Pros and cons of Self Publishing

[denver2469]

Hello everyone,

I am a new member to this group and have only recently (4 years ago) discovered my passion for writing. It is a gift and writing is what I want to do for the rest of my life. I have no driving need to become famous or ridiculously wealthy. God is my provision. It is more about the words and thoughts in my head getting out there for others to benefit from. It is the gardens and forests that I see to be shared. But most of all, it is to share what beauty has been made of my ugliness...

That having been said, I have a question. What are the pros and cons of Self-Publishing. Is the return on investment worth it? Is it a step in the wrong direction as far as any interested party? Is it a step in the right direction as far as any interested party? What are the hidden pit falls? Will my thoughts and ideas remain on a shelf somewhere because of lack of motivation on the part of the distributor? What about proprietary issues? Would this be the best move I ever make?

I apologize if these seem like juvenile questions but I am new and untrained in the business of writing. I would only ask that if anyone has experienced this dilemma or knows the other side of it...please help!

[Keith Wallis]

Hi Denver, It'll come as no surprise to you to discover that yours is not an unusual question. I've put the links to some similar questions here for you to pick the bones out of. There are more - you could do a search under "self publishing" if you're a glutton for punishment.

http://christianwriters.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8888
http://christianwriters.com/forums/showthread.php?t=335
http://christianwriters.com/forums/showthread.php?t=6655

[gregholmes]

Quick answer....if you have the drive and connectiosn to sell a book, and the initial capital to fund the project then self-publishing is alright, though it is unlikely to bring wealth or fame.

Check out the links that Keith gave....there is a lot of discussion on here about this issue

[MsSherry]

This is just me, but I always check the publisher of a book before I buy and if it is self-published or a vanity press, the book goes right back on the shelf. Too many experiences with very poor quality work in the past to even bother reading them anymore.

[wgjones3]

I actually ordered a POD book over the weekend. Don't know why, really, except that it was mentioned in a comment trail on a blog, the title sounded fascinating, the plot description on Amazon sounded awesome, and there were a handful of glowing reviews on Amazon. I didn't realize it was a POD until after I'd bought it (used, for $6 or so). Although I'm not sure whether or not I would have purchased had I known beforehand.

In related sub $10 purchasing decisions, I'm debating whether or not to purchase the special edition DVD of Sunset Boulevard.

[DianaLee4JC]

Denver... yep, you've asked a question likely to generate a lot of conversation around here.

My personal opinion is that self-publishing isn't worth the money, and certainly isn't worth the effort. You mentioned lack of motivation on the part of the distributor... mostly, that would be YOU. With self-publishing, you have to promote your own book (distributors don't do that anyway).

My feeling is, I'd rather spend the time writing the next one than going around to bookstores and begging them to let me set up a table or put one of my books on their shelves.

Self-publishing also means self-editing, which is why the vast majority of books that are self-published are not very good. Also, a lot of people who self-publish are authors whose work has been turned down by traditional publishers... which raises the question of why the work was turned down.

Write your stories to the best of your ability, join a good critique group, rewrite your stories to the best of your ability, go to writers' conferences and make contacts, get an agent interested, rewrite the stories again if needed, and go the traditional route. You might not be interested in riches, but you're certainly interested in someone actually reading your work... right. :)

God bless,
Diana

[Keith Wallis]

Denver I have to admit that this question always causes me to sigh deeply and say "oh no, not again". It does generate a lot of wind here and opinions vary, but when push comes to shove the general consensus of the site management is: if your "product" is good self-publishing is NOT the route to take.

[denver2469]

This is what I needed to know. I had the feeling that if God wanted my work published now, He would make the way that would best suit His purposes. Me self publishing is not an option that I feel strongly towards because I am quite taken with the quality of His inspiration and do not want to get ahead of Him. That would only cause much heartache and discomfort for me. That is not in His plan.

I cannot express thanks enough for this information. I have taken both sides and appreciate all the input. May God bless each and every one of you for it.

