[stylist] Self publishing, Book Share etc

[Jacqueline Williams]

Phyllis,
Very interesting and informative. My mother self-published nine books with
my help, before she died. She was a well-known poet in Arizona and was
nominated for poet laureate which was then not funded by the state. While
about half of the books sold, I am left with about five of the titles that
did not. I felt the lesson was never to self-publish. However, as you so
well point out, times have changed, and you make a good case for it. Also,
you have a willingness to try both. I mostly send to contests, always
hopeful, but so far, no results.
Good luck.
Jackie

-----Original Message-----
From: stylist [mailto:stylist-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of P. Campbell
Sent: Monday, December 31, 2012 4:17 AM
To: Writer's Division Mailing List
Subject: [stylist] Self publishing, Book Share etc

Good Morning all,

Self publishing has changed I could almost say dramatically with the growing
popularity of the ebook.  Years ago there was definitely a stigma attached
to self publishing through the so-called vanity presses.  It had its place
especially for specialized topics that would never be picked up by the
conventional publishers.  After all, they, too, are in the business of
making money, and couldn't afford to go to the expense of publishing and
marketing a title that would appeal to a small readership.

Sad to say that in those days a self published book in one's list of writing
credits often turned publishers and/or editors off, unless again, it was a
special interest title.  Also the writer was required to put out a lot of
money, and then often found her/himself with hundreds of books to somehow
sell or give away.

This has changed with the coming of the ebook market, giving the unpublished
writer an opportunity to put their work out there without mortgaging one's
home, and without filling said home with books.  

Would I, personally, put out a lot of money just to say I've sold a book?
No, but if one has the money, and publishing means that much, go for it.
Would I put out a bit of money for services such as cover design that I
can't do myself?  Yes.

So here are the advantages of the ebook, at least for me.  They appear on
the market long before one becomes senile, or one's heirs will enjoy the
royalties.  Royalties are much higher than with conventional publishers that
may pay an advance.  The book will sink or swim on its own merit, not the
whim or personal preference of editors.

For me the greatest disadvantage has been that I must furnish all of the
publicity where the regular publishers do this.  I admit freely that I have
difficulty promoting myself, and that at present with my husband's illness I
lack the time and the energy.


Would I publish another ebook?  Yes.  Will I abandon the regular publishers?
No.  I'm working on a book now, and will send out queries.

The bottom line.  Do your research, and then decide what best suits you,
your book and your goals.

Phyllis  
_______________________________________________
Writers Division web site
http://www.writers-division.net/
stylist mailing list
stylist at nfbnet.org
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/stylist_nfbnet.org
To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
stylist:
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/stylist_nfbnet.org/jackieleepoet%40cox.net