Yet another self-publishing thread...

Christyp · Jan 30, 2012

My first book was originally picked up by an agent, and after three months of her "email not working", never receiving the contract, the final notes on the manuscript, nor my author questionaire, I chose to self-publish and listed the book for $.99. I sold over 300 copies of the book worldwide, and when I finished my second book, I chose to take it down while I queried the new book.

Here's my conundrum...I want this book out, like, NOW! I know I should be patient, but I kind of feel like I focus so much attention on querying, rewriting the query, then querying again that I don't write anything new. I contemplating self-publishing this book and focusing all my energy I originally spent begging for representation on marketing this book.

I've seen a lot of conversations, links, articles, books, etc on the art of self-publishing, yet I'm still a little apprehensive because of the massive number of SPs out there.

Please, oh wise people, give me your heartfelt advice. I know some say you should never write for money, but frankly, with all the time and energy we spend on our craft, it would be a little silly to not want to get paid for our work. Yes, I write because I love it, but I don't put the rest of my life on hold for that reason. I spend so much of every day on the written word I'm tempted to start charging my husband per word. (That was a joke, btw)

MarkEsq · Jan 30, 2012

If you want a simple answer, I'd start by asking yourself this:

Were you happy with worldwide sales of 300 on the first one?

If not, then don't self-publish because chances are, that's how many you'll sell.

(This response assumes correct use of SP v. EP terminology.)

ChaosTitan · Jan 30, 2012

We can't really help you until you ask yourself what YOU want, and Mark's question was a good one. You initially had an agent, so it sounds as though you want the NYC route. If you do, you absolutely must learn patience. This is a slow moving industry at times. If an agent and a trade deal is what you want, then go for it.

If all you want is a digital book showing up in the Kindle store for .99 because you want it out NOW!, go that route.

And check out the self-publishing forum here on AW, where people struggle with these decisions all the time. You may find some helpful and relevant threads there.

gothicangel · Jan 30, 2012

Talking of self-publishing, I had a very odd experience on Saturday. I decided to pop into Waterstone's because I wanted a copy of The 39 Steps. As I headed towards the tills, I was stopped by a very nice man, who then started giving me the sales pitch of his novel. It sounded vaguely interesting, and out of pity I bought the book.

When I got back to the car, I thought is that what publishers call a book event these days? I checked the imprint and found it was published by a 'self-publishing' company. Then it made sense.

It was at that moment I knew I would not self publish. I'm a writer not a salesman. I have no problem doing a certain amount of publicity, but I'm not prepared to do the whole sales spiel.

CaoPaux · Jan 30, 2012

Moved from Roundtable to Self-Publishing.

BrianKittrell · Jan 30, 2012

Self-publishing is faster, yes, but it's not the ticket to easy street. By bypassing traditional publishing, you're making a decision to own every aspect of your own business. Some people aren't ready for that and need the hand-holding of a traditional publisher. People who self-publish either 1) don't need/want a traditional publisher or 2) can't get accepted to a traditional publisher.

Yes, most self-pub books don't sell very many copies. Some of that is due to unhealthy expectations of success or an unwillingness to do the parts you might not like (like trying to promote and sell the thing).

Can you make money doing it? Why, certainly. I've made thousands of dollars, and I'm a nobody. The key is commitment to quality, reasonable expectations, and working your tail off in every department. You don't have to be the ultimate, absolute best to self-publish, just like you don't have to be to go with a traditional publisher, but you'll be responsible for every aspect as a self-pub.

For those not wanting to be a salesman, publishing--in general--may not be your cup of tea. Even traditionally published authors have to do a lot more promotion than they would ever want; advertising budgets for new authors are dwindling smaller and smaller.

Kriven · Jan 30, 2012

Why would you refer to going the "traditional" route as having your hand held? No route is better or worse, or more mature or highbrow or anything. I don't understand why you would make it sound like traditionally published authors aren't up to your level of experience or something.

BrianKittrell · Jan 30, 2012

I never said it was more mature or highbrow, and both ways have their pros and cons. I simply said "hand-holding" because the traditional publisher does everything except write the book and the author side of promotion. Self-publishers do everything with the exclusion of a couple of things, like distribution.

The end result of both is a printed book available through retailers. You can even get your self-pub book in bookstores if you try hard enough.

juniper · Jan 30, 2012

Christyp said:
Please, oh wise people, give me your heartfelt advice.

I'm not one of the wise people but my heartfelt advice is to read this thread started by Anne back in August, about her experiences along the way with her first self-pub novel. A lot of great advice and info in there, from many people and angles.

http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=221874

merrihiatt · Jan 30, 2012

Did you sell 300 paperback or e-books? Is the rush because you want to see money right now? Frankly, there are easier jobs that pay better. As others have said, and you already know since you've previously self-pubbed, there is a lot of work involved and you may be stronger in one area (writing) than in another (publicity). There's nothing wrong with wanting to make money, I just think reasonable expectations can helpful when you're trying to make a decision. Good luck!

Yet another self-publishing thread...

Christyp

Lizard Lady

MarkEsq

Clever title pending.

ChaosTitan

Around

gothicangel

Toughen up.

CaoPaux

Mostly Harmless

BrianKittrell

Writer

Kriven

BrianKittrell

Writer

juniper

Always curious.

merrihiatt

Writing! Writing! Writing!