[DrRita]

I'm probably going to REALLY get it for my subsequent comment . . . so be it. Just hear me out before you take both guns and blast me to (where ever it is you want to send me!)

Anyone who says they are not in writing for either fame or fortune needs a reality check. I don't believe it . . .

NOW, having said that, let me qualify my statement. All writers write for a purpose; here are a few:

Some writers write just for the pleasure of putting words on paper. Those people usually write in journals or in notebooks where they can privately read their own works and/or show them to a select few. These people are truly not interested in publication, self or otherwise, are are content to collect their works for themselves.

Some writers write because they have to be read. They want to share what God has given them and seek out places to share their work whether it be on a writing forum and other websites or just printing up their stories and giving them out to whomever God directs. The are the true Sharers and don't really care if anyone steals/borrows/uses their work as they believe God freely gave it and they should freely share it.

Some (a much larger percentage) want to be published and desire to get their works in the hands of as many people as possible. However, they are honest about wanting some monetary return. These people seek out publishers (self and traditional) are concerned with profit (or at least breaking even) and want to have their name and their work in print and don't particularly want to give it away or have it stolen. They are connected to their work as a mother is to a child. And believe it or not . . . God is not against this.

The final group and the largest percentage of the writing population (secular and Christian) are concerned with profits, notoriety, and philanthropy--usually in that order. These people try to make it. Some fail, realizing the road to success is paved with hard work, set-backs and often "failure." Some are truly driven by God and others are driving God . . .

Now, please don't misunderstand me. I'm not saying that a writer who claims to just want to minister and is not concerned with fame and fortune is not sincere!! I believe Christians, like any other part of are walk, are dancing between two worlds (flesh/spirit) and we truly desire to have that mindset. But there is nothing wrong with wanted to make a lucrative career out of writing. The writer's life is no place for pious platitudes--we need to be honest about our own lives as will as those things we write about. If we can't be honest with ourselves about us . . . how can God give us things to write about that require honesty.

Okay . . . so now you can blast me! In truth, I went through the same process about publishing that most writer's have gone through. I had to come to grips with my own desires as the came in conflict with God's desires. Honesty won out and now I can say I want to make a living at writing. I write plenty of stuff I give away, allow people to steal and don't care if I get a by-line. I'm happy to do it because I believe that's what God wants me to do with it. But the stuff I feel God wants me to publish, I'm careful not to just fling it away. God will get it where it needs to be as long as I trust him. And as Keith said, read those links . . . there is a wealth of information, advice, counseling and personal experience in them.

Now back to self-publishing . . . if you truly want to publish your work, buy yourself a comb-binding machine, a laser printer and good quality paper. Design yourself a cover (use good quality stock to print it on) and using one of the great desktop publishing programs out there, make your own book!! You can copyright it at the US copyright office for about $45. With a laser printer you can keep the cost down per page and the paper/cover stock can be purchases on line fairly cheap. All the expenses including the printer and comb binder can be written off. Just get about 10 of your friends to buy copies and then you can prove sales. Oh, you should probably check into getting a business license on the local level which in most states is easy and relatively inexpensive. You'll have to collect and pay local sales tax but that's not hard. You can set up a website and sell your books over the 'net--a sorta POD set up printing only what needs to be sold or just downloaded for a fee.

There, that's a lot of work, but it will save you a bundle and honestly, not much more salesmanship than the vanity publishers.

OR

work hard, submit your proposal to agents and publishers and see what happens.

[Gumpngreen]

It should be noted that rejection by traditional publishers isn't always a sign of bad quality. Might be that they've already filled their quotas for certain types of books and/or their current marketing focus excludes your book. There are trends in the publishing industry. Chick lit was popular recently (it might be still but I haven't bothered to check). Getting published can often happen only because you managed to contact someone in the industry currently looking for your type of book. So ask for constructive criticism from knowledgeable people who can critically analyze your work in a balanced manner. If they give you the go-ahead then keep submitting until you hit the person and/or publisher that'll make it happen.

