[stylist] Self Publishing and Insecurity

[Bridgit Kuenning-Pollpeter]

Thea,

First, just so you know, self-publishing is not typically all that lucrative. If you're looking to make a lot of money, it won't likely happen with self-publishing. If all you want is to publish your work, then self-publishing would be a great avenue for you.

Also, lots of poorly written material is out there. So you never know what will happen when seeking traditional publishing. I'm in no way saying your writing is poor, my only point is that lots of people get published traditionally, and the quality of writing doesn't always have a bearing on things. So if you're a really good writer, you may stand even a better chance of being published traditionally. Honestly, you never know until you try. And sometimes it just takes finding the right publisher. It took J. K. Rowling seven years to find a publisher willing to take a chance on Harry Potter, and I would not say Rowling is a bad writer. So like most things, it can take time.

Several people on Stylist have had great experiences with self-publishing. Donna Hill in particular would be a great person to connect with.

Good luck.

Bridgit

-----Original Message-----
From: stylist [mailto:stylist-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Miss Thea via stylist
Sent: Tuesday, September 29, 2015 9:16 PM
To: Writer's Division Mailing List <stylist at nfbnet.org>
Cc: Miss Thea <thearamsay at rogers.com>; writingblind at yahoogroups.com
Subject: [stylist] Self Publishing and Insecurity

Hi, fellow writers.
First I want to thank those of you who wrote in, who have enjoyed my stories.
They’re a pleasure to write. In between the short stories, Lucy and Lithe need as much love and time as I can give them. Right now, Lucy and Lithe are little more than imaginary characters, who have a few chapters to their name. Still when they are done, I want to do what’s best for them.
I’ve heard some things about publishing: self-publication versus publication by a house.
I understand online publication is probably easier than trying to find an agent, who will then shop your work to a traditional publishing house.
I would like to see my characters living out their lives inside a hardcover and paperback book that I can touch and hold in my hand.
I’d like to have a store where people can buy my book.
My difficulty is, I don’t think my work will stand up under the scrutiny of the wider world. 
My previous self-publication efforts involved money I don’t now have, but that’s not the part that concerns me. The last time I went with a self-publishing company, they continually sent proofs back that had more errors than the original manuscript.
Back then, I had a tad more sighted help available. And a tad more money.
I don’t have any sighted help, so doing things like picking out pics or book covers would have to be done by the company.
If I felt secure enough about being accepted in the wider world, I guess I wouldn’t feel so shaky about trying out my wings.
Without sighted help, I wouldn’t have a trust built up between me and the company.
I don’t care to re-live my last publication attempt.
Any ideas? Does anyone, now published, have any comments on how they navigated this part of the process?
I’m all ears.
Thea
Thea Ramsay
Wellness Coach
Herbalife Distributor
www.GoHerbalife.com/thea-ramsay/en-CA