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I wish these brand-name authors the best of luck in going DIY. And their sales are all but assured.
But developing authors who enter self-publishing must be reaslistic and not take the huge hits some of these famous authors score as a guide to their own success.
These are men and women whose fame was built on the back of traditional publishing and all its editorial, marketing and promotional benefits. They have also, by now, become masters of their craft through careful and painstaking professional editorial direction. And all can afford to hire a pro editor and proof readers before they launch their books as self-published. They're ALL wise enough and experienced to know that it's vital.
Self-starters who make it big, like Amanda Hocking, are exceptions rather than the rule, and their success is the result excellent, editorially flawless work and tireless and imaginative self-promotion.
The huge majority of self-publishing authors must face the fact that many never rise beyond obscurity and that they must pull out every stop if they aim to make a significant impression: That typing 'The End' on a manuscript is anything but accurate. 'The End' is where the hard work starts. It's the mere beginning.
Not trying to be a spoil-sport here, lads and lassies, merely realistic. Self publishing is easy (some believe too easy). EFFECTIVE self-publishing is anything but. It's bloody hard grind all the way.
Good luck. Neil
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