[denver2469]

No blast. I appreciate the opportunity to examine myself.

I Corinthians 4:3-5 3)I care very little if I am judged by you or any human court, indeed, I do not even judge myself. 4)My conscience is clear but that does not make me innocent. It is the Lord who judges me. 5)Therefore, judge nothing before the appointed time; wait till the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men's hearts. At that time each will receive his priase from God.

Now, I do not place my faith or declaration of such in the same arena as Paul. But I can say this...the language, along with the healing that has been given to me through it, is not just for me. God has made it clear that it is to be given to those who are in pain, in bondage if you will, but do not have the language to express it. That is my goal. If God desires that to be on a very small scale, then it will be. If He wants it to be on a larger scale, then that will be as well. Either way, my motive is passed before His throne first and He reveals to me any offensive way. I cannot change a wrong motive that I am not aware of for I do not have that power. I have given Him permission to search me...and I trust that He will keep me in Him. So, while I must be viligent to seek His counsel first and last...daily, I cannot be concerned or worried regarding motive. His Word, as I commit to it, will keep me.

I needed information and it was provided. Thank you.

[MGalloway]

Now back to self-publishing . . . if you truly want to publish your work, buy yourself a comb-binding machine, a laser printer and good quality paper. Design yourself a cover (use good quality stock to print it on) and using one of the great desktop publishing programs out there, make your own book!! You can copyright it at the US copyright office for about $45. With a laser printer you can keep the cost down per page and the paper/cover stock can be purchases on line fairly cheap. All the expenses including the printer and comb binder can be written off. Just get about 10 of your friends to buy copies and then you can prove sales. Oh, you should probably check into getting a business license on the local level which in most states is easy and relatively inexpensive. You'll have to collect and pay local sales tax but that's not hard. You can set up a website and sell your books over the 'net--a sorta POD set up printing only what needs to be sold or just downloaded for a fee.

There, that's a lot of work, but it will save you a bundle and honestly, not much more salesmanship than the vanity publishers.

OR

work hard, submit your proposal to agents and publishers and see what happens.OR

work hard, submit your proposal to agents and publishers and see what happens AND

upload your work to Lulu.com (for free, until you go global) in the meantime...and see what happens.

[DrRita]

My apologies Denver,
My response would have been better placed in a thread I started all on my own. It came across as judgmental . . . I did not mean it as such, your questions about self-publishing are valid and honest.

I guess I've just been around so darn long in this business (over 25 years) and I have seen so many people who have played the game. I am in no way insinuating that you and the Lord don't have it worked out. So again, I apologize if I came off in a negative way.

Self-publishing is an option to consider and honestly unless I knew (which I didn't even ask:o ) what your book was about, there's no way to know if self-publishing is best for you. But I would certainly try to get it done through a traditional
publisher first.

[Tommie Lyn]

Some (a much larger percentage) want to be published and desire to get their works in the hands of as many people as possible. However, they are honest about wanting some monetary return. These people seek out publishers (self and traditional) are concerned with profit (or at least breaking even) and want to have their name and their work in print and don't particularly want to give it away or have it stolen. They are connected to their work as a mother is to a child. And believe it or not . . . God is not against this.
I think I fit this category, DrRita. The things I learned while doing genealogical research demanded to be told, because they are not common knowledge. I thought it would be better written as fiction, so that it would be read by the greatest number of people and would touch their hearts.

I badgered, cajoled and otherwise tried to manipulate other people into agreeing to write it, but no one would. Someone finally told it that if I wanted it written, to do it myself. So I did.

Now, I want others to read it, want them to learn what I learned, so I want it published such that it will have the widest readership. Not that it should be read because I myself wrote it, but because I want people to be exposed to the same things I learned.

And, yes, I'd like to be paid for it. Not to become wealthy, but to enable me to keep researching and writing. (Plus, I'd love to visit Scotland, to see with my own eyes the places I've written about, to personally walk across Drumossie Moor, to climb the heights and look across Loch Fyne. It would be nice to accrue enough money to afford a trip there.)

