tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-606209712314101104.post9002251247286195896..comments2023-12-26T18:33:04.681-08:00Comments on Writability: Self-Publishing: It’s Not a Backup PlanGabe (Ava Jae)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04778524723148508140noreply@blogger.comBlogger32125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-606209712314101104.post-54141605806533148762013-04-06T06:41:51.030-07:002013-04-06T06:41:51.030-07:00Hello Robert! You're completely right about th...Hello Robert! You're completely right about the extra responsibilities of the self-published author--particularly the discipline, although I would argue that discipline is important regardless of the route you choose, traditional or independent. :)<br /><br /><br />As for the appeal of self-publishing, it certainly exists, you just have to be sure 150% that it's what you want to do before jumping in. If you aren't fully committed, you won't do well, and it'll only hurt you in the long run. <br /><br /><br />Thanks for commenting!Ava Jaehttp://avajae.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-606209712314101104.post-22638034850270860812013-04-04T21:25:38.949-07:002013-04-04T21:25:38.949-07:00I found this really interesting because I have alw...I found this really interesting because I have always wondered about the<br /> appeal of going indie. To me it's one or the other, not one if the <br />other doesn't work out. I know for myself I will pursue traditional <br />publishing, because that's what I've always had in mind. I am way too <br />undisciplined & lacking in book-world savvy to undertake that sort <br />of thing on my own. It would never occur to me to use self-publishing as<br /> a back-up plan; for me, that's not a plan at all! I have utmost respect<br /> for those who are able to make it work, & I salute them heartily! <br />:)<br /><br />-----------------------------------<br /><br /><a href="http://selfbookpublishingtips.com/" rel="nofollow">Self Book Publishing</a>Robert Cubelohttp://twitter.com/robertcubelo999noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-606209712314101104.post-46058241011279983222012-12-23T11:41:22.938-08:002012-12-23T11:41:22.938-08:00A lot of people, especially at first, don't re...A lot of people, especially at first, don't realize that self-publishing isn't an easy route out--it takes a lot of hard work, dedication and investment to be a successful self-published author, and it's a commitment that can't be taken lightly. It's certainly not for everyone, and like you, I absolutely respect those who have chosen to take that path. Whichever way you go, it's not an easy decision!Ava Jaehttp://avajae.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-606209712314101104.post-34036537183319549862012-12-23T11:32:51.826-08:002012-12-23T11:32:51.826-08:00Sounds like self-publishing is definitely the righ...Sounds like self-publishing is definitely the right option for you, then. The amount of control you have with self-publishing is probably tenfold the amount you have with traditional, so since that's important to you, it sounds like it's the way to go. :)Ava Jaehttp://avajae.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-606209712314101104.post-75203326747139645482012-12-18T14:35:23.718-08:002012-12-18T14:35:23.718-08:00You make an interesting point. For about 97% of th...You make an interesting point. For about 97% of the topics I write about, there are always exceptions to the rule, and I think that for the twenty or so percent that you mention, self-publishing could be a consideration. My point here isn't so much to say that you can't self-publish if you tried to publish traditionally, it's that I think we should be cautious and make these sort of decisions carefully and thoughtfully. The fact of the matter is that unfortunately many writers jump into self-publishing too soon. For some it's too soon because they're manuscripts aren't ready (such as the eighty percent that you listed) and for others it's because they weren't prepared to make a full commitment to it yet. When this happens, it's unfortunate because more times than not, their novels are left to quietly fade away online. <br /><br /><br />I suppose I probably didn't explain it as well as I wanted to, because I've had a few people make similar points, but the main thing I'm trying to say is what you started your comment with: self-publishing shouldn't be taken lightly. <br /><br /><br />As for your MG work, I wish you all the best. Considering how well your self-publishing efforts have gone, I don't think you have much to worry about, even if the traditional publishing bit doesn't work out. :)<br /><br /><br />Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Susan!Ava Jaehttp://avajae.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-606209712314101104.post-28789787363396125572012-12-17T18:18:50.457-08:002012-12-17T18:18:50.457-08:00I found this really interesting because I have alw...I found this really interesting because I have always wondered about the appeal of going indie. To me it's one or the other, not one if the other doesn't work out. I know for myself I will pursue traditional publishing, because that's what I've always had in mind. I am way too undisciplined & lacking in book-world savvy to undertake that sort of thing on my own. It would never occur to me to use self-publishing as a back-up plan; for me, that's not a plan at all! I have utmost respect for those who are able to make it work, & I salute them heartily! :)Andi-Roohttp://www.theworld4realz.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-606209712314101104.post-91992043759241861342012-12-17T03:54:58.601-08:002012-12-17T03:54:58.601-08:00No, I've never considered self publishing to b...No, I've never considered self publishing to be a backup plan. I've considered it to be my ONLY plan. I know enough traditionally published authors to have heard the horror stories. I don't want to take whatever cover design they decide on. I want to work with a cover designer to create something that I like. The same goes for editing, proofing, design, etc. I want to pick and choose the people I work with for creating my finished product. I don't want to take what's given to me.Holly Wortonhttp://tribal-hospitality.