Comments on: Self-Publishing vs Traditional Arguments

By: lizbrenaman

lizbrenaman — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 12:43:55 +0000

“Now I understand vampires.” LOL LOL LOL

I don’t understand what’s “flawed” about it, either, Marva. I truly believe it’s a sex thing. While I am sickened and disgusted by the thought, I don’t think the big five are considering books for anyone over the age of 10 that doesn’t have a degree of sexual tension, if not outright sex. It makes me ill, but it’s what I’m starting to believe. Your books are far superior than most of what I see on the shelves for the age group.

By: MarvaD

MarvaD — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 01:29:49 +0000

I’m not a multi-hat wearer either. I have been lucky with Tales of a Texas Boy because it’s a niche market. People do seem to find it all on their own.

I’m days away from self-pubbing Simurgh. I’m just waiting for one agent still holding a partial. She did read Bad Spelling and ultimately rejected, so I figure I can give her the same wait time with Simurgh.

BS: 51 days from partial request to full request.

Simurgh: Still at 35 days with the partial.

I fully realize that my kid fantasies don’t enjoy the same type of niche as Tales. I strongly doubt that I’ll have many sales at all. On the other hand, I’m impatient. This “put it aside and start writing something else” just doesn’t work for me. If my work is seriously flawed, I’ve yet to understand how. Hey, you critters! Get harsh on me!

P.S. Mom is back from the hospital with follow-ups scheduled. A couple of pints of blood does wonders. Now I understand vampires.

By: lizbrenaman

lizbrenaman — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 17:43:15 +0000

I agree with both of you. All great points, EJ, and true for me. I cannot wear all the hats, either. I just don’t have the time and money.

Marva, I’ve known you to have good success traveling that road.

For me, it’s just not possible. I don’t agree with all the stigma surrounding self-publishing, it’s just not something I can commit myself to. You know my situation, though. I truly do not have the time.

By: E. J. Ruek

E. J. Ruek — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 20:45:34 +0000

Good points, Marva, and since you are what I consider expert at successful self-publishing, I know you speak truth. For me, though, it’s a matter of laziness. I just don’t think myself capable of wearing all those hats. Heck, I can’t even typeset a book into .pdf that I’m happy with. Word just makes a muck of my drop caps.

By: MarvaD

MarvaD — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 19:49:12 +0000

While your arguments for comparison are true, it’s a like comparing a Rolls Royce to a Ford. You can admire the RR all you want, but if it’s out of your monetary reach, the comparison is moot.

In the case of self-pubbing vs. traditional, it’s usually a matter of traditional just not being an option.

The whole hog marketing effort isn’t necessary. I’ve considered hiring a publicist who knows what they’re doing. Getting a book on Amazon and Barnes & Noble is easy. Getting a book into a brick-n-mortar is hard even for the traditionals. Only so much shelf space.