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If I hadn't gone ahead and self-published and, instead, waited for an agent to accept me, I'd probably still be wondering whether my book was good enough. Now I KNOW it is because of the fantastic response I've received from the awesome people who have bought it.
The most important aspect of being an author is to have people read your book. If you're sitting at home waiting for the phone to ring, who is reading your book? Nobody. Why wait? If you're still holding out for an agent or a publisher, they are more likely to pick you up if you've already got a following.
So get your book out there on Amazon (US and UK) and Smashwords. Send out as many review copies as possible, ask book sites to interview you, offer to do guest posts on as many different sites as possible and get your name known.
The best thing a reader said about RAVEN was that her heart ached for the main character, Lilly. I would never have known that my book had that effect on people had I not published it myself, would I?
So what are you waiting for? Go for it!
After writing this, I came across this very interesting post and thought it might back up my point:
http://hbspublications.blogspot.com/2011/07/ebook-authors-self-publishing-is-like.html
Photo courtesy: http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/view_photog.php?photogid=851
I self-published two novels and a short story collection. I waited six-months to get a rejection from a publisher, but now that book is one of my best sellers. Self-publishing is great if you want control of the entire process, but selling your book is a lot of work. It's worth it as long as you have the determination to see it through.
ReplyDelete...in the end, a writer's goal, their purpose for telling a story, is for people to read it. Before my novel was finally accepted, I was also leaning toward self-publishing. I had a story and wanted readers to enjoy it, to see what I had to say. Like you said, Suzy, the most important aspect is to have people read our book...and in this day and age of publishing, does it really matter how the story gets into the reader's hands, as long as it gets there?
ReplyDeleteGreat post :)
EL
You're absolutely right! It's hard work, no doubt, but the reward is wonderful. I've done it both ways (epub and indie pub) and I can tell you the indie pub way has been fantastic.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the great post!
Gabrielle
This is a great motivator - and I haven't even begun to solicit agents yet... but why wait for that route? I have things to publish and should just get it out there. There are readers (and I am one of them) who like reading indie works and purchase them frequently.
ReplyDeleteThank you Gabrielle, Elliot & Amelia for strengthening my points! I'm so glad you agree!
ReplyDeleteAnd hkss... I'm so glad to have been of assistance. I received nearly 20 standard rejections before I decided to do it my way. Don't wait that long and get out there! Let me know when your book is out and perhaps I could have your first guest post or interview?!
Best wishes
Suzy
I tried to post a comment from my phone but it must be having a bad day! I wanted to say that I really like this post, it's a great piece. I'd like to add it to my Blog Promotions page on blog.
ReplyDeleteDon't know if you've heard of Loveahappyending.com but it might be worth you having a look. I'm one the authors on there.
CJ xx
Wow, i had no idea about self publishing i always thought it had to be thru an agent.. Food for thought if i ever get my a into gear to start my "great big idea"....
ReplyDeleteThanks Crystal! I've already been on over to your blog (which I'm lovin' by the way!!)
ReplyDeleteAnd thanks, Frankie... if you need any help once your big idea is written, just give me a shout!
X
Once you start writing for your readers - which is something that only takes off once you start establishing a readership by getting your books 'out there' - you will find your writing improves enormously. http://codyyoungblog.blogspot.com/
ReplyDelete