This will be a really short post, because I’m more interested in everyone else’s thoughts on this. The question is – what would prompt you to self-publish?
Except it’s not quite that simple because some of you already have. In that case, what prompted it? Or would you only do it in some circumstances – like for short stories or novellas? Or would you only ever consider traditional publishing? Or some other variation I’m sure I haven’t listed.
These are the things that occupy my writer’s brain today, because it’s certainly not occupied with my own accomplishment 😉
I’m not quite there yet. I’m still holding out for traditional publishing.
Maybe, once I know I’ve improved as much as I can as a writer, I’ll consider self-publishing if I can’t get a traditional deal. But who knows when that might be…
I self-published short stories because 1) they were just short stories–that sounds harsh but yeah and 2) I wanted to see for myself if it was as awesome as everyone was saying.
My conclusion has been that it can be awesome, but probably only for people who don’t have three little kids and a need to sleep sometimes.
I want a traditional–or at least, sort of traditional–publisher for my novel.
I’ve self-published two e-books. (In fact they’re both free, one tomorrow and one Friday; you can get the details and links on my blog, if you’re interested.)
I decided to self-publish because I couldn’t get an agent. In fact, none ever showed even the slightest interest in my novels. I never even got a promising rejection, just the usual ‘not for my list’ type of answer. I’m 65 years-old now and decided waiting for the remote possibility and years of waiting to find an agent and a publisher was no longer for me. E-books came along at just the right time, and I couldn’t be happier.
If you’re thinking about self-publishing, do some research first. There’s tons of info on the internet.
would I, could I?
I did. You can read the info about it, I was interviewed by Chicago Parent magazine. Here is the link:
http://www.chicagoparent.com/community/failing-with-gusto/2012/february/book-author
Your blog topic caught my eye since I just recently self-published (late Nov). Here is my blog:
http://mothersofbrothersblog.blogspot.com
I tried for about a year to publish thru an agent and traditional publisher, with no luck. I am really happy I did not put my dreams on hold any longer and pursued self-publishing.
Good luck!
best,
MOV
I self published a short story, mostly because I felt like something exciting and new was happening and I wanted to experience it, even if only in a small way.
Here’s the story: http://www.amazon.com/All-Ways-Moosh-Failed-ebook/dp/B004WSQM6C/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&m=AG56TWVU5XWC2&s=books&qid=1303193466&sr=8-1
Nope. It’s not the path I can see myself taking, even though I might self-publish short stories or whatever. I don’t think self-publishing is for me, although traditional publishing is.
I probably wouldn’t. I plan to keep writing projects until I get one published the traditional way. However, I love that it’s an option now. Power to the writers!
to kate, ashelynn, and sharon, what are you scared of? what is holding you back? do you think that self-publishing is not as “respected”? really– is that the issue?
My book came out in Novemeber and I am so proud of it. I had a book signing/ launch at a local bookstore in January (70 people showed up, many of whom I did not know). I sent dozens of my books out to magazine book reviewers, and guess what? A major magazine contacted me back and is doing a review and write-up of my book in their June issue! This should help sell a ton of my books. yay! 🙂
To those of you on the fence and “holding out” for traditional publishing, I ask you this: how many people have read that book that is in your head or in your computer? One? Two? Zero? My book is no longer an idea, it is an actual book and I have hundreds of readers. Did you know that John Grisham’s first book was self-published? Self-publishers are in good company. Once you self-publish, you can certainly send your existing book to traditional publishers and maybe get a contract for you next book.
The reason I am so vocal and so passionate about this is because I used to feel the same way, that self-publishing was somehow a “cop-out.” I have changed my mind. It is so gratifying to have had 100% control of how my book looked and the content, and now it is a real book!
Don’t put your dreams in the back cobwebs of your mind– make your dreams come true! It is hard work, but worth it!
best,
MOV
I am not a writer but have thought of getting a book published of my drawings. I did one in college (where I MADE the book too, the binding, cut the paper etc) all about palmistry. I am very proud of the drawings in them. I think ‘art’ books are harder to get published but since it is B/W I can do something simple like though one of those photo book places online.