Your last sentence, "They are connected to their work as a mother is to a child" is so true in my case. Now that I have finished the rewrite and have started the submissions process, I still want to hover over that manuscript, almost as if I expect my characters to have done something further while I wasn't watching, LOL. I haven't been able to let it alone.

However, I do believe I can let them have some peace now. Last night, while in the process of doing still more research, I learned some things that are going to carry me through three sequels to my first story. Today, I was waiting while my husband had a procedure done, and the people I had learned about last night were swirling through my thoughts and imagination, becoming vivid, colorful and alive. The titles to their stories popped into my mind, full grown and ready, and I won't have to outline their stories. I already know exactly what they will be.

[denver2469]

DrRita - No apology needed. I am not naive enough to believe that I will not be called to task regarding my intentions. It is a bold statement to make...that I am not seeking fame and outrageous fortune. Nonetheless, within my heart it is true. In order to ensure that my intentions stay pure, I feel my statements must always be challenged. I cannot put them out there with the false hope of everyone taking me at my word. This is the world that I live in but the One who lives in me is greater and my acceptance is in Him...not in everyone else. So thank you for your candor. !thumbsup! Also, with 25 years of experience in the business, you are more than welcome to ask about my work. Feel free to send me a personal message, if you so desire.

To all - I am taking my time, soaking in the replies and information given regarding self publishing. I do not think that it is for me. Not because of its disadvantages regardig established publishing houses...but because of the running theme in each reply. If it is good enough, it will make it on its own without my shoving it along. The words I write and the language with which I arrange them is unique, to say the least...and neither belong to me. I sometimes stare at what I have written and wonder how I captured such beauty on paper...then I remember Him. He will make the way for others to partake in this experience with me and it will be in His time, for His purpose. Not mine.

Having said that, while self publishing might be the course of action for many, it leaves me a little sad regarding my writings. The work has an identity that is completely independent of me. It is what it is regardless of my mood or feeling towards it. I agree with Tommie Lyn. It is a child that I have been given the task to mature and grow in the way it should go...and I take that very serious.

So I guess this thread was posted to check out all the colleges available and pick the best one for my baby...Thanks for the help!

[DrRita]

Thank you for you reply. Whew!! I thought I might have been too brutal and scared you away. I can see you have much thicker skin than that and am so glad. I'm sure you will be able to get through the publishing maze. Writing conferences are great places to connect with publishers, editors, other writers and learn tons about writing and publishing. You might want to consider one.

God bless you on your venture.

[Katyanne]

My thoughts are that self publishing might be the way to go if you know that your book is only intended for a small audience. I guess there is probably many people from different denominations on here. I'm Independent Fundamental Baptist, and a lot of the stuff I write, the IFB people want to read, but nobody else is interested. For me in some things, self publishing might be the way to go. However, with my novel I'm writing, I'll try traditional publishers. It has a few IFB ideas in it, but it is also a story and so I dont' think with novels it matters as much because part of writing is sharing the writers point of view.

Katy-Anne

[Debtfree]

Denver... yep, you've asked a question likely to generate a lot of conversation around here.

My personal opinion is that self-publishing isn't worth the money, and certainly isn't worth the effort. You mentioned lack of motivation on the part of the distributor... mostly, that would be YOU. With self-publishing, you have to promote your own book (distributors don't do that anyway). My feeling is, I'd rather spend the time writing the next one than going around to bookstores and begging them to let me set up a table or put one of my books on their shelves. Self-publishing also means self-editing, which is why the vast majority of books that are self-published are not very good. Also, a lot of people who self-publish are authors whose work has been turned down by traditional publishers... which raises the question of why the work was turned down. Write your stories to the best of your ability, join a good critique group, rewrite your stories to the best of your ability, go to writers' conferences and make contacts, get an agent interested, rewrite the stories again if needed, and go the traditional route. You might not be interested in riches, but you're certainly interested in someone actually reading your work... right. :)

God bless,
Diana

What are you talking about???

