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To self-publish or not to self-publish?
- This topic has 4 replies, 2 voices, and was last updated 5 years, 4 months ago by .
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That is the question. Okay, that and a couple of other questions, maybe. XD
So I’ve been planning to self-publish the book that I’ve been writing like crazy within the next couple of months, but I’m starting to have second thoughts just a little bit and wondered a few things. Those of you who have published (esp if you’ve done well :P), I’d really appreciate all the input I can get here.
Firstly, did you self-publish or traditionally publish? If either one, what was your experience with it and what would you personally recommend? I’m looking for experienced opinions here, not just random info, lol. Already done a ton of research, just wanting to know your personal thoughts at this point.
Also, along the same lines, if I believe I have a really good story, with an attractive cover and all that, (and hopefully a blog soon), would you recommend professional editing no matter what? I’ve done some editing for other people’s books and feel like I’m relatively good at it, but as far as overall story and all I haven’t had a lot of input and wonder if it’s rather crucial that I do. Is there anyone who’s a little more experienced who’s willing to do that for me that you know of? I realize your/their time is valuable.
I want to sell a lot of books as much as I can, because why not if I think I have a great story/product? I write because I believe in what I’m writing so there’s a lot of personal momentum behind publishing and getting it out there, but it’d also be awesome to make something in the process. So there’s a lot of stuff to put together and answer for me. XD Appreciate any and all personal thoughts/experience/whatever you want to share, and thanks!
Assistant Guildmaster of the Phantom Awesome Meraki
~ Created to create ~Okay, also I have had several younger writers beta reading my book. Whether that’s good or not, there it is. XD I find it helpful on a small scale, personally, even if I don’t always like their ideas.
I also realize that my own opinion (that my book is awesome and I’m pretty good at editing it) may be highly biased, so be brutal if necessary. I just need to know what’s going to be best to do in the long run. 🙂 And maybe someone wants to read a tad bit of it to know whether or not I’m just fantasizing about it even being any good, idk. Lemme know your thoughts, peoples! XD
Assistant Guildmaster of the Phantom Awesome Meraki
~ Created to create ~For a comparison of traditional and self-publishing, I highly recommend you take our mindset course. (I think it’s covered in module 2 or 3.)
I can’t say whether you should publish, because I haven’t read your book. I’ve known people to publish the first book they wrote, and it was actually a really good read. I’ve seen more people publish too early though. The pressure to publish is strong. I published my first book, regretted it, was going to publish my second, then wisely held back, and finally released a novelette. I’m wrapping up my third novel, which I think is finally publishable. Because it’s so hard to judge for yourself when you’re ready to publish, I wrote an article that provides some guidelines to help you self-evaluate: https://storyembers.org/are-you-publishing-your-book-too-soon/
Finally, yes, I 100% believe you should get an editor. And yes, look for one with credentials and who charges standard rates. I’ve used Brianna (https://www.theliterarycrusader.com/welcome.html) and she’s far more thorough than any beta reader I’ve ever had. She does line edits (editing on the paragraph level to help you say what you meant to say in the best way possible). I really recommend a line edit. It will make your book more professional than if you just get a proofreader. I also plan to hire another type of editor soon for my novel, one who focuses more on the broad picture like looking for plot holes/scene structure/finding ways to improve characterization. Theoretically, you could find a beta reader who’s as good as a professional editor, but that’s unlikely and you’d have no way to judge unless you already had experience with professional editors.
SE article: https://storyembers.org/three-truths-you-may-not-realize-about-professional-editing/Okay, that was super helpful. Thanks for the thoughts! I’ll check all that out…and if anyone else has thoughts, pitch in as well. 🙂
Assistant Guildmaster of the Phantom Awesome Meraki
~ Created to create ~
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