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Pink Think: "Yeah, now we publish whenever we feel like it." - Glenn Danzig
photo by zole4 / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
At some point this summer, I thought I would at least look into what it takes to self-publish. I bought two books on self-publishing, read them and decided to stick to trying to get an agent first.
There are some writers out there that make self-publishing sound easy, but in reading between the lines, I am intimidated by (1) the cost of formatting the manuscript for e-readers and (2) the technicalities of publishing. Not to mention I cannot say with 100 per cent confidence that my manuscripts are the best they can be.
I started revising one of my novels lately, and each chapter has changed dramatically from my second draft. It's a lot of work, but I feel like I am stripping it of superficial layers and getting to the meat of my story. At least I have a framework to work with. I know my plot for the most part (looking ahead, some details will change dramatically).
When I feel like it's in its best possible shape, I'm going to re-weigh my options then.
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Have YOU looked into self-publishing? Or have self-published? Why or why not? What was your experience like? Do share.
Friday, August 12, 2011
To Self-Publish Or Not
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7 comments:
Have you queried agents or editors yet? I'm thinking you have, but I'd not give up on that route just yet.
However, I do know a few writers who have self published and are completely satisfied.
My entire blog was originally created to explore my (mis)adventures in self-publishing.
Condensed version is this: For the time being self-pubbing isn't for me. Once I can get myself somewhat more etablished, then I'll consider dipping my toes back into the self-pubbing waters.
However, I will say that there some etablished writers who have gone the self-pubbing route this year and are having good success with it.
If you check out the blogs by Travis Erwin, Charles Gramlich and David Cranmer, you can get a basic idea on what it takes to have a successful self-pubbed product.
One thing I'd have to say is that man, all writer's have to self-promote, but self-pubbing I'd think it'd be even more than traditional publishing for obvious reasons. The thought of having to do literally everything on my own scares the heck out of me.
Id like to invite you folks to come to Amish Stories for a recipe for "Famous Pennsylvania Dutch Sticky Cinnamon Buns" along with a book signing schedule for Amish fiction writer Wanda Brunstetter for Pennsylvania and Ohio as well as a contest to meet her. I hope everyone so far is having a great weekend. Thanks everyone. Richard from Amish Stories.
I haven't, but I do know one thing--you have to know it's the right thing for you.
KM: I'm not quite done querying agents. Will finish revisions on one of my mss and see what happens. PS Congrats on being mentioned in this month's issue of the Writer's Digest!!
G: Thanks for suggesting the blogs. Will have to check them out!
Colby: I agree, promotion would be key.
Shari: Exactly!
I have to say that I am going the self-publishing route, but.... I am using CreateSpace, which only does the distribution (if that is the only thing you need)
However, that being said I was able to go with a program with their serivces for a Kindle edition, so that was something to consider.
One recommendation? Have it edited, but edited by a couple of people, and ones who are looking at the book and not at keeping your feelings intact.
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