Publishing Co. or Self-Publishing?

[CynanMachae]

I was wondering if anyone had any opinions on which is better, because I've heard arguments both ways.

For first time aspiring authors, do you think self-publishing is a better choice than going with a publishing company?

There's a few people at my church who are associated with a printing and marketing company for self-publishers. Just wondering if that might be something I should avoid or go for.

[Danath]

I've heard from authors who have self-published that they wish they hadn't. However, you run the risk of not getting published at all that way.

[Paladin]

Doesn't seem to me that the publishing industry works QUITE like the music industry. I don't of any indie authors have hit similar success comparable to the White Stripes or other indie musicians.

[Treskillard]

This is a tough one because it depends on the quality and content of the book.

Three Situations:

(A) The book is not up to quality to be published. In this case, work on your writing craft and don't do anything until you get there. For many, and this may end up true for me as well, it is *not* the first book you write that gets published, but like your fourth or seventh. It can take that long to develop a voice.

(B) The book *IS* up to quality, but publishers aren't biting because the book is out of the ordinary. This is like "THE SHACK". No one would touch it, but in self-publishing, it took off and *then* publishers bit.

(C) The book *IS* up to quality ... so be patient until you get an agent and/or a publisher.

Basically, it is only recommended to self-publish in (B). But how can you know? That's the real question.

Personally, I like Austin Boyd's approach to getting published, which I blogged about here.

All the best to you, Cynan!

[Treskillard]

And here's another approach ... not just self-publishing with Print on Demand (POD), but rather start your own serious publishing company, like Scott Appleton is doing.

And he's not just going to publish his book as is. He's hiring two or more top-notch editors to help get it in shape. Really putting his money on the table.

And every single publisher started this way ... small. But it can be done!

Here's the link to his blog --- The Flaming Pen.

[karenee]

From my research, Treskillard is right about the choices.

Self-publishing is really risky because many of the companies which do this give a false impression of their ability to market your work. If you're going to do it, you're basically running your own business, with your writing as the product.

[Tegid]

The advice I've heard for aspiring authors who want to be picked up by publishers is this:

Go to Writers' Conferences. That's where the acquisitions editors go to find their new clients; that's where new writers are most likely to get noticed. From the publishers' point of view, these are the people who are serious about investing in their craft, subjecting their work to the scrutiny it needs, and submitting to whatever change they need in order to improve and grow. These writers are far more likely than the walk-ins to gain the ear of a publisher.

Also, publishers want to see finished works from new clients. Established authors with a published track record might not need this to get a contract, but the rest of us do. Not just an idea, no matter how detailed the outline. Not just half a manuscript. There are quillions of ideas out there, and almost as many half-written books that the author never finishes. Publishers are looking for writers that can prove by a completed work in hand, that they've got the perseverance to deliver.

[Treskillard]

I just got back from the ACFW conference ( www.acfw.com ), and met with two agents, while my daughter met with three. I have one request for a proposal, and my daughter has two.

The problem is that my writing is not up to snuff. That became clear when I met with Jeff Gerke (of www.MarcherLordPress.com ) for a critique of my first two chapters. I needed minor tuning on my prologue (already done), but the introduction of my main character needs complete revamping.

Not only will I be rewriting before submitting, but I am also considering paying for professional editing. If I am serious about this, then I need to make sure that my best manuscript is put forward.

I wrote more about this on my blog.

[ddddyyyy]

I agree with CynanMachae







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