by Cindy Sproles @CindyDevoted
Self-publication
is a wonderful choice when it’s used in the right situation. My challenge to
you, the writer, is step aside of your dreams for a moment and look at the
development of your work. Is the quality going to best represent your God given
gift? If self-publication is the road for you, then take active steps by making
the investment in your writing before putting the work into print. Make it the
best piece you can so that years later it’s something that makes you proud.
If you choose self-publication follow these
steps to make your work as successful as it can be:
TWEETABLES
Don't Rush Publication - Instead Spend Your Time on Excellence - @CindyDevoted (Click to Tweet)
It's hard to wait for publication, but it's the wise thing to do - @CindyDevoted (Click to Tweet)
Cindy Sproles is an author and popular speaker. She is the cofounder of Christian Devotions ministries and managing editor of Straight Street Books and SonRise Devotionals, imprints of Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas. Cindy is the executive editor of www.christiandevotions.us and www.inspireafire.com. She teaches at writers conferences nationwide and directs The Asheville Christian Writers Conference - Writers Boot Camp.
She is the author of two devotionals, He Said, She Said - Learning to Live a Life of Passion and New Sheets - Thirty Days to Refine You into the Woman You Can Be. Cindy's debut novel, Mercy's Rain, is available at major retailers. Visit Cindy at www.cindysproles.com and book her for your next conference or ladies retreat. Also connect with her on Facebook and Twitter.
Don't rush publication, instead spend time on excellence |
There is
more to being a writer than just putting words on a page. There’s
responsibility, attitude, and expectations. So tell me, where does your heart lay
and what’s your rush?
I posed these
two questions at a recent writers conference where I taught.
My own ideas
were put to the test when one writer asked the hot button question, “But if you
can’t get a contract with your first book, why not self-publish?”
The
disclaimer first: I have nothing against
self-publication. I believe there is a time and a situation when
self-publication is the perfect answer. BUT, I’m not sure self-publication is
the perfect answer, just for a new
writer to be published.
Publishing is a career filled with hard work. |
Publishing,
at its best, is a trying career filled with hard work, waiting, and a small
ratio of contracts offered compared to manuscripts written.
New writers find themselves frustrated and
angry that their books are not receiving contracts.
Between the fists of the
economy tightening around publishers and outdated business models, even
well-seasoned authors experience high rejection rates.
Still there
is something to be said for a writer’s bloody knees.
Our first
works are rarely our best, even when we think they are – our writing may not be
up to publication level. Our rejections in writing, force us to strive to learn
the craft on a higher level. They make us angry enough to buckle down and
refine the words. Those pesky rejections serve as a sifter, filtering out the
serious writers from those who aren’t. Rejections are, and rightfully should
be, our incentive to excel to the next level.
Why not self-publish? |
So how does
this all play into the “Why not self-publish,” question? It’s all a matter of
attitude and a respect for the craft of writing. My question for those who grow impatient is, “What
is your hurry?” Traditional publishing is not easy, and honestly, it’s not
always fair, but the ultimate goal never changes. Quality writing must be
the end result.
It’s easy
for us to insist we’ve dreamed of being a writer since childhood or that we
have a story that will change lives. But if that is truly the case, why rush
the process, when the process leads us to a better quality of work?
It is a
question a writer has to answer for themselves and it does require some soul
searching to see past our dream of being published and locate the reality of actually being ready to be published.
Self-publication can be a good choice when it's used in the right situation. |
- Build a solid platform to sell the book. A book on the shelf is no good unless is ends up in the hands of a reader. And understand, that by having your book on Amazon or in distributor catalogue, does not sell a book. You sell the book.
- Invest in a CONTENT editor who can help you with plot, find holes, placement, and overall readability of the work. Don’t count on a proofer to catch the holes in a manuscript. Invest the money into a reputable CONTENT EDITOR. ($800-$1000 and up)
- Invest in a professional book cover designer that makes your book cover look professional – not self-published. Professional designers purchase licensed photos and they know the colors, images, concepts, and fonts that sell a book from the shelf. Your friend who does nice book covers may not be the right fit for your book. Consider the experienced professional, their knowledge and expertise. ($300-$500)
- Invest in an interior designer who can paginate your book properly with correct font sizes, proper ditch measurements, and accurate line spacing so your book looks professional not like a first grade reader. ($75-$150)
- Do your homework on printers, be it Amazon or an industry self-publishing firm.
- Consider print-on-demand over stock piling hundreds of books in your basement. Read the fine print of the self-publishing contract. Sometimes you are required to purchase hundreds of books upfront.
- Check references on self-publishing companies. If you were hiring a builder for your home you would check references – do the same for your book.
TWEETABLES
Don't Rush Publication - Instead Spend Your Time on Excellence - @CindyDevoted (Click to Tweet)
It's hard to wait for publication, but it's the wise thing to do - @CindyDevoted (Click to Tweet)
She is the author of two devotionals, He Said, She Said - Learning to Live a Life of Passion and New Sheets - Thirty Days to Refine You into the Woman You Can Be. Cindy's debut novel, Mercy's Rain, is available at major retailers. Visit Cindy at www.cindysproles.com and book her for your next conference or ladies retreat. Also connect with her on Facebook and Twitter.
Cindy, Great information. Thank you for investing in us.
ReplyDeleteI just want our authors to be mindful. -Cin
ReplyDeleteThis is very informative. It can be expensive writing a book though. As I continue to write my book and make changes, I need all the help I can get. So thank you.
ReplyDeleteIt is expensive. That's why it's important for writers to understand that publishers have these exact type of expenses. But if you choose to self-publish, make it the best it can be. I can't tell you how many authors who have self-published that first book, have said, "I wish now, I'd have waited. I see the difference in 3 three years of writing experience."
Deletehave had this exact conversation with mine editor a couple of times! i've pushed my release date back for this exact reason (mostly) because i just can't do it half way!!! ps, excellence not perfectionism!! wink wink
ReplyDeleteSo true.
ReplyDeleteThanks for this helpful article. I want to get my book out there, but I want it to be the best I can do for God, my readers and for myself.
ReplyDeleteThis is such a helpful and encouraging post, Cindy. Thank you!
ReplyDelete"... The reality of actually being ready to be published". Yes! Dream vs reality. I think we all want to be that discovered author whose writing is brilliant from the beginning, but I'd say that's extremely rare. The virtue of patience yet again...
ReplyDelete