Just because a book is "self-published" does not mean it is poorly written or unworthy of one's time.

Perhaps you are unaware of this...Stephen King has been self-publishing his books for the last number of years. Yes, he first made a name with a traditional publisher (he was very fortunate), but he has in recent years seen the problem with traditional publishers...You do all the work and they take most of the profits!

Many "self-publish" because too many of the traditional publishers are only interested in making contracts with authors who are either rich or famous! (that should tell you something?...It's a money game for the most part)

Most traditional publishers are not willing to pony up the money to invest in an untested writer. It is very expensive to publish, edit, advertise etc.

So to say that if someone is self-published that always means their book is of poor quality or there is something inferior about their writing is pure conjecture!:rolleyes:

If one has the resources and the talent to self-publish than it can be a very legitimate option, and if successful in selling their books also profitable! Yes, it does take a lot of effort and having a strong back bone is a definite benefit, but it can also be very worth while.

Bottom line it takes work...if you are unwilling to put forth the effort to do the work then pehaps your book should not be in publication? Self-publishing is not for quiters!

I am currently in negotiations with a traditional publishing house. My books are currently "self-published" as well. That fact that my books are self-published has no barring what so ever on my getting or not getting a publishing contract. The company I am negotiating with is interested in all 3 of my finished books and my ideas for 2 additional books.

So if you are self published or think of going for it...Go For IT! Just realize that you will pretty much be a one person show until you are able to land a traditional publishing contract.

Debtfree!thumbsup!

[Debtfree]

I'm probably going to REALLY get it for my subsequent comment . . . so be it. Just hear me out before you take both guns and blast me to (where ever it is you want to send me!)

Anyone who says they are not in writing for either fame or fortune needs a reality check. I don't believe it . . .

NOW, having said that, let me qualify my statement. All writers write for a purpose; here are a few:

Some writers write just for the pleasure of putting words on paper. Those people usually write in journals or in notebooks where they can privately read their own works and/or show them to a select few. These people are truly not interested in publication, self or otherwise, are are content to collect their works for themselves.

Some writers write because they have to be read. They want to share what God has given them and seek out places to share their work whether it be on a writing forum and other websites or just printing up their stories and giving them out to whomever God directs. The are the true Sharers and don't really care if anyone steals/borrows/uses their work as they believe God freely gave it and they should freely share it.

Some (a much larger percentage) want to be published and desire to get their works in the hands of as many people as possible. However, they are honest about wanting some monetary return. These people seek out publishers (self and traditional) are concerned with profit (or at least breaking even) and want to have their name and their work in print and don't particularly want to give it away or have it stolen. They are connected to their work as a mother is to a child. And believe it or not . . . God is not against this.

The final group and the largest percentage of the writing population (secular and Christian) are concerned with profits, notoriety, and philanthropy--usually in that order. These people try to make it. Some fail, realizing the road to success is paved with hard work, set-backs and often "failure." Some are truly driven by God and others are driving God . . .

Now, please don't misunderstand me. I'm not saying that a writer who claims to just want to minister and is not concerned with fame and fortune is not sincere!! I believe Christians, like any other part of are walk, are dancing between two worlds (flesh/spirit) and we truly desire to have that mindset. But there is nothing wrong with wanted to make a lucrative career out of writing. The writer's life is no place for pious platitudes--we need to be honest about our own lives as will as those things we write about. If we can't be honest with ourselves about us . . . how can God give us things to write about that require honesty.

Okay . . . so now you can blast me! In truth, I went through the same process about publishing that most writer's have gone through. I had to come to grips with my own desires as the came in conflict with God's desires. Honesty won out and now I can say I want to make a living at writing. I write plenty of stuff I give away, allow people to steal and don't care if I get a by-line. I'm happy to do it because I believe that's what God wants me to do with it. But the stuff I feel God wants me to publish, I'm careful not to just fling it away. God will get it where it needs to be as long as I trust him. And as Keith said, read those links . . . there is a wealth of information, advice, counseling and personal experience in them.

