A question for those who are self-published

[Teresa Edgerton]

Originally Posted by DMatusik

OK - but I'm not sure there's parity between those 2 groups with respect to the decision to self-publish.

No, it's not exactly the same, but some of the issues are the same. The industry is changing and we have to change with it. There are some books I very much want to write that I'm ninety percent sure I won't be able to sell to a publisher, but I think I need to get them out of my system. So I am considering self-publishing for those, as well as a couple of backlist titles. It will depend on how well the reprints do, whether I can afford to do it at all.

And this is why I've been giving a lot of thought, lately, to what works and doesn't work in the way of self-promotion. Fortunately, I've had three years here to observe some who have made it work (most notably Mark Robson) and some who didn't.

[Dusk]

Victoria Strauss wrote, in the article linked to:

"But for would-be self-publishers, there are a couple of lessons to take away from Mr. Bosah's experience. First, the importance of knowing something about publishing before deciding to become a publisher, even if your only client is yourself; and second, the incredible amount of time and energy self-publishers must expend in order to have even a hope of breaking even."

I hear this sentiment most often, not from critics of self-publishing, but from successful self-publishers. I think it's worth keeping in mind. It's the exact same advice that would be given to someone who was planning to start a small press, which is essentially what a self-publishing business is.

I don't think that being realistic about the difficulties in establishing oneself as a self-publisher is necessarily the same thing as slamming self-publishing. All businesses have their difficulties. To me, slamming comes when people say, "Nobody would ever self-publish unless they failed to sell to a publisher." That's like saying, "Nobody would ever sell to a small press unless they failed to sell to a major press." Different people choose different publishing methods for different reasons.

[DMatusik]

Originally Posted by Dusk

Victoria Strauss wrote, in the article linked to:

I don't think that being realistic about the difficulties in establishing oneself as a self-publisher is necessarily the same thing as slamming self-publishing. All businesses have their difficulties. To me, slamming comes when people say, "Nobody would ever self-publish unless they failed to sell to a publisher." That's like saying, "Nobody would ever sell to a small press unless they failed to sell to a major press." Different people choose different publishing methods for different reasons.

I don't think anyone had any problems with the "being realistic" part. Using loaded language to color opinion one way or the other is what tends to stir the emotions in these forums. The "slamming" I referred to earlier was how people can sometimes demonstrate disagreement of opinion - in a less than respectful way (I'm not being specific about anyone or any particular thread). It's just that I've learned that this topic is probably one of the hottest hot-button topics in the forums and so I'm taping 2 10-ft poles together for protection next time

[Dusk]

Oh, I'd agree with that, and if my comments appeared to be criticizing anyone in particular, I'm sorry.

[DMatusik]

Originally Posted by Dusk

Oh, I'd agree with that, and if my comments appeared to be criticizing anyone in particular, I'm sorry.

No biggie

[Anthony G Williams]

I self-published both of my novels so far (via Authors OnLine, a British firm which offers a "menu" approach). For the first book, there was a reason why I wanted it published by a certain date and, after a few attempts at contacting agents and publishers, I realised that my deadline would never be hit this way.

The first book sold very well by the standards of self-published novels (over 1,500 to date and still selling steadily). Having learned more by then about the difficulties of getting published traditionally, I took the same route for my second book. This has not taken off yet, and I think I know why: the first book was an alt-WW2 story and there is a large group of enthusiasts for this, who are easily reached via the web. The second book is mainstream SF and just gets lost in the ocean of works on sale. Admittedly, I put very little effort into self-promotion, beyond my website and blog.

So the moral is, if you have a niche product for which there is an identifiable and easily-reached market, self-publishing may well be worth it. If not, it probably won't be unless you work your socks off (and maybe not even then).

For those wanting to know more, I have posted a long article on my publishing experiences and opinions here: ON PUBLISHING FICTION

[Dusk]

Thanks for posting about this, Mr. Williams; I'm always interested in hearing about the experiences of other self-publishers.

[Karen Dales]

I am just wondering, if a novel is self published can it be picked up by a traditional publisher (like yourself) for publication?

[John Jarrold]

Most self-published books have already been turned down by the major publishers - though not all. VERY occasionally, a self-published book that has sold thousands of copies is picked up for mainstream publication, but you're talking about .01% probably. So it's very much the exception, not the rule.

[Doctor Sax]

GP Taylor's SHADOWMANCER is one of the few. And, as John says, got a lot of press for the fact that it did so, indicating how unusual it is.

