Monday, May 2, 2011

To Publish Or Self-Publish

I'm a people pleaser. It's a horrible disease that infects everything that I do and quite often in affects an otherwise clear vision I have for myself. I am currently working on a book that I plan on self-publishing. I shared this with someone who has an agent and a book deal. Now let me say this, I ADORE this lady and love talking with her on twitter. She helped me immensely with feedback on my book that landed me a deal with MuseItUp Publishing. Woot! Woot! Let's hear it for Muse.

The ironic thing is I have access to a freelance editor, and a cover artist. I wish I could tell you how much the traditional mold doesn't fit well on me as a real. Not because of the edits. That's just the reality of the situation. (They make my book better and I couldn't ask for a better one at Muse.) But my background as an indie screenwriter/filmmaker really comes from a deep seated place in me. And while dropping another book into a deep blue sea of lots of fishies doesn't seem like a wise idea it's what feels right to me.

Now, I'm not dropping it there to languish but I have to be honest I'm something of a control freak with an independent streak a mile wide. I hear the naysayers. Everyone from the established writers who say get an agent and let them shop it to the e-publishers who tell me it's harder than I think it is. I know it's hard. I know my chances for success are slim to none. And if I were in it purely for the money...well I'd tell you to get into another business altogether.

I find myself with avenues open to me that wouldn't be open to me at all if I hadn't gotten an e-publisher (big ups to Lea Schizas! woot! woot!). But my screenwriting partner said this much--do what your heart is telling you to do. And if you want do both. There's no law keeping you from doing so. Thank goodness for best friend sounding boards.

I'm no trailblazer, but I am an indie at heart with some shadings of wanting that brass ring. I dream of RT awards and EPPYS. I dream of fan mail. Who wouldn't. I'm even doing my first radio interview with Kat Holmes on Kat's Writing Pen on BLOGTALK Radio this Friday, May 6th starting at 6PM. Come give a listen or drop by the chatroom. I'm happy to answer any questions you might have.

7 comments:

Elijana Kindel said...

Good for you! Following your heart is excellent advice. I wish you the best of luck on your self publishing adventure! I know you can do it, because the key to success in this business starts with a great book and it sounds like you've got the tools and know how in order to make that happen. ;o)
Good luck and happy writing!
~EKD

Kathy Bennett said...

I'm going to be self-publishing my debut novel, A Dozen Deadly Roses in a couple of weeks. The manuscript has been a finalist in a number of RWA contests. It's been through a professional edit, I've had a professional book cover designed, so I'm ready to go.

Unlike you, I haven't sold to an e-publisher or traditional publisher. But FOR ME, self-publishing is a good fit. I like having control of my work. It has nothing to do with not being able to sell my book traditionally. I've had interest from both agents and a traditional publishing house. I know in my bones, this is the best choice for me. If I do well, I did well based on my efforts. If I tank...I can only blame myself.

I think there are many in my writing circle who will watch my results carefully. Let's hope I give them plenty to watch...in a good way.

Good luck to you, Amy and I think you are wise to follow your heart.

Britt said...

Amy, I'm curious about the division of labor you have with the publisher. Would you please comment on that?

Thanks!

Britt Vasarhelyi
"Message from Panama"
2011 Daphne Award Finalist

Pat Brown said...

I've got a trifecta going. I have an agent for one type of book -- historicals -- an indie publisher for my gay crime novels, and I've decided to try self-publishing one of my novels. It will be interesting to see how it goes.

Hi Kathy. Is your book also going to be available in print on demand? I want a copy, but I don't have an ereader, and can't read novels on my laptop.

Unknown said...

Division of labor is this: edits are 100%/100% division.

Promo: Lea provides crazy amounts of info and people really reach out to each other at my house. Of course there are the occasional prickly pears but you run into everywhere.

But when you sign the contract you agree to promotee your book to the best of your ability and that means giving it your all! Twitter, FB, website, blogs, out of the box ideas. The face of the publishing industry is changing and you'd do best to get on board.

So yes, it's ball busting work but it's totally worth it.

Britt said...

Got it.

Thanks, Amy!

Britt Vasarhelyi
"Message from Panama"
2011 Daphne Award Finalist

Charlie said...

Yeah, I think promotion and platform is actually harder work than writing the novel! Time consuming but so fun! thanks for the great post.
C.K. Volnek