Today is IWSG Day. IWSG stands for Insecure Writers Support Group and was founded by Alex J. Cavanaugh. You can or on or on twitter using the hashtag #IWSG. We also have a Facebook page. The purpose of IWSG is to share and encourage, so today I sharing some market info with you in case some of you are still interested in traditional publishing.
Who needs encouragement out there? I do!
For months I’ve focused on writing four novellas with the intention of ePublishing them myself. So, I’m writing along just singing my song, all happy with myself, when a writer-friend says, “A book from a traditional publisher gets more respect than an eBook you publish yourself. I’d always choose a traditional publisher first.”
Wait! What? Really? I thought “those days” were a thing of the past.
So I back up and start rethinking my plans, and for a day or two I’m completely confused.
I hate that I’m so easily influenced, that anyone and everyone can make me doubt myself and my choices. Yes, I’ve asked a thousand and one times if I really want to be in charge of everything from book covers to bookkeeping. I’m still not sure I do—but I also know I don’t want to earn seven or eight cents off each print book I sell.
Most authors say to choose both—traditional and indie, and that sounds like a pretty good idea to me. I’m back to my original plan: indie publishing for me and if a traditional publisher falls into my lap—then so be it.
How about you? What’s your career plan, and how did you come to choose it?
I’m in the do whatever seems best for you camp. I don’t trust my self-selling, so I’ll try trad publishing first, then small press. I don’t foresee self-publishing in my future, but you never know… 😉
And I’ll never tell anyone else what to do. Go, Jess, Go!
Hi Zan Marie! Glad you stopped by. I guess because I’ve tried traditional publishing (and having an agent) is why I’m so confused. Maybe it’s time for me to try my hand at indie publishing to truly compare and quit taking every one else’s word for how great it is, and how much better!
I’ll say ditto to Zan Marie’s comment, do what feels right for you. Unless you’re a big name author, a trad publisher is not going to throw money at you for promo. You’ll have to do it all yourself. My theory is if I have to do everything why not get the most money for my work?
Best wishes,
Diane
IWSG #94
I agree, Diane. I was all set to send my manuscript to someone then I learned how very little royalty I’d get on a print book. That changed my mind. I don’t write for money … but oh my! money sure sweetens the pot!
I think the industry is changing. You have to look at what you’re writing (most trad publishers won’t take novellas for example) and figure out how best to proceed. I went Indie because I felt I wanted more control over things- plus while I was getting very positive responses from editors and agents, I was told “Humorous fantasy doesn’t sell right now.”
Is going Indie for everyone? No, neither is going only Trad. Is it scary? Heck yeah! But this past weekend I put up my second book. I can’t say how very cool that feels :).
Good luck and Happy IWSG day!
Thanks Marie! I love the good experience you’re having. My other thought is that I just hate for trad publishers to tie up my rights for so long. I guess what it boils down to is … I want control too. I like the fact that I can get a book online FAST, whereas if I send that same book to a publisher, it would take them a year and more to get it out there. 🙁 That’s very unappealing as I watch the days of my life fly by!
I’ve been sticking with indie publishers and smaller houses that way I get feedback, artwork and editing all in one place. I also feel like I’m not facing the task alone.
Reevaluating what you are doing is not a bad thing. To be sure to continue, to be sure you are following your heart is all good. 🙂
Anna from Elements of Writing
Hi Anna, yes, I agree. That’s what keeps me on the fence. I like the organization of traditional publishing. Sigh!
And so I sit, and sit, and sit … and do NOTHING!
I’m trad published but it’s not a magic bullet that takes you right to the top. Unless you start out with a runaway bestseller they’re not going to throw much money at you promotion-wise and you still have to do a lot of work yourself. Do what you think is best for you!
Hi Megan! I think Traditional publishing just garners us more respect in the eyes of our peers. Not to mention the pluses of everything — editing, cover design, formatting, etc being under one roof.
This happened to me a few months ago. Twice in the same week people said, “Why don’t you find a publisher for this?”
Truth is, I like being indie. I like handling all aspects of publishing myself, including the marketing. I’m not good at selling my books, to be honest, but I’m working on it. I find the work enjoyable, and every sale is exciting.
I’d like to be one of those people who removes the stigma from self-publishing. I don’t want to write a book that’s “pretty good for self-published,” but one that’s just “pretty good.” As I continue work on my craft, that’s my goal. I have an editor I like, I’ve now found a cover designer I plan to stick with, and I’m going to get a little help with the marketing, my weakest area.
Nadine, I wish we could sit down over coffee and talk! ? I definitely need to find my own resources. Thanks for your uplifting comment!
I’d like to be trade published eventually, but I self-pubbed my novella. No publisher is going to take a novella and even though historical fiction isn’t a big seller among self-published e-books, it was a learning experience and I’ve sold some copies. It’s exciting!
I always seem to be almost completely made of doubts.
The story of my life, Charles!
Okay, confession time. I didn’t know about your new blog (love it, btw) and I didn’t know about this IWSG. I just requested membership to the FB group. If there were a the wish-washy contest, I think you and I would be tied for first place.
Sigh.
I thought you were familiar with IWSG. It’s a great group. Wishy-washy has become my middle name.