Is self -publishing smart?
- Mana_Hale
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Re: Is self -publishing smart?
In the meantime, I even publish drafts of the story chapters at a rate of 1 a month via Patreon and have garnered a small following after only a year of publicly putting out my work - it may only be a small amount compared to working with an agent and publisher "proper," but I couldn't be happier having such control over my own work!
- McFatter
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Querying for an agent is tough, tough business. So, if you are going to go that route, you should prepare yourself mentally and emotionally. Agents are very specific about what they are looking for and each of them only takes on a few projects a year. Writing a good query letter is a whole other mystic art that has to be learned. And it's a long waiting game. Many agents don't respond, and the majority of the ones that do understandably cut and paste a stock response--and you have to prepare for that. If you win the lotto and are lucky, an agent will reply asking to see your whole manuscript. If you win the lotto a second time, they will want to represent you.ladywithglasses wrote: ↑13 Jan 2017, 17:38 Would you say it is better to self publish or to go through an agency? Does anyone have any experience publishing a book these ways? I would love to read your opinion. Thank you and have a wonderful day!
Self-publishing offers up opportunities to writers that never existed before. And yes, while we do have more creative control by going it alone, it is very wise to get help from folks that can assist you with telling the best version of your story possible--like an editor.
I have self-published my first novel and it was a challenging journey with a lot of lessons learned along the way. And while I am still learning, I have found this process to be very rewarding.
Much luck to you, whichever way you choose.
- See_B00kReaDs
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Thanks for the tip!cluznar wrote: ↑21 Jan 2017, 21:54 Yes, self publishing is a good way for the new writer to start out. Instead of spending a year trying to get a publisher to pick you up, only to find out none will. With self publishing you can pretty much do as you would with a publisher. But you pay for it. I self published my first book with Outskirts Press and they are great to work with. They have editing available, also marketing. There are also many self publishers available. Each author must look them over and decide which fits their need. But at least with a self publisher you can get your book out there in front of people.
– Francis Chan
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Marcus Nannini wrote: ↑20 Feb 2017, 14:10 It can be very smart. Think about the countless hours spent preparing query letters then tailoring them to fit a particular agent. Of course that implies spending adequate time to learn what a specific agent is truly seeking.
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.