In your opinion is better to self-publish or publish the old traditional way and

1. 59

   Sundaymomentsposted 11 years ago

   In your opinion is better to self-publish or publish the old traditional way and why?
   
   In the last few years I have heard a lot of hype about self publishing and yes I do self publish. However I have also heard a lot of hype about the old traditional way of obtaining a contract by publishing house; which type of publishing do you think is the best avenue to take?
   
   

   replyreport
2. 84

   Pamela N Redposted 11 years ago

   I haven't published either way but from talking to authors as well as editors I will say that it is harder to get sales when you self publish.
   
   Going the traditional route your book must go through the scrutiny of an agent, editor as well as other people at the publishing company so there is less potential for errors.
   
   When you self publish you must do all the work yourself: editing, publicity, designing the cover as well as selling.
   
   Some have made it big self publishing but it isn't easy.

   replyreport
3. 61

   Keith Hamposted 11 years ago

   I think that the traditional way is great if you can get into it. Self Publishing, however, opens up for a lot of non-standard markets and allows the best (or sometimes worst) to really get their stories out there.

   replyreport
4. 81

   Alexander Markposted 11 years ago

   Since you asked for an opinion I'll chime in. I have no experience with publishing houses and I did once self publish - sold two books, one to my aunt and one to my mom ha ha! I think the potential money to be made could be greater self publishing, and I have heard over and over that when you go with a publisher, you are going to have to do the bulk of the marketing anyway. If I choose to self publish then I will be hunting for a good editor because you can't just throw away good publishing practices just because you're free from the constraints of traditional publishing.
   
   The advantage of going traditional is that they have a ton of experience and knowledge of how to get the book ready and how to get it out there, plus they will be able to get it into major bookstores. If you work alone, you have to do ALL that footwork yourself. The real question I think is this: Will you make more money from self publishing or traditional when you know they will be taking a huge cut of the profits from your book. Is the potential of self publishing and marketing greater than if you allow someone else to have authority in your editing process that then takes a huge cut of your money?
   
   I'm inclined to think that self publishing is the better way to go as long as you can find appropriate markets for your work. But I would still like to see a major house on the spine of my novel as it sits on the shelf at Barnes and Noble. I know I'm vain :-)

   replyreport
5. 61

   Teylinaposted 11 years ago

   No way to afford self-pub until our tech age; now it's easier, etc., just prefer a real, live book and would love to have mine pub'd--haven't tried--may go self just to get it in print!

   replyreport