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-606209712314101104.post-88095294210739672702012-12-16T18:09:19.113-08:002012-12-16T18:09:19.113-08:00Self-publishing shouldn't be taken lightly. An...Self-publishing shouldn't be taken lightly. And I understand the desire to (gently) let people know they're not ready to publish.<br /><br /><i>...if you find that you can’t sell your manuscript through traditional means, there’s likely to be a reason for it.</i><br /><br /><br /><br />The reasons:<br />1) for 80% of the people in the slush pile, it's because their manuscript is not (yet) publishable.<br />2) for 15% of the people in the slush pile, it's because their manuscript isn't what publishers are buying right now<br />3) for 4% of the people in the slush pile (or less), their manuscript is publishable, publishers are interested, but they've already got werewolf/fairie/vampire story just like it already in their queue.<br /><br /><br />The remaining 1% get published because they have a publishable manuscript that publishers think they can sell in very large quantities.<br /><br /><br />So.<br /><br /><br />Self-publishing is a very viable option for the 20% of people in the slush pile with publishable manuscripts. To say to those people, "Don't use self-publishing as a back-up" if they want to try trad-pub first, is essentially telling them to forgo what could be a profitable business that supports their writing, i.e. selling work that's publishable but that NYC happens not to be buying right now. <br /><br /><br />I've been very happy with my self-publishing, and I'll continue to do so, but I also have an MG manuscript that I plan to try to trad-pub (because there are advantages that trad-pub still offers for that market). If it doesn't sell traditionally, I will absolutely self-publish it. There is no reason not to, and many reasons to do it -most importantly, I will be putting my work in the hands of readers who will love it.<br /><br /><br />And that's a good thing. :)Author Susan Kaye Quinnhttp://www.facebook.com/authorsusan.quinnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-606209712314101104.post-71611635682722696912012-12-16T06:50:48.932-08:002012-12-16T06:50:48.932-08:00I couldn't agree with you more, Angela, and ho...I couldn't agree with you more, Angela, and honestly I have nothing to add that wouldn't repeat what you already said.Ava Jaehttp://avajae.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-606209712314101104.post-62054658680264129922012-12-16T06:39:56.143-08:002012-12-16T06:39:56.143-08:00That's a really fantastic way of looking at it...That's a really fantastic way of looking at it, Mark. Our mistakes along the way can prove to be fantastic learning experiences if we view them with the right attitude, and it certainly sounds like you've made the most of your experience. <br /><br /><br />I wish you the best with your book!Ava Jaehttp://avajae.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-606209712314101104.post-87317502519403106502012-12-16T06:38:09.882-08:002012-12-16T06:38:09.882-08:00Thanks! Best of luck with your writing!Thanks! Best of luck with your writing!Ava Jaehttp://avajae.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-606209712314101104.post-20569066556699350772012-12-16T06:37:53.741-08:002012-12-16T06:37:53.741-08:00Thanks, Margaret! I think you have some really int...Thanks, Margaret! I think you have some really interesting thoughts, here. While I do agree with your conclusion that regardless of which path you choose, it requires your full dedication, I'm not sure I would say that <i>everyone</i> who goes indie will try to get traditionally published. While that is the case for many, there are some out there who have on more than one occasion turned down the opportunity to become traditionally published because they believed that continuing to self-publish was a better option for them. By and large, however, I would think that <i>most</i> indie authors would at least consider the option of traditional publishing if they had the opportunity, but I don't think every one of them actively pursues it (as you said, some will try harder than others). <br /><br /><br />That being said, as long as you make a thoughtful, well-informed decision, I don't think there's a wrong choice.Ava Jaehttp://avajae.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-606209712314101104.post-20290057925931564322012-12-15T21:39:44.951-08:002012-12-15T21:39:44.951-08:00Well said. Too many people are impatient to publis...Well said. Too many people are impatient to publish, and they turn to SP. this is a shame, because often the stories are good, the writing might even have some brilliance to it, but because a person was in a rush and didn't wait to develop their writing, the book is a shadow of what it could be. <br /><br />Not saying all SP is bad...I've read some great stuff! Buts some are ready, and some (many) are not. Be patient. Work on your craft. It's your name on the cover, and that should mean a person went above and beyond to make it spectacular. :)<br /><br />AngelaAngela Ackermanhttp://twitter.com/AngelaAckermannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-606209712314101104.post-25962812823991271502012-12-15T12:02:46.569-08:002012-12-15T12:02:46.569-08:00Traditional publishing never even crossed my mind....Traditional publishing never even crossed my mind. I was always going to self-publish. The fact that my 1st book crashed and burned hasn't deterred me at all. I look at it as a rather expensive learning experience. And believe me, I learned a lot. I'm currently working on my 2nd book, and this time I know what mistakes not to make.Mark Oetjenshttp://twitter.com/MarkOetjensnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-606209712314101104.post-39680113276179762502012-12-15T08:04:11.427-08:002012-12-15T08:04:11.427-08:00Good advice, this will be something I'll consi...Good advice, this will be something I'll consider in my plans for my book. Thanks.Bicultural Mamanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-606209712314101104.post-52725469346724286452012-12-15T07:34:07.037-08:002012-12-15T07:34:07.037-08:00I understand your plan and I think your case is a ...I understand your plan and I think your case is a little different from the backup plan I'm referring to. I'm not well-versed in the short story market, but your plan sounds smart, especially as your story is related to another that you've released and developed an audience for and I wish you the best with it. :)Ava Jaehttp://avajae.