Okay, but remember you asked for it.
I'm afraid that I'm one of those authors who is embracing self-publishing, but with a few important caveats. I had the dreadful misfortune of giving my first novel over to a scam POD publisher (got a lawyer and got it back though), and the lesser misfortune of signing my second book with a brand new tiny start-up publishing house (eventually got remaindered--that's what ya get only having the second book in a series commercially available). So, I "wised up" as most would say, scouted out for agents (had three top agents reject me with reluctance, telling me how super talented I was, but the the timing wasn't right for me--I'm assuming they meant marketing-wise), had a kindly friend (from here) put in a good word for me at the top publisher of my genre and this publisher has had my book for almost three years now without a word (even after polite inquiries). Someone else refered me to their agent--got a rejection from some assistent(the agent never even got to read my query). So, I decided to take my marbles home...
I don't take kindly to authority, I much prefer to be the master of my own destiny. And besides there are advantages to keeping all the profits from a venture.
I've decided to self-publish...kind of. But here's the difference between what your talking about: I started my own publishing company (an LLC), I have partners and investors. I have degrees in Economics and Business Management, over twenty years of business experience, three years of those running a moderately sized small business. I spent more than a year as the marketing director for a publishing company, and turned them from a new no-name POD into a respected commercial publisher, getting bookstore placements, and major reviews. I have tons of industry and media connections.
The first book we're publishing is my first novel, completely revised with an introduction by someone who is literally a comic book legend and a famous science fiction/fantasy author. Editing? I've got the former chief editor of a small publishing company who's also the head of the creative writing department of a North Carolina university. Cover Art? I've got a famous artist who's been working for the biggies since the 80's. Distribution? I've got a likely go from a major book distributor (obviously they want to see the final product before they committ--can't blame them). Marketing? I've got good connections in local bookstores in the Philadelphia area, I've got a Hollywood film editor (and owner of his own production company) working on a viral marketing campaign for me. I've got great connections in the review media, I've done literally hundreds of interviews online, in newpapers, in magazines, on radio stations across North America, and local, regional, and national television. My first novel's subject matter parrallels my own personal story, so I have a strong platform for marketing. My books have recieved numerous strong reviews and award nods. Have have a few thousand dollars budgeted for ads and whatnot.
My friends at Publishers Weekly (yeah, I have those) tell that this new, completely revised edition with the introduction isn't technically a reprint, so I have that going for me.
I have help. I have experience. I have tons of money (not just mine) riding on this. And you know what? I know I'm still taking a hell of a chance. We have to pretty much sell out our first print run of 2,000 books just to start making any real money. It's risky. All new businesses are.
So, If I have all of that going for me, and I'm playing this very conservatively and cautiously, and I'm realisticly concerned... what chances do you have at self-publishing?
And, BTW, POD's just can't make real money, because their model just doesn't allow it--high production costs, low production values, no distribution. If you want to be read or make any money writing it's a no brainer, IMHO.
Don't forget, you get one debut novel, just one....
Hope this helps.
