Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Self-Publishing: A Change in Perspective

The past month or so, I've been strongly leaning toward the idea of self-publishing. When I started my publishing journey a few years back, I would've never considered the idea of publishing myself. I was one of those "traditional only" gals, looking at the self-publishers as those who just couldn't make it in the real publishing world. Now I've been seeing agents blogging about self-publishing. The view of indie publishers is taking a new turn. And my view on it, is turning as well.

I did the "traditional path" for one of my books. I got an agent. I went on Submission. Failed. Rewrote. Submitted to Publishers. Failed. Rewrote. Submitted more. My book has had agent edits. Editor feedback. Numerous drafts that I've lost count. It's clean...clean...clean, and better than it has ever been before. I love this story. Others have loved it as well (and not just family members.) Now I am waiting on a full from a publisher. I should be thrilled to have a full request from a publisher, from a slush submission, none-the-less, right? However, I really just don't give a flip anymore.

My book WILL live, whether the industry accepts it or not. 


I still haven't decided what I'll do if the publisher accepts it. The more research I'm doing, the more I'm considering self-publishing even if the publisher wants it. (crazy, huh?). I've had over 160 artist requests for doing my cover (a story for another blogging day). And it's been fun to have control over my book once again. I have a terrific artist working on a cover for me right now. I can also foresee my book coming into existence within a few months, instead of a few years. And I can write whatever the heck I want, without worrying about whether an agent likes my concept, or if it fits whatever the market is supposed to be, or if the editor is in a bad mood that day. And instead of a decent story hiding on my hard drive or shelved, it can be read.

Isn't that what's important in the end?

One a side note: I will go the traditional route again on my current and future projects. I still want to accomplish that dream. However, for my book that doesn't want to die... It deserves a chance to prove that it is indeed "marketable" to the right readers.

15 comments:

LinWash said...

I was just reading another blogger's decision to do just that: http://heathermccorkle.blogspot.com/
I can't help thinking of the success Amanda Hocking has had.

Michelle McLean said...

I was the same way...anti-self publishing all the way. And then one day I wasn't. I had a file full of cute picture book manuscripts. I've tried off and on through the years to get them published the traditional way. So when I found a good friend who agreed to do the illustrations, I decided to try it. Yeah, I'd love to have my PBs traditionally published, mostly because full color PBs are expensive to produce :) (though with e-versions, which I am also doing, I have alternatives there as well). But I really love the control I have over everything. My illustrator and I discuss every picture, every cover, every concept. I love being able to do what I want to do and get my books out there to be read. I am enjoying publishing both traditionally and self pubbing.

J.L. Campbell said...

I've experienced a change of heart too as it pertains to self publishing. The biggest draw for me is having total control over my work. Having had your work edited until it squeaks and yet there's no guarantee of a bite, I definitely understand the will to make this book live.

Rachel Harris said...

Excellent post!!

I think everyone's opinions on non-traditional publishing is changing. I am still trying to go traditional myself, but am open to exploring indie and self-pub if it doesn't work out. And I love supporting authors who go their own way. That is why this week is Carving Our Own Destiny week at my blog, filled with indie and self pub authors (15 of them) guest posting on what it takes to do it well, how to survive, and how to thrive. Don't mean to advertise here lol, but since it isn't me posting--I'm just hosting--I thought I would point anyone else wanting to know more about these new and different routes (indie and self pub) to the blog. I know I'm learning a lot!
http://theendingunplanned.blogspot.com/

Kristal Shaff said...

Linn-Thanks for the link!

Rachel--Excellent! Definitely going to check out your blog.

Bkloss said...

Thanks for sharing this!! It's EXACTLY what I've been thinking. I like the idea of control and not having to worry about adapting to a particular person's taste, helps me remember why _I_ love writing so much. Otherwise I'm so consumed with trying to get "their" attention. And like Konrath said, with self-pubbing, READERS get to be the gatekeepers. Again, thank you for sharing the evolution of your thoughts. It is confirmation for me.

Heather said...

I got chills as I read your post. Our paths parallel each other in so many ways. I actually did pass up a small press that was interested to self-publish with Abbott Press. After a lot of research and comparison it seemed the logical choice for me. Best of luck to you, whatever you decide!

Steena Holmes said...

It does deserve the chance. I'm leaning that way as well. I'm greedy - I want the best of both worlds. How is that wrong?

Susan Fields said...

Good luck making your decision - it sounds like you've got some very good reasons to go the self-publishing route.

Michelle Gregory said...

so glad to see positive responses to your post. indie pub has come a loooooong way.

Jolene Perry said...

I'm waiting for call backs from fulls from agents, but now, and the more I read, the more appealing self-publishing is. I write fast and the thought of trudging so SLOWLY through the process feels exhausting. I've done a lot of research on it, and I'll do more before I decide in the end, but there are so many small publishers out there who completely rely on their authors to promote, and so I wonder what on earth I'd be paying them for :D

Good luck with your decision, and with how fast publishing is changing, I'm really on the fence of which direction I want to go.

Anonymous said...

I am glad that self publishing is a desired way now to get your book out there. There shouldn't be a stigma attached. If it is good writing, it should be out there for others to read and enjoy.
Kelly Polark

Unknown said...

This sounds like my situation as well. The whole process is just so slow, and this is the last year I'll be waiting to see what, if anything, develops.

Unknown said...

Hi.I just stumbled upon your blog. Looking at the number of followers you have, you already have a good shot at being successful as an indie author. I'm not saying you shouldn't wait, but half the battle is getting your book and name out there. With this many followers, you are already 'known'.

I uploaded my book last year without half the preparation you have, (not saying that as a good thing, but it's a fact.) and I'm doing quite well. I'm not an exception either. Good luck whatever you decide!

AJ said...

I'm considering doing self publishing because I'm 14 and I wrote an amazing book that not only my loves but everyone who reads it. I've gotten an agent and sent in query letters but publisherswont accept me because I'm only 14. I feel the same way as you.