traditionally published one for the most part. Sure it doesn't have a $5,000 cover art and there might be some editing issues. It's still a story. Both sides have examples of exceptions both good and bad so its a mute point to argue.
Having wrote and self published a book. I can go down to Barnes and Noble and see it on the shelf. Its available online at countless web sites. It sells internationally and I do book signings. What is the difference between my book and any other next to it?
It's like comparing a Dell or HP computer bought off the shelf vs one put together yourself from newegg.
Jan Cline says
I usually read traditionally published books. However, the most recent self-pub book I read was very well done by WinePress. I would read a SP book again, but I do look at covers and endorsements before I buy one. I would consider self-publishing myself if that's what it takes to get my story out there.
mary-j-59 says
I've actually read two. The first was badly edited and sloppily written – the stereotypical vanity project. The second was self-published by a woman I know after multiple rejections from agents and editors. Hers is a good story and as well-crafted as most of the "normally published" books I've read. It's "Bitter Tea", by Louise Gantress, and I reviewed it on amazon.
Bryan Russell says
Only by writers I have known personally. I don't have time to keep up with the traditionally published books I want to read, let alone search through the endless piles of self-published books looking for something good.
Melody says
Honestly, I don't know. I've read books that no one's ever heard of, books by publishers no one's heard of, but I don't know if they were self-pubbed or not. I've never knowingly read anything self-pubbed. I just read books I want to read. 🙂
Katherine Hyde says
I've edited a number of books on their way to being self-published. Some of them (nonfiction) were pretty good; others were frankly terrible, and I couldn't help them much beyond correcting their grammar.
More recently I requested a review copy of a self-published novel I'd heard good things about. It made me sad, because it was a good story that had not been competently told. If the author had taken more time to refine his craft, with feedback from more experienced people, it could have been really good. But he assumed his rejections were based on subject matter and rushed into self-publishing, thereby missing out on fulfilling his own potential as a writer. This is the big danger I see in self-publishing.
Reagan Philips says
I think this is a great topic. Thanks for bringing it up.
I have only read one SP book, but it was written by someone I know.
That said, if a book was recommended to me by a person, or non-person I guess (amazon, my dog, etc) familiar with what I like, I'd try it.
Gwen@ChewDigestBooks.com says
I am a book reviewer, not a writer and have read many self-published books. Many have been good/well produced and edited, a few could use some help, and a couple have been real stinkers.
The gems are the ones that keep me coming back.
Gail Shepherd says
I admit, I've only read one, and it was a friend's.
4RV Publishing says
Some of the self-published books I've read were well-written, thoroughly edited, and formatted professionally. Others were terribly written, little or not editing, and looked completely sloppy.
Vivian
Scott says
Have to admit, they've mainly been disappointments. The only reason I'd read self-pubbed work is that it's in a very narrow niche that I can't get enough of in traditional venues.
I'm hoping soon we'll start to see large-scale, accepted methods to rate the quality and content of books (and objective– jacket copy and blurbs don't count).
Put Your Shades On says
Yup, and I've written a few myself. I agree that some can be so sloppy and anemic that they're barely readable. But, conversely, I don't think the mighty gatekeepers are always that mighty. Savvy? Yes. Many times I think simply having a firm grip on the psychology of consumerism is what sells a book.
Lisa Lane says
I've read several self-published books. While many of them are clearly self-published, either because of editing/formatting problems or just unpolished prose, I've read a couple of self-published books that have blown me away.
rebeccam says
As a self-published author and a freelance editor, I know how important it is to pay attention to accuracy and quality. I do read other self-published books if they interest me and/or I know the author. It's hard to read comments about suspecting why a book wasn't picked up by a traditional publisher. There are other reasons for self-publishing — it can be a choice in itself.
Gabryyl says
A book attracts me, not a publisher. I have and will continue to buy any book that interests me. Some are self pub some are trad. I read them all. The 3 most recent I've purchased & read were all self pubs & they were wonderful. I just bought 2 other self pubs & 2 trad pub ebooks today.
N. Gemini Sasson says
I read both self- and traditionally published books. What matters to me is that the writing style and story engage me.
Jesse says
I read both but I review indie books for my columns. I have yet to find one that was so bad that I had to put it down. On the other hand, I've purchased some trad published books that the formating was TERRIBLE, that needed an editor really badly. When one of my favorite books was finally released in ebook format, I had to make note to someone at Random House about it. Hell, even Stephen King has had books released that were full of misspellings, formatting errors, etc. That old saw ain't working no more, kids.
Jenifer says
Is there any distinction between the terms "self-published" and "independently published"? As an author who worked with a "hybrid" publisher, I don't feel comfortable saying I "self-published" because I had a team of 4 amazing, experienced, type-A people working on my book tirelessly who wouldn't stop until we all felt it was as perfect as we could make it. Yes, I compensated them for their services, but I also learned so much from their expertise; I can't say I published my book by 'myself'. I had an incredible copy editor, graphic designer, and talented artist, all overseen by my "publisher", who never failed to answer any question I had, and patiently educated me along the way on the process, production, and industry. My book from inception to print took over a year, and we never felt pressured to rush it, as it was important that we have a high-quality product that could stand on its own next to any other traditionally published picture book on my son's shelf. It is hard for me to be "lumped in" with those authors that choose to publish in an afternoon online with a credit card, with or without humans on the other end of the website. I have also seen some amazing self-published books at the BEA in NYC which really spoke to important issues not often found in the bookstore under traditional publishers. Sometimes I feel this comparison should really be between books produced with patience, care and attention to detail, and those just thrown together with an ISBN. It's a bit like comparing moms who stay home, and those that work outside the home–neither one is better than the other, the real distinction is which parent is more "connected" and present and involved with her family? Perhaps large, traditional publishers feel a bit threatened that there might be high-quality, marketable books out there that people need and love–which were produced without their involvement??
