And now for the news!
Some highlights from this month in the world of self-publishing!
While much of the title of this article is self-explanatory, we’re excited to see it out there in the world! Brooke Warner writes this week for Publishers Weekly that there is value in self-publishing, just as there is value in traditional publishing—and that value is dependent on the author’s individual needs. She continues:
Of course I understand any author’s desire to get published traditionally. After all, the seduction of going that route is strong. To be chosen, to have one’s work paid for, to have someone else shoulder the risk—these remain goals and dreams and ambitions that most authors continue to carry, even after they’ve independently published one or countless books.
But value and its cousin worth are sneaky little beasts. I have my ears well-tuned for the ways in which these words show up in conversation with women writers in particular. Value and worth are tricky because they’re words that connote money and finances, yet they encompass so much more than that. After all, it’s rarely the material things in life that top the list of things we most value or that make us feel most worthy.
And many authors aren’t willing or able to take the time or invest the energy necessary to make a success out of a self-published work; others simply overlook the possibility that self-publishing would offer equal or superior value for them in their specific circumstances. Notes Warner:
I champion every author who wants to pursue any kind of publishing opportunity, and I always wish them the best. What triggered me during our conversation was the notion that discovering whether or not the author’s book had value would be inherent in that experience. Authors must determine for themselves whether or not this is so before they shop their book to agents, editors, and publishers. […]
For debut authors, I advise them to be in it for the long haul and to celebrate the small victories, such as moments of connection with readers, a glowing review from a stranger, and the potential that these victories will have to propel the next book. When shopping to publishers, or deciding whether and how to publish at all, consider the qualities inherent in worthiness: the quality of being good enough and the quality of deserving attention or respect. The biggest win for authors, even bigger than an advance from a big house, is to be able to access those qualities and believe them to be true, regardless of the publishing outcome for their work.
We just … we have so much love for this article.
This article from Arthi Nachiappan of the UK’s The Times comes at a timely moment for those of us who need a moment of encouragement in the midst of a heavy-headline month; Nachiappan opens with the success story of Nicola May, bestselling author of self-published romance works, and whose books have brought her considerable financial as well as statistic success in sales. While much of the article lives behind The Times’ paywall, enough is visible to know that Nachiappan’s article is an important tonic and redress for some recent public statements attacking or at least insinuating negative things about those authors who choose to self-publish instead of pursue a traditional publishing path.
In other good news out of the UK, The Sun‘s Jack Peat brings us this article about self-publishing phenom David Leadbeater, whose self-published work of archaeological fiction, The Relic Hungers, took home some pretty impressive accolades … as well as some seriously amazing sales figures. The article touches upon other nominees and winners for the Kindle Literary Awards, one of a number of high-profile and worthy book awards each year for which self-publishing authors can submit their work for consideration. Speaking of Publishers Weekly, the PW team has previously published a great starter list of awards for authors to look into, which you can find here at the link (see the bottom of the article for the full list). We’ll be keeping track of this year’s awards and keeping you informed of what to watch for!
As a self-publishing author, you may find it helpful to stay up-to-date on the trends and news related to the self-publishing industry.This will help you make informed decisions before, during and after the self-publishing process, which will lead to a greater self-publishing experience. To help you stay current on self-publishing topics, simply visit our blog each month to find out the hottest news. If you have other big news to share, please comment below.
Self Publishing Advisor 