Hello. My first time here. Completed a psy fiction with some historical background amidst racial tensions on a far-away but popular island. Was told to try self-publishing or an Indian publisher since finding a Western publisher is tough, not to say quasi-impossible for a rookie novelist. What do you think?
Are you sure they didn't mean an Indie publisher not Indian... an independent publisher would be a good thing to look into.
Well, don't give up because there have been people in your position who have self published and then been noticed by the publishers. Not saying it's easy, but if JK Rolling can do it, then so can you!! I'm gonna do it anyway! :-)
One tip I picked up somewhere, was that if you're going to self publish, you may as well use your own created imprint, rather than the generic ones out there which some reviewers are biassed against. not sure exactly how it works, but I'm sure you can research and find out.
I also read about a renowned published writer who was dying for his contracts to end with his publisher so he could get his work back, self publish and earn more of the money from his work. He, however, had already made his name, so his situation was somewhat different.
Hope this was useful. happy writing!
Despite numerous rejections from agents, I self-published my debut novel as an Ebook in July this year. I have to say I haven't submitted to publishing companies because the general consensus of opinion is that one should try to secure the services of an agent first. I am confident that the work is worthy of publishing but as you say, it's a tough business out there and not least for those of us who self publish. The paparazzi are not gathering outside my front door yet, but there have been sales (which there would not have been, had I left the novel sitting beside its descendant on the computer). I think if we have a good command of language together with a fabulous story, good presentation skills and the determination to succeed, we can hope that one day our work will be recognised. Therefore you have nothing to lose. Good luck. Sam