Self-publishing

[Rachel E.]

I looked into self-publishing for a book that I have written. One big thing that stood out to me, is that it is sooo expensive. You better really want to go that way, because it takes a lot of money. I can refer anyone who wants to a website that will read your story (part of it) for a set fee, then, if it is any good will make it available to up to 75 publishers on the internet. If it is not good, they'll send it back and give you some tips on how to help your storyline. Take my word for it, they know what they are doing! Mine wasn't good enough!:p

[kriswrite]

There are several supposedly reputable sites that do this, and we've discussed them before at CW.

I would like to say, however, that self publishing doesn't have to be expensive. CafePress has no upfront costs, for example. But as someone who is traditionally published and has self published some things, I'd like to point out that there are several serious drawbacks to self publishing, including:

1. Your book will NOT reach its audience unless you do a LOT of leg work. This is increasingly true in traditional publishing, too, but at least a traditional publisher can (and should!) get your book in bookstores. Most bookstores will not carry self published books.

2. The vast majority of self published books can't find a home with a traditional publisher for a very good reason. Either the book is written poorly, or there isn't a large enough market for it...or both! The latter is really the only good reason (in my opinion) to self publish.

Just my 2 cents.

Kristina

[kerrig]

A word of encouragement: Christopher Paolini self-published his book Eragon (his family owned a publishing company I think). Anyway, he really put it out there doing a lot of leg work and eventually a major publishing house got ahold of it.

[Rachel E.]

Thanks for the tips kriswrite! I might look into it. But right now I am revising my book to make it better. When I reread it now, I am surprised some time that I thought it was any good!

[love2write]

Another thing to remember is that a self-published or a print on demand book is not considered a legitimate publishing credit. So when you write another book, and try submitting it to agents and publishers you cannot list your self-pubbed or pod book in your list of writing credits. This is extremely important if you want a career as a writer.

It also depends on what kind of book you have written. If it is a family cookbook, a short book of poems, something you are only interested in getting into the hands of friends and family, then maybe that is the route to go.

However, if you have written a novel, self-publishing or pod is not the route to go. Give your book at least the chance of traditional publication. It takes work and patience. And if you have that, and talent, you will succeed.

[David Meigs]

...I am revising my book to make it better. When I reread it now, I am surprised some time that I thought it was any good!Don’t feel bad. Most of us have been in the same shoes. I had a published friend read the first draft of my first novel and she summed up her critique by saying that it would make a good outline for a rewrite. It stung, but she was so right. It took a few months, but I did as she suggested and completely rewrote the book. It was so much better the second time through. Now I do it with almost everything I write.

Post a chapter in the Critique Workshop. I’m sure that several of our members would help you make it shine. I know they have been very helpful to me.

[Tarin]

she summed up her critique by saying that it would make a good outline for a rewrite.

Ouch! :( :(