Like most authors today, I've considered self-publication. The control of the entire process, from editing to cover design, to price, to placement, has a certain appeal. And the increased royalties and accounting from Amazon certainly have an appeal. All my friends who have already taken the plunge assure me that, although it involves multiple steps, it's not hard to do. A piece of cake.Yet, each time I seriously consider it, something always happens. As is the case with a lot of us aging boomers, computers are a friend and a foe. Just when I think things are going along fine, and that I can take on the challenge of self-publication, I have a day like yesterday.
I needed to print out, sign and scan a document, which I was to email back to complete my transaction. My computer and printer have worked together fine for the last six months, so I thought my simple task would be quick and easy. A piece of cake. Yet when it came time for my printer and computer to relate, they refused to talk to each other. It was as if they were two little school kids, pointing fingers at each other.
"It's the computer's fault!" yelled my printer, flashing lights and refusing to scan.
"No, it's not! The computer's fine. It's the printer who doesn't want to work!" The computer showed me a screen with a grin, evidence it was hooked up properly to the printer.
I could get nowhere, so I decided to just put the document in the mail instead. The old-fashioned way. The way I'm used to dealing with things.
So, if I were to take on the challenge of self-pubbing, what would happen to my book if, once again, my computer and printer act like spoiled children in the school yard? I don't know. But I don't think I can mail it in.
And the not knowing is what scares me into once again resisting the urge to take the next step. If anyone has any ideas on how to get beyond this, I'd love to hear them.
As one of the seniors, I know how frustrating computer/printer incompatibility can be. Luckily, I've learned to turn those documents that need to be scanned and signed into PDFs I can sign electronically--and most publishers--are fine with that. But, I've also had to print, sign, and send them on occasion, too. I'm definitely a hybrid author now with 6, soon to be 7 indie books, as well as those published traditionally. For me, it works. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteI am in total awe, Susanne! 7 self-pubbed books. You must be busy keeping all those balls in the air. I'll try your trick with the pdf thing. Thanks.
DeleteI've also toyed with the idea of self-publishing, but right now, I'm happy to be published traditionally. If I ever did go the indie route, I would hire someone to help with formatting.
ReplyDeleteAnd the cover, since I suck at graphic design...Thanks, Joanne, for chiming in today.
DeleteThere are some fabulous, inexpensive people out there doing cover designs and text formatting. That is definitely not a hurdle in the adventure.
DeleteWhat I'd suggest is doing a novella as your first trek into self publishing, something small to test the waters. Check with fellow authors like Susanne to see if they are using a 3rd party like Smashwords or BookBaby to self publish, or setting up an Amazon Kindle account for themselves. eBooks do not need any printer help, lol, so that eliminates the pointing finger stuff. I self published back in the 90's when it was a little more bother. But it worked well.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Kathleen for your words of advice. I keep dragging my toes in the water. Someday, I'll take the plunge.
DeleteI buy my covers after making one hideous one. I've been doing my own formating, but that might change. I go direct to the publishers (except iBooks - I use Draft to Digital and may even change that.)
ReplyDeleteI think you need to determine if you like the self pub process. It's all on you. There's no one to hold you to a deadline, no one to bounce ideas off for marketing or even pay for it except you, and it can be a lot of work.
I agree with Kathleen, do a novella, see if you like the process (don't judge only on money) and then make your decision.
Thanks, Lynn. You know how I've toyed with this over the past year or so. I don't have a problem with meeting deadlines, since I self impose a lot of them, and there's not much marketing help from a traditional publisher these days, as you well know. I'm not even afraid of the extra work as much as I am being able to keep control of my frustration level. That's my biggest issue.
DeleteI've considered it as well and would have to hire out, oh, EVERYTHING so I'm still just thinking about it. But I would start small as everyone suggested.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Beth. I may have to come up with a novella to test the waters.
ReplyDeleteI was scared about having a go as well. It all seemed too daunting. Romance Writers of Australia did a session at conference where someone walked you through the process and I did it. I had the cover professionally done and paid for editing. I felt such a wonderful sense of achievement and would definitely have another go. I started with a novella to dip my toes in the water. Have ago.
ReplyDeleteI'm hearing you, Maggie. Maybe next year. Thanks for stopping by.
DeleteI self-pubbed a non-fiction book before I moved into fiction and signed with Soul Mate. My local literary group "Writers and Books" offered a series of self-publishing workshops that included tips on book covers, marketing, formatting, and so on. That demystified the process for me and gave me the courage to move ahead. Like Lynn, though, I will want professionally designed book covers if I decide to self-pub my next series.
ReplyDeleteYes, I've already come to the conclusion that a good cover, formatter and a decent editor are crucial to any self-pubbing success. At least for me.
ReplyDelete