Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Self-Publishing

One of my crit partners posted an interesting link the other day and I thought I'd run it past you guys. I've never known anyone who went the self-publishing route, that I know of anyways, and I hadn't really looked in to it. It is definitely a dream of mine to be published, but not if I have to fork out the money to do it.

Author J.A. (Joe) Konrath has an interesting blog that I check out often. When I followed the link my crit partner posted, I wasn't surprised to see where it took me. I found this particular post interesting because I hadn't heard about self-publishing directly through Kindle or any of the digital readers. It's something I'd like to check into further to see if there are any hidden snags we should be aware of. One thing I wonder about is if there is a contract involved that would tie up my rights in case I get an offer through a print publisher. The only cost involved seems to be for the cover art. You'd have to be serious about marketing yourself and getting your name out there, but I believe it could be something worth considering.

See what ya think...

A Newbie's Guide to Publishing

16 comments:

Jessica Nelson said...

That sounds pretty interesting. Not something I'd want, but interesting nonetheless. The contract would probably need to be looked over, for the reason you stated and maybe to see who owns the copyright and ISBN? Actually, is there even an isbn for digital works? Hmmm... Now you've got me thinking. LOL

Chelle Sandell said...

LOL. That was exactly what I wanted to do. Hehe. If any of us wind up doing it...hopefully we can catch any snags before contracts are signed. If there is one.

Susan R. Mills said...

Sounds interesting. I have never considered self-publishing, but this seems different. It would be worth checking into if the traditional method doesn't work out.

Terri Tiffany said...

I have several friends who have self-published. But did so knowing they had a way to market it. It can be done quite cheaply with a good product (ie cover and paper) for a low cost, but again, you need to be able to find a way to sell it afterwayd:)

Chelle Sandell said...

Susan ~ That was my thought exactly. I may try my current ms if it is rejected after I make the revisions.

Terri ~ I think the key would key extensive marketing with as much social media as possible. I know our local RWA group would put it up on their website and market it along with their current pubbed authors.

Tamika: said...

I have never considered self publishing. I honestly want to travel the traditional route, unless God says differently.

Chicki Brown said...

I've been following Joe Konrath's blog for years. It's one of the best on the publishing industry from a writer's POV.

His Kindle experiment was mind flowing. He made $3,000 the first month!

I thought about doing this with one of my older manuscripts and sell it for $1.00, but after reading over all the instructions on Amazon, I'd need someone to do the HTML conversion for me. Tried to find a high school kid who might do the work for a cut of the proceeds, but no luck. Now that school's back in, I've been considering contacting the computer teacher for a recommendation.

Chelle Sandell said...

Tamika ~ I love that it's another publishing route to take with my manuscripts that I've spent so much time on. I can still write and pursue the big houses with new stories that might catch an editors eye. But it may not be for everyone. ;) At least it's another option.

Chicki ~ You might want to check with Kindle requirements. I thought Joe said Kindle did the formatting. The only cost should be cover art.

Chicki Brown said...

According to the Amazon Digital Text Platform, the author has to convert the document. It's pretty detailed, and since I'm not a computer geek, I don't want to try it myself.

Chelle Sandell said...

Ewww. I don't know if I'd be able to either.

Diane said...

It seems like things are starting to head that way for some authors. Keeping the options open.:O)

Beth Mann said...

Hey Chelle! Thanks for stopping by my blog and leaving a comment!

I was just driving down the highway the other day and saw a sign for self-publishing, so this post has ironic timing for me! I've never thought about going the self-publishing route, but I suppose if all else fails, I might try it! On my way to check out that link.

Stephanie said...

Chelle, if you decide you want to go this route, my hubby is a computer geek and is doing my cover art AND he can do html. If anyone needs this stuff, he can do it. I don't know what he would charge, but probably cheaper than the professionals! His best friend is also a graphic artist!

Chelle Sandell said...

Diane ~ Options are a good thing!

Beth ~ Great to see you! I think I'll do another post on this because there was an article in this months RWR. An author broke down the steps a little more. It sounds difficult but not enough to scare me away yet.

Steph ~ Didn't he put together a website for their company? Let me know if he wants to do a blog post here introducing the company. He can add details as to what he offers. :)

Stephanie said...

I never wanted to self publish either..... but after numerous rejections, the self publishing route was looking better and better...... I was going to look into Kindle..it seemed easy, but also way too good to be true. But then I didn't have to really look into it too far...I received a publishing contract from an epublisher.

I know someone who self published and she's real happy with it. BUT, she's one of these super outgoing people who can market the hell out of herself.

Thanks for following me, by the way!!

Chelle Sandell said...

Hi Stephanie! Thanks for coming by. :) And huge congrats on your contract! I think as advances lower and publishing houses take less risks with newer authors, more people will be searching out alternatives to the bigger houses. Including subbing to ebook publishers and self-publishing. I hadn't considered ebooks mainly because of the lack of advances, until recently that is. I think alot of people are beginning to widen their sub range.