Is self -publishing smart?
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Is self -publishing smart?
- KTschirhart
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- cluznar
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- Scott
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Self-publishing is fine if it is done right. Unfortunately, I'd estimate that more than 99% of self-publishing authors cut corners and don't invest enough time and/or funds into it. They might be great writers, but you need to be a great writer AND a great publisher to self-publish correctly.
There is a reason legit publishers turn down most authors asking to be published; it's because publishing is such a huge, expensive, and time-consuming investment.
"Non ignara mali miseris succurrere disco." Virgil, The Aeneid
- cluznar
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- Marcus Nannini
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Take it from me (if you like) when I say what an agent might post on a agent-list-type of a website and what she or he really wants generally do not match up. I will take that one further and state even when you believe you know what he/she is seeking in a book, you better look at the books they have published in the last couple of years. Typically they do not match up with what you would have expected.
So, sure, send out a few dozen well-drafted queries while simultaneously seeking the best self-publisher for you. And remember, you will need to have an editor if you self-publish as they are worth their weight in dimes.
Further, if you self-publish, have a game plan and stick to it every single day of the week. Get a basic website, and a blog too. Expand your friends on social media. And create a journal for yourself in which you enter what you do every day...this creates a reference for where you have been, where you need to follow up and avoids needless duplication.
Remember J.K. Rowling was rejected more than 700 times. Today, instead of spending all those hours in vain, she would likely choose to self-publish. But if you do so, have a realistic budget for your marketing campaign and give it an honest chance to succeed.
Finally, get involved in local author clubs. Check MeetUp for one near you.
- cluznar
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- Renee24
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Good luck!
Renee
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I couldn't be more grateful to all the publishers of my first two books have done for me. Now, in those cases, they were history books, so that might be a little different than your situation, since just having an academic publisher adds credibility in those cases. Just a little of what my publisher did: Peer review before accepting the manuscript, which did help improve both books, advertising and opening doors in both markets and with reviewers, very aggressive library sales (my first book is in 1016 libraries world-wide).
My first novel is with a small publisher, which means I'll have to take on a lot of the marketing. But again, they were great to work with with the cover and editing, and they are opening some doors, but I'm too early in the process to judge the current experience (the book just came out a week ago).
Hope this helps.
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I should have added this to my last post, but here goes: this is completely a myth. I had never had anything published before my first book, which I landed with a very well respected publisher in the field. I had never had fiction published before my most recent book, and while getting a publisher was a little more difficult (and I never did find an agent to work with), that had more to do with the material (they were a little hesitant on taking on something with five first person POVs) than opportunity. I have never had trouble getting agents or publishers to read my work, and if they're willing to spend their time reading your work, they're going to consider it.Renee24 wrote:I"m writing a novel too, and been reading a lot of books about this topic. They say first time writers can't get into the door, so how do you get in the door, unless you self publish?
- CianaStone
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- Lincoln
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I agree with this 100%. It is worth having control. I have a book published through Kindle Press and then books on Amazon through self-publishing, and I love being able to change things myself!KTschirhart wrote:I'm currently looking into writing and publishing my own book, personally I find it more rewarding to have control and a part in every step of the process.
View Raven's Peak on Lincoln's website.
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