[stylist] Self Publishing and Insecurity

[P. Campbell]

Good Morning,

To begin with, I'm speaking from only my own experience, but from both sides 
of the fence.

I have had two books published by so-called conventional publishers, both 
done in both hard and soft cover, and one done in China and the UK. No, I'm 
not bragging, I'm getting ready to make a point. One would think that with 
this kind of resume it would be no trouble at all to get another book 
accepted or find an agent. Wrong!

Since the 90's many of the publishing houses have merged making huge houses, 
while many have gone under. In this altered world publishers have become 
more selective. So, either my writing has deteriorated drastically, I don't 
write what editors are looking for. I could go on for quite a while listing 
reasons, but the bottom line is publishing is changing, and the competition 
is fierce. Does this mean that nobody reading this will never write a 
bestseller, of course not. It does mean, however, that it is harder to make 
a sale

I have done three books in electronic format. They have made little money, 
but that has been my fault. I have given them almost no publicity, something 
that one must do. At the time of release my husband was dying of lymphoma, 
and I was his sole caregiver. After his death I became ill. Excuses? 
Perhaps, but there it is.

I published through Smashwords, paid a formatter, and someone to do the 
cover. I honestly can't remember what it cost, but if someone is really 
interested they can contact me off list, and I can see if I have the record.

I'm sorry. I didn't mean to go on so long, and please don't check here for 
mistakes. I'm sure there are plenty, but I'm answering a question, not 
showing off my writing. (smile)

I'm happy to answer questions if I can.

Phyllis

pcampbell16 at verizon.net