Friday, September 30, 2011

A Self-Publishing Reality Check


There are a lot of misperceptions about traditional publishing and self-publishing. The following article written by Yolanda M. Johnson-Bryant, founder and CEO of Bryant Consulting, gives what I think are great insights into how authors should approach promoting their work. Here are the highlights:

Myth #1: I think I have a great manuscript and an agent and/or publisher will think the same thing and give me a contract.

Myth #2: An agent and/or publisher will care about me and how I would like my work to be displayed. The(y) will keep my work the way I want it.

Myth #3: I will get a big advance and make money off my books.

Myth #4: Self-publishing is not for real authors and is only for authors whom have no writing talent. Translation: Self-Published authors are losers.

Myth #5: I don’t want to self-publish my work because I don’t want to have to deal with the marketing process.

Myth #6: If I self-publish, I kill the chance of ever being picked up by a traditional publisher.

Myth #7: Self-publishing is more expensive than traditional publishing.

Myth #8: Self-publishing is expensive; period.

Myth #9: If I don’t get picked up by a traditional publisher, then I have failed as a writer.

Myth #10: I can sit back in this industry and not do anything and receive a great return.

Authors who want to sell their work must see the business side of the industry. We must be involved in marketing. We must be passionate about what we do. We must consider a variety of methods to publish and share our works.

Read the full post here: http://www.gatekeeperspost.com/headlines/a-self-publishing-reality-check/

Keep your pen to the paper! Remember inspiration is everywhere...