[stylist] Self publishing

[The Crowd]

Are Self-Publishing Companies "Cheating" by Removing the Hurdles to Get Your 
Books Published Faster?

By: Brent Sampson



In spite of growing evidence that self-publishing is poised to replace (or 
at least match) traditional publishing in the future, many conventionally 
published authors (and those striving to become such) still view 
self-publishing with contempt. They feel self-publishing companies and those 
authors who choose to use them are "cheating" somehow. After all, getting a 
book published traditionally has always been "hard work." Those who have 
done it (or long to) perhaps feel as if self-published authors are not 
paying their dues.

But are self-publishing writers really "cheating," or are they simply taking 
advantage of widespread changes taking place throughout the entertainment 
and business worlds?

Why Should the Book Publishing Industry Be Any Different Than The Music and 
Entertainment Worlds?

The same Do-it-Yourself (DIY) fever has swept through the music industry. 
Musicians (talented and otherwise) are no longer waiting for acceptance from 
the "establishment." Instead, they are distributing their music through 
iTunes. They are finding their audiences through Myspace. And, they're 
broadcasting their music videos via YouTube.

It is safe to say the music industry has irrevocably changed. Musicians no 
longer give 95% of their royalties to the "industry" and customers no longer 
buy CDs from brick-and-mortar music stores.

Are these musicians cheating?

No.

They are still paying their dues, but now the invoice comes after their 
music has already become available. They still must market aggressively to 
obtain listeners, but at least they have something to market. The audience 
determines which of those musicians succeed and which of them fail.

This is no different from the self-publishing book industry.

How the D-I-Y Mentality Removes Unnecessary Hurdles

Can you imagine the uproar that would ensue if all that were required to 
start playing for the New York Knicks was writing a check for $1000 to some 
Internet company? Can you imagine the fervor if all that were required to 
obtain a recording contract was standing in line at some reality show 
try-out?

Wait a minute!

That's already happening. Reality television has altered the search for 
"talent" and now, in rare instances, getting "discovered" is no harder than 
filling out an application. Nowadays, instead of submitting audition tapes 
to countless producers, lyricists stand in line for American Idol and face 
the possibility of public humiliation at the hands of Simon and company.

Is this "cheating," per se, or has the do-it-yourself mentality simply 
removed unnecessary hurdles that prevented talent from being discovered 
faster? You see, talent is the one common denominator and talent cannot be 
purchased. Cast members of Survivor have their fifteen minutes of fame and 
then disappear back into the abyss. The try-outs for American Idol feature 
thousands upon thousands of "hopefuls" standing in lines around city blocks 
and yet the main competition is comprised of just a handful. Most had their 
opportunity to shine, and their audience rejected them. But at least they 
received a shot.

How a Self-Publishing Company is Like American Idol for Writers

As a recent New York Times article states, self-publishing companies are 
thriving, and that is because self-publishing companies give writers their 
shot. Their fifteen minutes of fame.

Self-publishing companies are like American Idol for writers. They make it 
easy to publish a book. If "publishing a book" is your dream, you're going 
to be happy with the result. And if your dream is to be successful, famous, 
rich, or a combination of the three, you're going to receive your chance. 
But just like everyone else who is successful, famous, or rich, you are 
going to need to bring something special to the table.

Most reasonable people recognize this. Those who don't may become 
disillusioned, but listen - if it were easy to become a bestselling author, 
a multi-platinum recording artist, a player for the New York Knicks, or a 
highly-sought-after runway model, then everyone would do it.

How Self-Publishing Can Help You Make More Money Fast

See, self-publishing companies shine a light on writers. It is the writer's 
job to shine back. Some authors do, like Gang Chen, who earned more than 
$39,000.00 in royalties from Outskirts Press in the 4th quarter of 2008, and 
nearly that much again in one single month in January 2009.

Did he sell a million copies of his book? No. Is he making a lot of money as 
a self-published author? Yes. By any reasonable benchmark, Gang Chen is a 
successful self-published author who has given specific permission to have 
his successes shared.

Can you achieve this kind of success when you self-publish your book?

Yes! But, you must understand that success is never guaranteed. All writers 
are different just like all contestants on American Idol are different. If 
you are going to self-publish your book, you're better off publishing with a 
company where your chances for success increase. Above all, you have to 
believe in yourself and you have to work hard. Success rarely comes easily 
for anyone, but now, thanks to self-publishing companies like Outskirts 
Press, everyone has an equal chance. They will shine the light on you. What 
you do with that light is up to you.


About the Author:

Brent Sampson, bestselling self-published author of "Sell Your Book on 
Amazon" and "Self-Publishing Simplified," has helped thousands of authors 
realize their dreams of publishing and distributing their books worldwide 
fast with Outskirts Press. Now when you go to 
http://www.outskirtspress.com/ebook you can get TWO FREE EBOOK GUIDES on how 
to self-publish your books the simple, successful way.

__._,_.___

Life is ten percent what you make it and ninety percent how you take it.

Life is short ...forgive quickly, kiss slowly, love truly,
laugh uncontrollably...
and never regret anything that made you smile

"Qui docet, discit."
"He who teaches, learns"

I have learned that people will forget what you said,
people will forget what you did,
but people will never forget how you made them feel.
Maya Angelou