Book publishing - which way to go?

[Dr. Vollin]

Well, the book I've been at work on for over a year is done at last; I just finished my final final edit. Now comes the question; send it to "traditional" publishers (I've already submitted it to a couple) or self-publish (I'm checking into this through Amazon).

I know there are some other writers, or aspiring writers, here. How have you approached this question, or how would you once you finish something?

 

[Bugman]

Well, the book I've been at work on for over a year is done at last; I just finished my final final edit. Now comes the question; send it to "traditional" publishers (I've already submitted it to a couple) or self-publish (I'm checking into this through Amazon).

I know there are some other writers, or aspiring writers, here. How have you approached this question, or how would you once you finish something?

Thanks for the update Dr., and congratulations on completing your book. I can't offer any usefull advice, but do hope your work will be published: I'll look forward to reading it one day.

 

[milagros317]

If you decide to self publish, then check out these sites:

Hard copy and e-books:
http://www.lulu.com/

E-books only:
http://www.smashwords.com/about/how_to_publish_on_smashwords

 

[Dr. Vollin]

Thanks, Bugman and milagros.

One issue I have with Lulu, unless they've changed, is the bland covers they offer.

 

[milagros317]

Thanks, Bugman and milagros.

One issue I have with Lulu, unless they've changed, is the bland covers they offer.

You can upload your own cover image if you wish on both those sites. 😀

 

[Dr. Vollin]

And....I take that back. I've just been playing around with Lulu, and their cover design options have improved. I've got the cover and text colors I wanted; the only thing is, I haven't quite figured out how to add images.

 

[WorkInProgress]

There's more prestige and visibility if it's published by a bona fide publishing house, so you should continue to try those first. The key is finding who will give you a fair hearing.

 

[Dr. Vollin]

I hear you on that, WIP; that would be the best outcome if it happens.

I'm only considering self-publishing for a couple of reasons:

1. Time - There's no telling how long it would take for my book to see print, and that's providing a publisher accepted it. I've read that it can take years even then, and I'm not sure how long I can wait (let's just say I'm not 19 anymore).

2. Some traditional publishers I've checked out ask you to provide a marketing plan for the book, which I have no experience in. I don't claim to know the business intimately, but shouldn't that be up to them? And if I am expected to do it, why not go the self-publishing route?


Not that I'm against the traditional way; I'm still going to pursue "bona fide" houses. Those are just some of my thoughts on the process.

 

[Sandrock74]

I'm not an author, but a small press comic book creator. In my own personal experiences, I would give the self-publishing route a try. That's the way you can keep full ownership of everything you do AND you get to keep the full profits, rather than split them with a book publisher (mostly its in their favor). If the world of books is anything like comics, most publishers won't even look at your stuff until such time as you've already been published somehow, somewhere.

Just something to think about.

 

[TicklesXXX]

Createspace is the best option. The older editorial business is obsolete, and very unfair for the writer. Createspace does not take away your rights!

 

[Dr. Vollin]

Update: I got my first actual rejection (as opposed to folks just not replying) yesterday, by email; it was from a small POD press. Still have a query in to another publisher, and sent a sample chapter to an agent at the end of last week.

In case I do have to go the self-publishing route, I've designed a cover at Lulu and am now putting together an index (that's turning out to be the hardest bit of work so far).

 

[Bugman]

Update: I got my first actual rejection (as opposed to folks just not replying) yesterday, by email; it was from a small POD press. Still have a query in to another publisher, and sent a sample chapter to an agent at the end of last week.

In case I do have to go the self-publishing route, I've designed a cover at Lulu and am now putting together an index (that's turning out to be the hardest bit of work so far).

Keep plugging away Dr. Have you submitted your book to any university presses? Might be worth a shot at any rate.