Comments on: Six Self-Publishing Considerations

By: Jillena

Jillena — Thu, 10 Dec 2020 00:52:40 +0000

Hi John and everyone,
I'm a newbie writer looking to publish. I live in Australia. Perth and Noosa Heads. Was a permanent resident of USA. I'm 63yrs old (-;
Question; will any book publisher or self publishing site be more easy for me to work with, in your opinion. Happy to go with the Coop Publishing thing. I have minimal skills academically with using English correctly and using the computer. Left formal education at 15. I think outside the box. I survive on a Disability Support Pension. Therefore, affordability is a huge deciding factor. I am an old school Graphic Designer, that should help somewhere along the line.
My 'book' is written during the past 11 years and a 'heart on sleeve', sexy, dramatic yet funny, bold, politically incorrect take on romantic relationships. Myself being the guinea pig.
Another book (a bit of a sequel) has started already! Kinda an 'before love and after love' idea.
So what do you think? Absolutely any advice or help or direction is welcome.
Please and thankyou.
Cheers,
Jill Cunningham
Jillena Cunningham
aka Ena Read (for book)

By: Kris

Kris — Thu, 15 Oct 2020 23:43:06 +0000

Thanks, John, for the clear references for lolking at publishing options.

I'm truly in shopping mode for my draft that is in editing phase 1 after reading this. Especially after having a fairly nonplus experience with a small trad pub.

Whatbis your take on shopping for an agent? Is ut worth it these days?

By: Jacquolyn McMurray

Jacquolyn McMurray — Sat, 10 Oct 2020 02:04:39 +0000

Thanks for the tips. Like Terry Odell, I'm too old to publish on a traditional publishers' timeline.

By: dholcomb1

dholcomb1 — Sat, 10 Oct 2020 01:27:13 +0000

I've only been with small press, but I would consider self-publishing. I know several authors doing well with it.

Until they change the antitrust laws, companies like "A" can do what they want.

denise

By: Eldred Bird

Eldred Bird — Fri, 09 Oct 2020 20:53:34 +0000

I have no regrets about self publishing. The game has really changed in the last few years. Public perception of self published books has improved as the quality has gone up with indie authors now having easier access to good editors, formatters, and cover artists. Having access to distribution channels other than the big A has also helped to drive things. Getting into the Ingram catalog has been a huge boost.

By: John Peragine

John Peragine — Fri, 09 Oct 2020 20:11:39 +0000

In reply to Linda Ruggeri. I couldn't agree with you more. Thank you for your input and expertise on this subject!

By: Linda Ruggeri

Linda Ruggeri — Fri, 09 Oct 2020 18:17:58 +0000

I couldn't agree more with "...give yourself time. Never rush the launching of a book." This is a concept many first-time book authors have a hard time grasping—especially in this world where we expect "instant return." As a nonfiction editor and writing coach, I always stress to my clients the need to read and be informed about the industry (traditional, self, hybrid publishing) and learn about ALL the options available. Writers should take the time to research where to publish in their genre, the (optimal) marketing work involved for that type of book, the ideal (yet realistic) venues, come up with a reasonable budget to spend on each phase, make a written plan, and then make wise choices. Self-publishing isn't solely about the monetary investment, but the time investment, the emotional investment, and also what SUCCESS MEANS TO YOU. Do you define success as high sales? Recognition? Speaking Invitations? Good royalties? Long-term royalties? Closure? Breaking even? Fan base? We all define success and ROI differently, and choosing the way we want to self publish is tied directly into the type of success we are looking for and the work we are willing to do. Writing the book is the easy part. Marketing and selling it is the hard part. And it's all part of the writing experience and shouldn't be taken lightly. Figuring this stuff out takes time, and in my experience, the successful authors are the ones that have done their research and have a plan of action that include where to self-publish and why.

By: John Peragine

John Peragine — Fri, 09 Oct 2020 18:15:18 +0000

In reply to Jenny Hansen. I can't wait to read that!

By: John Peragine

John Peragine — Fri, 09 Oct 2020 18:14:59 +0000

In reply to KJ Ivany. I am glad you liked it!

By: Jenny Hansen

Jenny Hansen — Fri, 09 Oct 2020 18:07:50 +0000

I know that I will be self-publishing my memoir so a post like this is an awesome resource. Thank you!