With the State of the economy as it currently is, would you consider self publishing?
What are the pros and cons into self publishing. It seems to me that more and more people are considering this route. Have you considered it or are you doing it or have you done it ?
Hi Damien - you've seen my figures, but what I don't think I said in that post was I reckon my publisher read my first book (as an e-version) before they offered me a deal.
They've never said so (and I was too cowardly to ask) but they sent a contract offer purely on the basis of three chapters of the second story. They never saw the whole thing until it was all signed and sealed. That seems to me risking a little too much on an unknown in this day and age, though there was no upfront money involved so maybe I'm wrong.
I'd certainly self-pub again, and would have with the second book if I'd not had the offer.
If you mean self-publishing on amazon or similar, the most exciting thing about this format, in my opinion, is the way the author can serialise a novel and actually develop plots and characters in response to feedback from the audience.
I believe that's how fifty shades came about (though I know some people feel this is the opposite of a good example - http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/340987215).
The biggest disadvantage I can see is that some independent book stores are really (understandably) unhappy with authors who go to Amazon first. Also, is it a risk for potential publishing deals if your work is already "out there" before you contact them?
Hi,
I have done and am grateful to be able to self-publish. My usual genre is Regency romance although I am now writing modern romances. I have also written time-travel and fantasy. They have all been self-published and I have sold at least one copy of every story. I sell, on average one book a day, which is nothing compared to some other self-published authors who sell much more per day. I also have one novel in print. Unfortunately, I find the price rather high although the book looks and feels very good in hand.
You do have to be sure that the story is edited and formatted correctly otherwise you are doomed from the start, as well as giving yourself a poor reputation.
Let me know if I can help you.