[gary compton]

You can get a book published by a reputable printing company for about £1.50 paperback and £2.20 hardback (1000 minimum order) so if you have written a good book (that's the key) then you have a choice do you go with a traditional agent/publisher and receive £.60 - .80P per book royalties or do you do it yourself.

If you publish yourself and do all the marketing and promoting yourself you could make £5-£7 per book and if your work sells 10,000 then that would net you £70,000 not bad eh! Certainly two years wages while you write book 2 and 3.

Now I know some people will frown on me talking about the profit and I should be writing for the love of it so before you comment on someone you have never met here is my philosophy - I love writing and do it because I want to maximize my talent and if ever I achieve a commercial standard then the businessman part of me will click in, for the simple reason that if its good enough I would like to maximize my return for the 1000's of hours spent crafting this work.

So how do you market your book, well with the internet today there is a massive machine at your disposal to help you sell books - Ebay, Amazon and your own website can get the ball rolling. Craft and country fair's every weekend will get you sales, approach your local book store with a deal and point of sale material to make them want to sell your book - maybe sale or return.

Contact your local TV and Radio station for an interview and be wind swept and interesting - they love personalities!

I am writing a book and to be honest the first draft was amateurish but I believe in my ability and am a good learner so I will keep going. I created my own site the-psychicdetective and to help its google rankings as my book is a supernatural thriller with WW11 connections I have put memorabilia on the shop to create interest and its now getting 2000 hits a month - all potential punters when the book is ready to sell (God knows when that will be!!)

I have also received 50 pre-orders so onwards and upwards...just go for it. Remember Confuscias say 'A man who nothing never make any mistake.'

When its ready I will submit it to Agents and if I get a deal offered I will consider it but I fancy doing the whole thing...Am I mad? If I do go with a publisher I am sure he will appreciate the pre-marketing work I have done, so anyway enough of my rantings!!

[Scarfy]

Originally Posted by garycompton

I have also received 50 pre-orders so onwards and upwards...just go for it.

That's really good going, Gary...

How long was the site up for you to get those pre-orders?

Steve

[gary compton]

I created the site in late 2006 and hopefully when I have a saleable book it will be receiving 3000 hits a month. (sometime next year hopefully)

Off course its all dependent on it being a good book as anything less would be a waste of time but I am getting there. My latest draft is 100% better than the original which I had edited by John. His comments were wonderfully helpful and I would recommend him to anyone serious about getting published...God bless his cotton socks!

Cheers Gary

[Troo]

They're some fantastic tips, Gary. Good luck with it!

[Peter Graham]

Hi Gary,

Now I know some people will frown on me talking about the profit and I should be writing for the love of it so before you comment on someone you have never met here is my philosophy

Well, I for one applaud you wholeheartedly. Publishing is (as publishers and agents make absolutely clear) a business. It can only be a good thing for writers to adopt a commercially minded attitude to their work (assuming they are looking for sales in a commercial environment) and part of that mindset is profit. Enjoying being a writer and enjoying turning a profit are not mutually exclusive concepts!

There is a tendency for some to look down their noses at the self-published, as though they just weren't good enough to get a Proper Deal. But the Proper Deal is highly unlikely to keep anyone in ink for very long, let alone pay mortgages, leccy bills and fund Friday nights at the Lamb and Flag. What's more, the self published seem to be sharper when it comes to exploiting technology and the internet to maximize revenue.

If you have the time and the nous to market yourself, I suspect that you have every chance of making more money as a successful self-publisher than if you were working under a traditional deal. At least there are no agents, publishers and Uncle Tom Cobbleigh all taking their cut (and judging by their professional addresses, I'm guessing most of them aren't living in draughty garrets, watching candle wax guttering onto the blotched page and fighting with rats for the last bit of three day old takeaway curry. Apart from Uncle Tom Cobbleigh, of course, who lives in the eighteenth century and is probably now standing in the square at the Widdecombe Hiring Fair with a straw up his nose).

If you publish yourself and do all the marketing and promoting yourself you could make £5-£7 per book and if your work sells 10,000 then that would net you £70,000 not bad eh! Certainly two years wages while you write book 2 and 3.

10,000 looks a pretty high figure. Did I read somewhere that average sales per book are dropping, even though (or perhaps because) the number of published titles are increasing?

Best of luck, Gary!

Peter