Self Publishing

Self publishing has become incredibly easy, with a range of companies offering packages to help you publish your own work. But, is it a good idea?

There are authors who have made serious money by self publishing, some using Amazon's very straightforward and inexpensive self publishing options in Create Space. Other publishers offer self publishing options, with a package deal where the prices range enormously. And some offer a subsidised deal.

These options require significant marketing on the part of the writer, but with the ease of availability of social media options, this is not insurmountable.

Breaking into traditional publishing is extremely difficult. Many publishers won't acccept unsolicited or unagented submissions. But, agents won't take on a writer who is not published, so it's a catch 22 situation.

I am currently using the 'Cut A long Story Short' website to self publish stories, but have had very limited success. I have signed up for Amazon's Create space, but not yet published through them.

Part of my reticence is that I am not fully persuaded self publishing is the way forward. If I am going to have my work published, I want the seal of approval that comes from it being accepted by an editor, plus their editorial input. It is an affirmation that I really can write, and it also means there is an additional someone ensuring that the final piece is polished to perfection.

Much of what is published through self publishing perhaps should not be published, because without editorial support it can be riddled with errors, but also because authors can have a blind spot where it comes to their own work. Just because I think something I've written is brilliant does not mean that it is! There are times where I disagree with editors, and then will persevere until I find one who agrees with me, but many times, when they offer constructive criticism, and I look at my work objectively, I find I can see their point.

If the reading populace becomes disillusioned with self published works because of a lack of quality, then it harms the industry for all in the long term, and the scepticism with which self publishing is viewed will be borne out.

As difficult as it is, I still prefer having my work published through traditional channels. But, I continue to watch self publishing with interest.

For those who choose to self publish, you are putting your money where your metaphorical mouth is, and have to find other ways to be sure it's worth publishing.