So you’ve written a book? Now what? The natural next step is to think about publishing. Should you self-publish or go the traditional publishing route? This very much depends on what your goal is for writing your book & what kind of person you are.
Although I am not nearly finished my book, the question of how I would publish my book as been uppermost in my mind for quite some time.
I have wanted to be an author since I was a young girl. When I first started thinking about publishing a book, the only option available to me was traditional publishing which meant getting an agent who would then try to sell my book to the big publishing houses. The process could take years before I even knew if my book would be accepted. However, I would be helped through the process by a team of professionals whose sole job is to make books their best before they are offered to the public.
But now I have another option: I could self-publish my book. It would take less time & my book could be out in a matter of months from when I finish it. But if I self-publish, I will be solely responsible for what my book looks like – the font, the front cover, the back cover plus all the printing & publicity, editing, marketing, promoting & the costs.
If you’ve asked yourself these types of questions, help is on the way! Rachelle Gardner (an agent for Books & Such Literary Agency) has written a great guide to help you make up your mind on which way to publish is the right way for you. There were so many points to take into consideration plus charts & questionnaires to help me decide. There were many things I had never thought of until I read this book. I feel like I understand the publishing industry so much better after reading just one book.
The e-book is available now on Amazon by clicking HERE. It will soon be available on Barnes & Noble online, iBooks, Kobo, Sony and other sites as well. Rachelle also has a great blog where she discusses issues pertinent to writers which I have been following for quite some time. It’s great to have an insider’s perspective on what is happening in the publishing industry. She offers many helpful tips like how to write a query letter, etc. You can connect with her on Twitter (@RachelleGardner) or on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/agent.rachelle)
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book for an honest review.
Jan 24, 2013 @ 18:41:47
Hmm, a book published about publishing your book. Sounds kinda like Ponzi scheme…..
Don’t suppose you’d need help with layout or proof-reading. You know, from somebody you wouldn’t have to pay, ’cause he doesn’t work…..
Jan 24, 2013 @ 22:51:42
When I get to that point I may take you up on your offer of help John, especially with layout. Having worked for the Winnipeg Free Press for almost 10 years I’m pretty darn good at proof reading myself, but it’s always helpful when someone else makes a pass!
Jan 24, 2013 @ 19:47:09
I’m so confused about it. If I self publish, I’m spared a shoebox full of rejection slips…and depression…and ice cream…and wine…on the other hand, there’s no PR or marketing campaign or TV shows unless I self-book appearances at the local stop n shop. I’ll think about it! I follow Gardiner, too.
Jan 24, 2013 @ 22:52:42
Did you get in on the group promotion?
Jan 25, 2013 @ 12:19:11
No, I don’t think so. I’m all backed up on reading emails and everything while hubs is here. He’s a full time job for realz. I can only snatch little bits of time to write and get online.
Jan 25, 2013 @ 09:40:39
Congrats for getting to the point where that’s a relevant question!
Jan 25, 2013 @ 10:43:15
Oh, I am still a ways away from this point! But this has been on my mind every since I started thinking about writing a book. And it’s been on my mind even more with all the self-publishing going on. What about you?
Jan 25, 2013 @ 17:18:37
If you choose a company like Booklocker (as I did), you can pay a little extra for a professionally-designed cover…and they provide lots of helpful tips on marketing. Self-publishing has come a long way!
Jan 25, 2013 @ 23:12:04
Thanks for the update Mark! Rachelle gives a pretty balanced look at both types of publishing, but as far as individual self-publishers offerings it would have been too difficult.
Jan 25, 2013 @ 23:14:01
Sorry Mark – in round figures can you give me an idea of what you paid to have your book published? Did you have print copies as well as e-copies? If you want send the answer to my email – it won’t go any farther than me.
Jan 26, 2013 @ 07:01:28
Good luck on the path you choose.
Jan 26, 2013 @ 14:57:24
After reading this book, I now know I would go the traditional publishing route since it suits my personality & style best.
Jan 27, 2013 @ 13:22:43
Publishing is changing and some self-published books have been a huge success. But I would still rather have a traditional publisher, if at all possible
Jan 27, 2013 @ 17:46:57
After reading the book, I knew traditional was the way for me – all the way! But if I did need to go self-published, I would have a better idea of how to do it better now!
Jan 29, 2013 @ 17:37:36
Good post, Lynda. You’ve got lots of useful information here, with a source for a lot more, and I’m glad that I read this. I’m impressed that you are writing a book, and I’m wishing you success, whether via self publishing or traditional publishing.
Jan 29, 2013 @ 17:56:13
Thanks Chris, haven’t heard from you for quite a while because I am not your audience for your new blog. Hope you keep up with your regular blog every once in a while.
Feb 17, 2013 @ 10:01:55
Thanks for the tips! I have been thinking about the same question, although I’m not really “there” yet, either. I will definitely get the book you’ve recommended!
And good luck with your book and your publishing efforts!
Feb 17, 2013 @ 22:43:10
Hope you enjoy the book, it will help you decide the route you’d like to go in publishing. It’s not too soon to read it, so you can start to prepare.