Quote:
Originally Posted by Catlady
Does the aspiring writer want to maximize profit or write good books? Yes, one can do both, but which is the primary goal? If profit, fine, self-publish, self-promote, follow the trends, etc. But if the goal is good writing, maybe it makes more sense to concentrate on learning one's craft.
No, there's nothing wrong with wanting to make money, which makes it really puzzling that the big publishing houses are held in disdain for trying to maximize profit.
I certainly agree that honing one's craft is the first step. But it is exactly the step that too many of the self-publishers skip, because they think their writing is just terrific--their family and their buddies say so, after all. So they assume success depends on marketing.
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My point is that by going traditional, you don't necessarily hone your craft either. I've read many an author who ends up stuck in a rut, never really putting out a better book or even getting worse over time. Honing ones craft is very often a personal decision/adventure. We're all lucky if we come across good mentors/influences whether it is in writing or some other endeavor. Self publishing does not mean you have to go without that step or go without mentors. Yes, many do. But so do many trad writers--they just have better copyeditors and hopefully someone to catch the largest plot holes.