Into the Fire

Boy, there are some people out there in pretty serious conflict with self-published books. My goodness. You’d think the things were black market drugs being sold to children. Seriously, if you find an extra minute in the next day or so, head over to Rachelle Gardner’s blog and read some of the snotty comments about self-published authors and books on Tuesday’s and Wednesday’s posts.

I’m sure there are still small outfits which create an inferior looking product, but the good custom publishers easily compete with royalty publishers in the actual production of quality books.

Let’s be honest. We’re all skeptical of the writing in a self-published book. Right? The writing is the kicker. The writing is what it’s all about. And the reason custom published books have a bad rap is twofold. One, they have deserved it, and two, anyone with enough money to pay for the product can purchase it. Good, bad, and indifferent writers can pay to do it or have it done for free by some e-publishing companies.

A couple of those commenting asserted a self or custom published book wasn’t a real book. Another person derided “authors” with self published books for saying they were published. Man, it got ugly.

Being a self-published author, I can tell you if you let it, the comments make you feel small. Unworthy as a writer. Even humiliated.

But . . . I don’t care about the assessments of those who have never read a single thing I’ve written. Nor do I believe that being “published” by a real publisher qualifies all the authors and books produced as excellent or even in some cases as being better than some self-published books.

I hope the Christians who wrote some of the commentary will reassess their criticisms and realize their haughty attitudes. Published or hoping to be, humility is key. God is the reason I write. It is He who I strive to honor and bless. If I do, I figure I’m bound to bless some other readers He has ordained to read my stories.

Father, I choose to humble myself before you and pray that my work will bring you pleasure. If it’s good, you get all the credit. If it’s not, I messed up. Thank you for the privilege of being able to write the stories you inspire for me. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

*Please continue to pray for Kristy Dykes and her family.*