Now back to self-publishing . . . if you truly want to publish your work, buy yourself a comb-binding machine, a laser printer and good quality paper. Design yourself a cover (use good quality stock to print it on) and using one of the great desktop publishing programs out there, make your own book!! You can copyright it at the US copyright office for about $45. With a laser printer you can keep the cost down per page and the paper/cover stock can be purchases on line fairly cheap. All the expenses including the printer and comb binder can be written off. Just get about 10 of your friends to buy copies and then you can prove sales. Oh, you should probably check into getting a business license on the local level which in most states is easy and relatively inexpensive. You'll have to collect and pay local sales tax but that's not hard. You can set up a website and sell your books over the 'net--a sorta POD set up printing only what needs to be sold or just downloaded for a fee.

There, that's a lot of work, but it will save you a bundle and honestly, not much more salesmanship than the vanity publishers.

OR

work hard, submit your proposal to agents and publishers and see what happens.


Amen...Dr. Rita! POD if you have the talent and are publishing savy is a great way to go. At least until a traditional publishing company is willing to take you and your work.

Debtfree!thumbsup!

[DianaLee4JC]

This not-so veiled attack upon my character was totally unnecessary.

[Debtfree]

This not-so veiled attack upon my character was totally unnecessary.

What???

No one is attacking your character. I merely made a factual observation regarding the publishing industry and self-publish!

My comments had nothing to do with you...its not always about you!!!


Debtfree:confused:

[DianaLee4JC]

Perhaps statements like this one...

What are you talking about???

...and your emphasis of words like "strong backbone" might have had something to do with it.

[Debtfree]

Perhaps statements like this one...

...and your emphasis of words like "strong backbone" might have had something to do with it.

It's called work!

Having a strong backbone is important for anyone in the publishing industry.

It takes a lot of determination and heart to publish especially to self-publish.

My comments were made in general to anyone who wants to be successful in publishing. If one does not totally believe in their writing they will give up long before they are successful...again your were not in mind when I wrote that...It was not and is not about you!

Generalizations are always faulty!

Debtfree

[DianaLee4JC]

People who go the traditional publishing route work extremely hard. There's nothing fun about having your work rejected. There's nothing easy about writing query letters and proposals, walking around writer's conferences hoping to make a contact...

Debtfree, you entered this thread with an argumentative attitude. I don't think you should be surprised that someone took offence. No, it isn't about me. It's about discussing these things in a cordial manner. So let's keep the conversation civil and remember that we're supposed to be about Christ, not about attacking each other.

And for the record, I did not say that self-published work was "always... of poor quality."

[wgjones3]

Perhaps you are unaware of this...Stephen King has been self-publishing his books for the last number of years.

Wrong, unless King purchased Simon & Schuster in secret and somehow kept the fact from the rest of the known universe...

Lisey's Story (http://www.amazon.com/Liseys-Story-Stephen-King/dp/0743289412) by Stephen King
Publisher: (October 24, 2006)

[url=http://www.amazon.com/Cell-Novel-Stephen-King/dp/0743292332]Cell: A Novel (http://www.simonsays.com/content/search_summary.cfm?string=Lisey%27s+Story&x=0&y=0[/url) by Stephen King
Publisher: Scribner (http://www.simonsays.com/content/search_summary.cfm?string=Cell&x=0&y=0) (January 24, 2006)

Stationary Bike (http://www.amazon.com/Stationary-Bike-Stephen-King/dp/0743555619) [AUDIOBOOK] by Stephen King, Ron McLarty (Narrator)
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio (http://www.simonsays.com/content/search_summary.cfm?string=Stationary+Bike&x=0&y=0); Unabridged edition (June 6, 2006)


