[stylist] Topic for discussion

[Joanne Alongi]

My take on self publishing is that I ultimately I am responsible for the product I put out there and since I wish to retain control of it it is a perfect solution for me. It ultimately makes me responsible for leetting people know there is a book that I have written for enjoyment. I like to retain in control and I also like knowing I did the best I could and also I like knowing that people who have read my book enjoy it. I have never gotten any advice from anyone who had letters be hind their name that I didn't already know from simple reading and presentation. So go your own way and do your own thing and for those of us who enjoy cellf publishing kudos to us because it is a way to get satisfaction without taking responsibility away for the presentation. Writing is a craft like anything that requires hard work and persistence and in the case of self publishers I think it requires more motivation because we are responsible for our own schedules and work now back to work on my second novel.

Shelley, Queen of Bells out!
See Trespasser my first published novel, 2015
Http://www.lulu.com/queenofbells712

> On Oct 6, 2016, at 6:27 AM, Julie J. via stylist <stylist at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> I think there are a lot of different facets to this discussion.  My first thought was what, exactly, does getting a MFA mean to you?If it's an education, improving your writing, being recognized for your effort and accomplishment, then I don't see how self publishing diminishes that.  If the only reason to get a MFA is to publish a book, then we have a different discussion altogether.
> 
> To me it looks like the MFA program and the publishers have a bias against self publishing.  That makes sense.  They don't make any money.  It also challenges the establishment...like homeschooling.  People like to think they are the keepers of knowledge and skill and others must submit to the rules in order to access that knowledge.  When someone steps outside those boundaries and does it alone, well it doesn't sit well with some people.
> 
> This is actually what a huge part of my book is about.  Owner training a guide dog is in a sense the same as self publishing.  You are saying to the establishment, no thanks, I got this.  In the world of books and writing, it made no difference because no one cared in that arena.  I don't have anything vested in the writing world.  However when it came to the guide dog part, yes, there was a ton of resistance.
> 
> It's interesting that when we chose to homeschool the responses were identical.  they fall into two categories, is that legal and how are you going to be able to do that.  The worst critics, no matter the establishment-publishing, guide dog training or homeschooling-were those who had bought into the way things have always been done.  Their entire self identity was wrapped up in being a teacher, guide dog trainer, etc.  Talk to some random person on the street and they don't care.  Joe Public just wants to read a good book, and not be bothered with unruly children or dogs.
> 
> Back to the original question...is self publishing throwing away your MFA? and my answer...
> 
> only if you think it is.  Because perception is reality.
> 
> Julie
> New lowered price on my book:
> Courage to Dare: A Blind Woman's Quest to Train her Own Guide Dog
> http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00QXZSMOC
> -----Original Message----- From: Bridgit Kuenning-Pollpeter via stylist
> Sent: Wednesday, October 05, 2016 10:02 PM
> To: 'Writers' Division Mailing List'
> Cc: Bridgit Kuenning-Pollpeter
> Subject: [stylist] Topic for discussion
> 
> I'm curious to see what others on the list think of this. I thought it might
> make for a good writers discussion.
> 
> I'm getting my MFA in creative writing. I've been told by the program,
> editors and publishers that if we self-publish, we are throwing our MFA in
> the garbage. I recently sat in on a lecture with a publisher from Red Hen
> Press who once again backed this comment up. He advised against us
> self-publishing because it would be a waste of our MFAs.
> 
> Discuss, please.
> 
> Bridgit
> 
> 
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