If you've written a book, then guaranteed you've considered, even for a second, the thought of self-publishing. We all know how hard it is to crack into the publishing world. Occasionally, I've got to squash that little devil in the back of my head that says it may never happen for me (curse you, tiny devil!).
A friend of mine sent me an article that really lauds self-publishing. While it's more aimed at writers of non-fiction, the author still has some very valid points. You can (and should) read it here.
While I found the article both interesting and informative, it didn't really change my mind about going the traditional route. I'm a traditional girl. Heck, I don't even have the desire to get a Kindle because I love to hold a book in my hands. For me, traditional publishing is the way to go. Yes, it may never happen (I said shut it, you stupid little devil!), but it's the way I feel I need to do this.
What about you? Traditional vs. Self-Publishing? Let's have a vote...
I think I'm definitely all for traditional publishing. There are good and bad points to both, but I think traditionally published books are sometimes (often?) taken more seriously. That sounds terrible, but I've seen many e-books on Amazon that weren't up to snuff, and even though they were cheap, cheap, cheap, they still weren't worth the money (even as I'm typing this, I feel guilty for saying it).
ReplyDeleteI am obviously pro self-pub (since I'm 23 days away from launching my own series!), but I haven't given up on traditional either. I still plan to submit queries for full-length novels to legacy publishers... because I still have that dream of seeing my own printed books in a real-life book store!
ReplyDeleteHonestly, I think there is room for both in the publishing world (and in an author's career).
Anyway, I came over to say that I tagged you on my blog to answer some questions about yourself so we (your new followers) can get to know you a little better :-)
xx Rachel
My husband has had that debate going on in his head for the last several weeks. The novel that he is trying to publish is actually really good and very well written and I would hate to see him take the self publishing route until he has exhausted his other avenues. At the same time he doesn't take rejection very well so self publishing may save me a lot of stressful days with him:) I as well keep the dream alive, but at the end of the day I want people to read my books.
ReplyDeleteTraditional all the way. Yes, I want my book published, but I want it to be the best that it possibly can be - not likely to do that without the creative backbone of traditional publishing.
ReplyDeleteHopping over from the campaign! Nice to meet you!
I'm definitely a traditional girl as of right now. I haven't had the desire to get an ereader either...not yet at least. And I still think traditional publishing is the safest as of right now.
ReplyDeleteHi Melanie, I'm stopping by on the campaign :D
ReplyDeleteAh, trad. vs. self, the good ol' debate . . . it's been going back and forth in my head for a while now!
I know several people who have self published the past year or so. A couple of them . . . well, they definitely needed some professional editing help. It's hard to tell them when it's someone you've never met in person, and you don't know how they'll take it. The third one, I was so very pleasantly surprised! She did an excellent job with hers, and she's definitely on my "buy anything she writes after this" list!
But for me . . . I think I'm going to try the traditional route first. I like the idea of not having to pay for an editor myself, and of having someone to translate all the legal mumbo-jumbo (future agent, you will be my best friend!). I want to proudly be able to say "I was published with *insert publishing house name here*".
However, if the time comes, and I've been rejected again and again and again . . . then I will consider self-publishing.
Ah, the age old question lol. I think it depends on the individual and what they want to get from the publishing experience. I took the middle route and went with a small press, because it worked for me. Hope that helps. Glad to meet you. Stopping by from the Campaign *waves*
ReplyDeleteHi Melanie, I'm stopping by from the campaign :)
ReplyDeleteThe question to go traditional or not depends on SO many factors. I'm pursuing both paths. I have a book which was THISCLOSE at several houses and opted to proceed on the indie path (with an editor, copyeditor, etc....clearly not a quick or easy path!) while having a new book on submission for the traditional route.
But isn't it lovely to have a choice...instead of just one path?