I often read an article and think, Hmmm, that’s good; my peeps would like this. So I put it in my Short Saturday file to save for next week. Or the next week, or the next. Because I come across a lot of interesting, informative articles.
Sometimes it’s a long time before you see it. 🙂
In this case, though, the delay was worth it. Almost a year ago, best-selling author Allison Winn Scotch posted “The New Era of Self-Publishing” on one of my fave blogs, Writer Unboxed. Scotch was at a crossroads: having published four novels with New York houses, she was seriously considering self-publishing her fifth. In this piece, she notes, “There is a very big difference between self-publishing and self-publishing well,” and goes on to outline the pros and cons:
PROS CONS
1. Complete control over process 1. Expense
2. Pricing 2. How many books do you really sell?
3. Timing 3. Tough going on subsidiary rights
4. Accountability 4. Loss of industry cred
5. Earnings upside 5. You’re out of luck at bookstores
. 6. It’s a heck of a lot of work
This piece is very thorough, and you should read it. I reread it to write it up, and when I noticed the date it had been written, I wondered what Scotch had decided.
I’m pleased to report she’s written about that too. In a piece called “A Brave New World: Let’s Do This,” Allison Winn Scotch announces the publication of her first self-published book, The Theory of Opposites. But this isn’t a plug for her book—it’s a debriefing on her self-pub experiences. Have a look:
1. Going indie is not the same thing as uploading an e-book.
2. It takes a certain kind of personality.
3. Speaking of power … I’ve got mine back.
4. Know your reach.
5. Ask for help.
6. This is what I know (in sum).
Kids, this is advice from someone who’s been there; take the time to read this too.
There’s another post related to these. Scotch calls it “Plan B: Or What to Do When Things Go Wrong.” It’s encouragement and inspiration for writers, no matter where or how they’re publishing. Don’t misunderstand: Plan B doesn’t mean a second-best plan. It means an alternate plan.
Scotch is a thoughtful writer and she’s shared a lot here. I think you’ll enjoy these!
Tweet: Three pieces on one author’s self-publishing experience you simply must read.
Tweet: This is self-pub advice from someone who’s been there; you’ll be glad you read it.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”