Quote:
Originally Posted by Catlady
True enough. But the presumption is that the traditionally published writer has at least managed to write well enough to convince the publishing house to put its money, reputation, and resources behind the book. The self-published author need convince only himself of the value of his book before foisting it on the public.
And as I've already said, that means that with the traditional publishers the reader can expect a minimum level of competence. Not so with self-published material.
|
But that is an argument against BUYING self-published books and has little to do with the author making a business and personal decision about self publishing (which is the topic.) I get that some readers don't want to read self-published. Nothing wrong with that. Not my audience. But neither is hard-core sci/fi or children's books.
As a self-published author, or one contemplating it, you do have to realize the risk/rewards. Some of that risk is that you'll get lazy and not hone the craft. Some of it is that you'll run into readers who simply aren't interested. BUT--there are unpleasant risks with trad publishing as well. Will you make as much money? Will you be happy? Will you really be able to hone your craft or will you feel forced to put out a book a year or be dropped by your publisher? Will you write a book and be dropped anyway? Will you be forced to continue writing a series because your publisher pushes you to do it and won't look at any of your other work?
There are TONS of pros and cons. IF all an author wants is the "verification" that they meet a certain standard or a badge of honor (or if it's on the list of important things) then the author needs to move that priority up in the list of pros when making the decision of whether to submit or self-publish.
The only point I am making is that these days self-publishing is a completely different animal than when she was starting out. So is traditional publishing. There are many good things about both paths--and there are many not-so-great.
For the reader? Some readers are not at all interested in looking through self-published. Hell, some days I pass some books by because it's too much effort to take the chance. Is it more likely I'll pass on a self-published than a trad? Probably. But I just finished another gem--self-published, fantasy. I don't even read much fantasy any more, but this one was one of those that happened to grab me. I LOVED IT. It happens. I don't stop looking and self-published right now is cheap, often free, and plentiful. And it's a valid business model (But I still maintain it is only a valid business model for ANY author if they continue to hone their craft.)