Into the Fire

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Passionate: right or wrong. Writes love stories with a passion. Raw Romantic Redemptive

Friday Five

                    I%20Get%20the%20Point

Five reasons I chose (and choose) to self-publish:

I'm stubborn. I want my novels written my way.

Although I got some compliments on my writing, agents and traditional Christian publishing houses that I pursued had no interest in pursuing my work.

I love getting the final word on my book covers and being able to communicate and work with the designers.

Most of my novels are longer than the preferred length of most publishers – except of course for their star authors.

Did I mention I was stubborn? 

 

Lord, apart from you, I can do nothing. Thank you for every word, every story, every moment spent writing them. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

 

 

 

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4 responses to “Friday Five”

  1. BK Jackson Avatar
    BK Jackson

    While I haven’t published in any way yet, my reason to self-publish can be boiled down to one thing. I don’t see any good reason to traditionally publish. I’ve heard many authors talk about needing the validation of traditional publishing, and that’s fine if that’s what motivates you. But it’s just not something I need.
    Traditional publishers also grossly overcharge for e-books.
    In either case, I’d have to do all the work myself, and I like the idea of creating my own company–I’ve been kicking around a couple names for my Press. I can’t do that going traditional either.
    And the freedom to choose covers, etc, as you mentioned, Nicole.
    I’m not saying I’m opposed to the traditional approach. But I just don’t see any convincing reason to do so at this time.

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  2. Nicole Petrino-Salter Avatar
    Nicole Petrino-Salter

    Since the trad publishers require an author to present their marketing strategies, give less of a percentage to the author for their published book(s), ultimately decide how much and what is cut out (edited) of your work, and determine your title, plus as you noted charge a ridiculous price for the e-books – and sometimes for the print ones – yeah, not a bad idea to go indie.
    I admire you for considering doing it all yourself. Brenda S. Anderson, Brandilyn Collins (lately), to name a couple, do it themselves with a cover designer. I cannot. It would drive me crazy-er to have to learn to format an e-book. And since those who know how make several mistakes in the process, I can’t imagine what a disaster I might create. So I pay for it to be done and am happy and relieved to do so.

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  3. Brenda S. Anderson Avatar
    Brenda S. Anderson

    I had zero desire to self-publish and was determined to go the traditional route, but when my publisher failed right before the 2nd book in the series was to come out, I had a choice to self-publish or focus on a new series and let that first series die a sad death.
    I couldn’t do that, so I was thrust into the indie-pub world very quickly so that book #2 would be delivered on time as I’d promised my small, but important reader base.
    Now that I’ve gone indie, I still have a desire for a traditional contract, but indie’s not so bad. I do like having control of the story & cover. My editor never changes the story or characters. I actually enjoy formatting the interior. I like making a greater percentage of sales.
    I despise the marketing, though, and all the social media efforts required to keep our name out there.

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  4. Nicole Petrino-Salter Avatar
    Nicole Petrino-Salter

    You’ve done a terrific job, Bren. You’ve got the skillset to publish your own work, a network, you’ve used the social media well, and you write good stories. You’re making the most of a good thing. Good for you! And since trad publishing requires the same things you’re already doing with less profit, I’d say you’re ahead of the game at this point. 😉

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