McAnally's (The Community Pub) > Author Craft

You've finished your Manuscript! It's Ready to be Seen by the World! Do you?...

<< < (2/3) > >>

Aminar:
Personally Self Publishing seems like taking the easy way out, it doesn't feel as good nor does it speak to your confidence in you work. 

LizW65:
I would have voted for the first two, but that wasn't an option.

meg_evonne:
Let's not assume that not being picked up.means your work isn't good enough.
The mind set to market, the ability to 'sell' yourself and your work, your finances to get face to face at conferences, and other factors play into.this as well.  What I do know is that.deciding to.self publish is a huge step.  You are financially.placing your.own.funds at risk. You are also your only resource--so you will market, distribute, cart books, probably still need to pay workshop fees etc to get your work out.  Is that why you chose to write?

I.ditto.the editor step, but make sure they are professional grade. Editing isn't grammar checker.i

trboturtle:

--- Quote from: Mishell on September 24, 2011, 05:34:45 PM ---I'm an old-fashioned sort; I won't be self-publishing.  I believe in division of labor (it's what pulled us out of the stone age after all!).  I believe that people train and work hard to become agents, publishers, editors, etc., and that they have specialized skills and knowledge and deserve their pay.  I also don't try to sell my own house, cut my own hair, fix my own car.  I'm just that kind of person.  I want to do what I do best (write) and leave the publicity to publicists, the design to designers, etc.

If a publisher doesn't pick up my book, I'll just assume it's not a good fit for today's marketplace, and write another, and try again.  It's not so important that My Words Get Out There that I am willing to forgo the security of a second and third opinion on their quality.

That said, at some point in the future when I'm flush with cash, I may self-publish some self-help stuff that I don't want to make money on and just want to share with family/friends.  Personal experiences etc., life lessons learned, stuff most people wouldn't care about but would still be nice to have in an attractive package.

--- End quote ---

But the problem is, these days, the division of labor is uneven. Contacts, which use to be strightforward have suddenly become landmines. How would you like paying an agent 15% even after you've ended the business relationship? Or give up ALL oversea rights to your work, or your entire backlist?

If you get a contract, have a lawyer with IP background go over with a fine tooth comb. The money spent will be worth it.

Both agents and publishers are scrambling to make money and its the writer who is getting the short end of the stick. Publishers are underreporting their Ebook sales. Agents are becoming publishers, blurring the line between the two.

Don't be blind on this. This isn't the same field as it was ten yers ago. Be careful.

Craig

Aminar:
I remember hearing from Pat Rothfuss that there was a sight where individuals that took advantage of authors were reported for other writer's future reference, does anybody know what that might be?

Navigation

[0] Message Index

[#] Next page

[*] Previous page