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-606209712314101104.post-91091311659640702792012-12-15T07:20:18.727-08:002012-12-15T07:20:18.727-08:00Agreed. The good thing about it is that in this ca...Agreed. The good thing about it is that in this case, time works for us, not against us, and just because you may not be ready <i>now</i> doesn't mean you (or your manuscript) never will be.Ava Jaehttp://avajae.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-606209712314101104.post-81441217857255967852012-12-15T07:19:15.726-08:002012-12-15T07:19:15.726-08:00"Your best work matters regardless of which p...<i>"Your best work matters regardless of which publishing route you choose."</i><br /><br /><br />This. This a thousand times.Ava Jaehttp://avajae.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-606209712314101104.post-39831192011347995062012-12-15T07:18:32.274-08:002012-12-15T07:18:32.274-08:00Thanks, Joseph! A lot of people don't realize ...Thanks, Joseph! A lot of people don't realize just how much goes into self-publishing. It's not just uploading your work and sitting back to see what happens--it's editing, formatting, cover art and endless marketing, then doing it all over again. Going indie is a huge commitment and it's a decision that you have to make while well-informed. <br /><br /><br />On another note, I'm glad to hear that you've been enjoying your experience as an indie author. :)Ava Jaehttp://avajae.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-606209712314101104.post-60594772535932657292012-12-14T14:22:26.921-08:002012-12-14T14:22:26.921-08:00I think preparing a manuscript for publication in ...I think preparing a manuscript for publication in either format takes a huge amount of dedication and time. A lot of factors can affect whether you're chosen to be traditionally published, but that shouldn't stop you from fulfilling your dream. The fact is, anyone who decides to go indie is going to at least *try* to get traditionally published. Some will try harder than others. Obviously, if they don't succeed, they'll stick to self-publishing. So long as you know what you're in for and are willing to put in the work to get it to where it's material someone would pay money to read, I don't see why they shouldn't go for it. No, it's not a backup plan, but it's true that all self-published folks try to get into the big houses. It's the marketing that's the issue there. With the big guns, they have a much greater shot at selling their novel. I'm not sure if anyone can actually decide that your novel isn't ready to be published, so long as you've gone through it with an editor and beta readers. People have different tastes. But I agree that either way it needs your full dedication. Good post, Ava :)Margaret Alexanderhttp://twitter.com/markedforpowernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-606209712314101104.post-38438933087017286952012-12-14T13:53:33.241-08:002012-12-14T13:53:33.241-08:00I'd think it depends on what you mean by "...I'd think it depends on what you mean by "backup plan".<br /><br />I have a short story that's finishing up a good year of going around to pro markets. No bites, so far, and if none come soon, I'll be self-publishing it. It's related to another story I've already released, and some fans have already told me they very much like that first story.<br /><br /><br />That could be called a backup plan, but it's an inherent part of my business plan.<br /><br /><br />So in that way, I don't have an issue with self-publishing being a backup plan.Carradeehttp://mistiwolanski.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-606209712314101104.post-49106999410398563572012-12-14T11:03:44.186-08:002012-12-14T11:03:44.186-08:00True words. It's not easy to admit you're ...True words. It's not easy to admit you're not ready yet (been there, done that, multiple times). But even though the truth hurts, it's the lying about it that will kill your spirit.Irenenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-606209712314101104.post-2287263927336260332012-12-14T10:39:39.703-08:002012-12-14T10:39:39.703-08:00I stop reading 90% of the self-published novels I ...I stop reading 90% of the self-published novels I start because of poor editing. Spelling and grammar matter. When the first sentence is cliche and "had" appears six times in the first three-sentence paragraph (no exaggeration) I put the book down. Your best work matters regardless of which publishing route you choose.OutdoorWomannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-606209712314101104.post-47345846533063616302012-12-14T09:31:24.822-08:002012-12-14T09:31:24.822-08:00I always love your posts, Ava. (I just don't c...I always love your posts, Ava. (I just don't comment on them enough.)<br /><br />It's so true. I've also heard some people say that if they can't find a traditional publisher that they will self-publish, and all I can do is roll my eyes at it.<br /><br /><br /><br />Alivia also makes a great point. Being an indie author is harder than people think, as there is so much work that needs to go into it. Cover art, editing, promotion, etc.<br /><br /><br />But I'm glad that I chose to go indie from the off.Joseph Eastwoodnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-606209712314101104.post-84544991464440044762012-12-14T07:56:30.536-08:002012-12-14T07:56:30.536-08:00Whatever choice you make--traditional or independe...Whatever choice you make--traditional or independent--it's absolutely essential that you are informed. The last thing you want is to be knee-deep in either process only to find that it's not what you thought it was because you weren't well informed before diving in.Ava Jaehttp://avajae.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.com