The Colorado Kid (http://www.amazon.com/Colorado-Kid-Hard-Case-Crime/dp/0843955848/sr=8-6/qid=1167498308/ref=pd_bbs_6/002-0693570-1634426?ie=UTF8&s=books) by Stephen King
Publisher: Hard Case Crime (http://www.hardcasecrime.com/books_bios.cgi?entry=bk13) (October 4, 2005)

The Dark Tower (http://www.amazon.com/Dark-Tower-Book/dp/1880418622/ref=ed_oe_h/002-0693570-1634426) by Stephen King, Michael Whelan (Illustrator)
Publisher: Donald M. Grant/Scribner (http://www.simonsays.com/content/search_summary.cfm?string=Dark+Tower+VII&x=0&y=0); (September 21, 2004)

[Debtfree]

People who go the traditional publishing route work extremely hard. There's nothing fun about having your work rejected. There's nothing easy about writing query letters and proposals, walking around writer's conferences hoping to make a contact...

Debtfree, you entered this thread with an argumentative attitude. I don't think you should be surprised that someone took offense. No, it isn't about me. It's about discussing these things in a cordial manner. So let's keep the conversation civil and remember that we're supposed to be about Christ, not about attacking each other.

And for the record, I did not say that self-published work was "always... of poor quality."

DianaLee,

I never attack you or anyone else for that matter.

I did, however, oppose your line of reasoning, because it is faulty to assume that those who self-publish write poorly or are substandard because traditional mainstream publishing has not embraced their writing.

It is arrogant for anyone to assume that a self-published author is inferior to a traditionally published author.

If you took offense to my comments I apologize for this...

I was merely trying to encourage the starter of this thread to not allow herself to give up simply because she has not found a traditional publisher.

Many authors write for years before they get their first break. Does that mean they are poor writers...I think not!

Your comments regarding this seem to give that feeling. No one should allow themselves to give up on a career in writing just because they get a few rejection letters. We all have gotten them!

Perhaps I should not have quoted your post? On the other hand, your post did make generalizations regarding self-published authors being inferior...

Anyway, let's just end it with that!

Debtfree:D

[Debtfree]

Wrong, unless King purchased Simon & Schuster in secret and somehow kept the fact from the rest of the known universe...

Lisey's Story (http://www.amazon.com/Liseys-Story-Stephen-King/dp/0743289412) by Stephen King
Publisher: (October 24, 2006)

[url=http://www.amazon.com/Cell-Novel-Stephen-King/dp/0743292332]Cell: A Novel (http://www.simonsays.com/content/search_summary.cfm?string=Lisey%27s+Story&x=0&y=0[/url) by Stephen King
Publisher: Scribner (http://www.simonsays.com/content/search_summary.cfm?string=Cell&x=0&y=0) (January 24, 2006)

Stationary Bike (http://www.amazon.com/Stationary-Bike-Stephen-King/dp/0743555619) [AUDIOBOOK] by Stephen King, Ron McLarty (Narrator)
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio (http://www.simonsays.com/content/search_summary.cfm?string=Stationary+Bike&x=0&y=0); Unabridged edition (June 6, 2006)


The Colorado Kid (http://www.amazon.com/Colorado-Kid-Hard-Case-Crime/dp/0843955848/sr=8-6/qid=1167498308/ref=pd_bbs_6/002-0693570-1634426?ie=UTF8&s=books) by Stephen King
Publisher: Hard Case Crime (http://www.hardcasecrime.com/books_bios.cgi?entry=bk13) (October 4, 2005)

The Dark Tower (http://www.amazon.com/Dark-Tower-Book/dp/1880418622/ref=ed_oe_h/002-0693570-1634426) by Stephen King, Michael Whelan (Illustrator)
Publisher: Donald M. Grant/Scribner (http://www.simonsays.com/content/search_summary.cfm?string=Dark+Tower+VII&x=0&y=0); (September 21, 2004)

If memory serves me correctly...60 minutes did a story on his self-publishing around a year ago. If he has stopped I have not heard about. I am not a reader of Stephen King so I could not say who he is publishing with at this present date.

Research it and I know you will find that this is or was true.

