And now for the news!
This week in the world of self-publishing:
This week, hear the stories of authors who have chosen self-publishing. From Veronica R. Wells who wanted to share the story of her grandmother’s life to various horror authors who were fed up with being turned down by traditional publishing companies, find out why self-publishing provides something unique for varying authors. After reading those stories, the last article on the rise of self-publishing as an industry will perhaps come as no surprise to you.
Self-publishing isn’t the easiest avenue for publishing a book, that we all know, but this delightful interview with Veronica R. Wells sheds light on why the challenges presented by self-publishing are worthwhile. Wells says, “I had more control, freedom and autonomy in how and when the book came out.” She admits that those freedoms also meant “the very necessary and expensive process of promoting this book, fell on my shoulders.” However, Veronica had a story that she felt compelled to tell: the story of her grandmother’s struggles, dysfunctions, encounters with abuse, etc. Through writing this story, she realized that this was a story not particular to her family, but something shared by women everywhere. Wells wasn’t concerned with having her first book be the picture of perfection, she encourages authors to dive in head first. The lessons she learned and her to impact her audience were well worth the anxieties and stresses of publishing the book on her own. Having a full time job wasn’t something that Wells let get in the way of her writing or of her self-publishing efforts. I would be surprised if her story doesn’t inspire you to try and do the same. Wells doesn’t sugarcoat the process, she admits that “the psychological challenges were probably the greatest and hardest to overcome.” She insists that we quiet the voices of doubt and distraction, something I think we all need to be reminded of from time to time.
So if you’re anything like me, you’re a stranger to all the subgenres of horror fiction, which apparently range from “supernatural horror, postapocalyptic horror, fantasy horror, sci-fi horror, comedy horror, and then all the vampire, werewolf, and zombie horror.” If you haven’t heard of or read any books that fit under those headings, you won’t be shocking any horror authors. Horror authors have begun to perceive themselves as the misfits of the authorial world, after receiving all too many rejections from traditional publishing companies. As Joe Schwartz, horror author, says, “The odds of getting someone substantial to publish your work when you’re basically just getting started are less than awful.” This band of merry misfits has turned to self-publishing after not being able to make it into traditional presses. They’ve made this turn knowing that they wouldn’t be slaying as salesmen, but these “obsessive authors” are committed to their “rabid, but small, fan bases.” Hear the thoughts and opinions of many of these dedicated authors who have turned to self-publishing after rejection, only to realize self-publishing was the route they should’ve taken first and foremost. Horror author Jason S. Ridler says, “I’m not aggressively promoting, and I don’t care about being a rock star bestselling author. The time I have left on this planet has to be spent doing things I care about. Relentless promotion and book tours aren’t bad things, but I’d rather spend time being better as a writer.” Ridler’s message is an important one, don’t let rejection or fear of not being able to promote your book stop you from doing what you love.
Self-publishing companies, such as Boss of Me, are noticing a rise in customers which they attribute to an increasingly educated population combined with the ease of self-publishing and the autonomy it provides authors over the finished product. This low-cost alternative ensures that the majority of the profits go to the authors directly, rather than to the publishing company. According to Mr. Goh of Rank Books, it is not only an increase in profits that self-published authors can expect, but also a lower initial investment. Mr. Goh says, “Previously, a minimum run of 500 books would cost at least $3,000 to print. Now, a minimum run of 50 costs just $1,288, making it easier on the wallet for self-publishing authors.” Considering that some authors don’t have commercial interests with their books, this cutting of costs can be a big incentive to go for the DIY approach of publishing. If self-expression is your main motivation, or if you happen to be someone who is writing a book just to give to family and friends, then self-publishing is probably the route you should take, and this article clearly and succinctly explains why that is.
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 every Monday to find out the hottest news. If you have other big news to share, please comment below.
Self Publishing Advisor 