J. R. Tomlin says
I find it interesting that you asked if people only read trad-published books but didn't ask if people only read self-published ones.
I would say the latter if I hadn't recently purchased ADWD.
Amber, how do you suppose those "issues with typos, formatting, etc" sneaked in with novels that were being self-published from an authors backlist. Or were you by any chance holding them to a different standard that the trad-published ones?
Obviously, I have a stake in the discussion being self-published, but the first novels I self-published were from my backlist. *shrug* And what I read, the 100+ self-published novels on my Kindle tells that story. Trad published are better? Not in my opinion and my spending dollar backs that opinion up.
Elin Gregory says
I've read a lot of self-pubbed books. Some are as well presented as if they had been produced by Random House or Bloomsbury, others were laughable. But then I read a lot of traditionally pblished books and some of those are laughably badly editted as well.
A lot depends on the professionalism of the author and the standards they set for themselves. Some ARE professionals and produce work that would shine anywhere.
Glynis says
This past year I have read more SP books than published. If a book captures my eye I will read it regardless of how it was produced.
Matthew C Wood says
I've only read a handful of Self-Published books and they have varied wildly in quality. I think that having alternative outlets for authors to get their works into the world is a fantastic idea but, unregulated, it is likely that authors with great potential going 'indie' stand a good chance of being lost amid the deluge of 'get rich quick' writers who pump out low-quality works in a month or less.
There is definitely something to be said for gatekeepers, for the benefit of all who are truly serious about becoming published authors.
Dan Holloway says
I've read many. A lot could do with being 30-50% shorter. A lot mistake beautiful writing for good writing. But I've read double figures full of real raw energy, tight writing and pizzazz
Michael J. Sullivan says
As a publisher, I often look to well written self-published books as a source for finding new authors so yes I've read many 😉
Robin Sullivan | Write2Publish | Ridan Publishing
David Murray says
I read my first one, which had excellent grammar and good plot, but not much else–a waste of time and $1.99. Hoping that was unusual, I read six others and all are great, easily equal to any traditionally published book. Since the second one, I have read reviews before buying.
Robin Sullivan says
OOps that previous note should have been made from my account – I was acccidently signed in as Michael.
Robin Sullivan | Write2Publish | Ridan Publishing
Gehayi says
No. I've read a number of books that were Print-On-Demand by their publishers, and some manuscripts of children's fantasy that were later self-published, but no books that were self-published. This is largely because I don't buy books until I'm familiar with the author or until I've already read the book. I only know of one self-published author–Paul Marquette, author of the aforementioned manuscripts.
Kenner R. McQuaid says
I saw one post that mentioned that traditional publishing serves as a necessary "gatekeeper" function. It's true in many cases, but remember that the "gatekeepers" are interested only in one thing: making money.
Jack Blaine says
Read and written self-pubbed books. As many of the comments note, both traditionally published and self-published books suffer if there isn't careful editing and proofreading. But I've found gems in both lists.
Torre DeRoche says
I worked hard to make sure my book would look like it'd come from a traditional publisher. I obsessed over every small detail.
Many don't even stop to question who published it, including The Atlantic who just published an excerpt from my book.
Brooklyn Ann says
I have read a few self published books, but the best ones are those that you can't immediately tell they're self-pubbed.
Lucy says
I've never read one, but if the packaging was professional enough and the author could actually write AND edit, I'd be willing to do so. Usually, however, all three factors don't line up together.
ED Martin says
I'm currently reading one and forcing myself to continue. While it's not necessarily bad, it's not good either. The grammar is fine, and there aren't any typos, but the writing itself is mediocre – lots of passages of meaningless details and little in the way of character development. It's something that an editor – or even a good writing group – should've caught. However, as I'm currently editing my own novel, I might be hypersensitive to things the average reader might not notice.
Nanic Babic says
I just read "Border Crossings – An Aid Worker's Journey into Bosnia" by Aubrey Verboven. What an incredibly rich, detailed and humane look into a corner of the Bosnian War. I have yet to find anything as gripping or accessible on this subject produced by mainstream publishers.
Judy Croome | @judy_croome says
I'm reading more self-published books than traditionally published because they're more interesting and creative (they're not all clones of one another) and they're cheaper.
Yes, they are some duds in the ones I read, but that's no different to when I only read traditionally published books.
Judy, South Africa
Dana Strange says
I read self published books a LOT lately. I read from the 'look inside' sample and can automatically tell whether I'll want to read the entire book. If there's no sample and the book is inexpensive or free and recommended by Amazon, I'll usually give that a shot, too. I'm rarely disappointed.