Debtfree

[tlm]

I may have shared this story before, but, I think it works for this thread.

I interviewed a local family after seeing them on a variety of TV news interviews. I was very touched by the grace in which they were dealing with a family tragedy. The original interview was for a magazine story. Yet as I talked to them, I thought that there was a book's worth of information that might encourage others in the same situation. I contacted several Christian publishers, but was rejected for the same reason each time--this was a compelling story--but of local interest.

This family needed a boost and I considered that if the book was set on something like Cafepress, they could sell the book themselves when visiting at local churches or fund raisers. The money they might make could be used to offset some of their medical expenses.

Someone posted something about whether writers write for the money. I do, but in this case I didn't. I did get paid for the magazine article, and I will ask for e-book rights (to try to offset the copyright fee) but all I expect to get from the actual book is a little local name recognition. Who knows, that might lead to something else for me, down the road!

[Debtfree]

Wrong, unless King purchased Simon & Schuster in secret and somehow kept the fact from the rest of the known universe...

Lisey's Story (http://www.amazon.com/Liseys-Story-Stephen-King/dp/0743289412) by Stephen King
Publisher: (October 24, 2006)

[url=http://www.amazon.com/Cell-Novel-Stephen-King/dp/0743292332]Cell: A Novel (http://www.simonsays.com/content/search_summary.cfm?string=Lisey%27s+Story&x=0&y=0[/url) by Stephen King
Publisher: Scribner (http://www.simonsays.com/content/search_summary.cfm?string=Cell&x=0&y=0) (January 24, 2006)

Stationary Bike (http://www.amazon.com/Stationary-Bike-Stephen-King/dp/0743555619) [AUDIOBOOK] by Stephen King, Ron McLarty (Narrator)
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio (http://www.simonsays.com/content/search_summary.cfm?string=Stationary+Bike&x=0&y=0); Unabridged edition (June 6, 2006)


The Colorado Kid (http://www.amazon.com/Colorado-Kid-Hard-Case-Crime/dp/0843955848/sr=8-6/qid=1167498308/ref=pd_bbs_6/002-0693570-1634426?ie=UTF8&s=books) by Stephen King
Publisher: Hard Case Crime (http://www.hardcasecrime.com/books_bios.cgi?entry=bk13) (October 4, 2005)

The Dark Tower (http://www.amazon.com/Dark-Tower-Book/dp/1880418622/ref=ed_oe_h/002-0693570-1634426) by Stephen King, Michael Whelan (Illustrator)
Publisher: Donald M. Grant/Scribner (http://www.simonsays.com/content/search_summary.cfm?string=Dark+Tower+VII&x=0&y=0); (September 21, 2004)

Here is just one link that I found regarding him with self-publishing. I stand corrected in was from 2000.

http://www.wired.com/news/culture/0,1284,40356,00.html

Debtfree:D

[tlm]

It seems that we all have our own motivations. Let's just lighten up. Believe me, I am looking for a major publisher for my next work, though the one I am just completing will be self-published. No one knows the motivations of another. We should just respect each other.

[Debtfree]

It seems that we all have our own motivations. Let's just lighten up. Believe me, I am looking for a major publisher for my next work, though the one I am just completing will be self-published. No one knows the motivations of another. We should just respect each other.

Bingo!

That in essence was my point! We all have a common goal...to get our message out to as many people as are willing to read it. If we make money in the process than that is a welcomed benefit!

Debtfree!thumbsup!

[Debtfree]

I saw this link on another threaad and I think it bares repeating

http://www.publishersweekly.com/article/CA6401074.html?nid=2287http://www.publishersweekly.com/article/CA6401074.html?nid=2287

Granted it is the acception rather than the rule, but it proves the importance of self-publishing in this industry.

Debtfree!thumbsup!

[Merry]

Hmmmm...Glad this thread settled down.

[Rebecca]

Yes... I appreciate everyone who tried to keep this civilized, but I think this thread has run its course. I'm closing it down for now.

Rebecca