Today’s post is one that sits close to my heart and one that I feel like I have more information on than some of the other topics I want to write on. As a former indie-author myself I know about the indie process and now that I’m actually working in the trade publishing industry I’ve seen the other side.
And, ladies and gentlemen. There is a difference.
A lot of differences actually. Which is why I’m splitting this topic up into several parts. Now, because I know this is a subject that many writers have their own opinions on I want to preface this series by saying these are just my personal observations. I speak from experience, but only my experience. Feel free to share your comments and questions in the comments.
If we’re going to start somewhere, it might as well be at the beginning. Here are a list of the questions I had as an indie-author going into the process several years ago and the questions I didn’t have answers to then, but do now.
Q. Does self-publishing mean no publisher will ever look at my book again?
A. No. Some publishers don’t like working with indie-authors, but self-publishing doesn’t exclude you from the traditional option. Harsh reality is, few self-pub books ever do well enough to make much of a difference and we work on them the same way we work on an unpublished submission with a few differences. It is, however, easier for us to work with an unpublished book because everyone is starting from the same place. (*side note* When applying for my job my now boss found a copy of my book online. It’s why I got my job).
Q. If I go with a traditional publisher does it mean I give up all my opinions?
A. No. And yes. This question is a tricky one. From my experience with a foot in both worlds there is a big difference between indie and traditional pub in terms of focus. Most first time indie-authors (myself included) are author focused: what kind of cover fits my vision, what title do I like, what kind of copy do I think sounds good, what reviewers do I know, what will an editor do for me. Traditional publishing is reader focused. What cover make people want to not just read, but pay for this book. What key words need to be on the back cover. What questions should the title answer. What title and cover concepts are currently selling. How do we edit to make this book an experience for the reader. Your opinions matter, but if your cover won’t sell and your chapter layouts is a nightmare for a reader who isn’t you…you can bet it’ll get changed. But that’s why writers go to publishers.
Q. Doesn’t traditional publishing pay a lot better?
A. Sure. If you’re Suzanne Collins, Stephen King, or Neil Gaiman. Publishing, as we all know, hasn’t been doing as well as it has in the past. If you’re a first time author with no sales history but a good book and a good platform you might get your book accepted, but don’t expect an advance. Especially not one in the 5-6 figure range. Authors get royalties for writing a book that sells, an advance is the publisher saying we know it’ll sell at least this much. Book doesn’t sell? You don’t get paid. Just like with indie-publishing.
Q. If I use a traditional publisher the work is offer once I turn in my manuscript?
A. No way. Authors are expected to be networking and promoting all the time. We give you outlets and connections to do this, indie-publishing you do it yourself. Either way, you work well after the book is written (that’s the easy part), a traditional publisher just gives you more resources.
Stay tuned next week for how to handle the transition from indie author to traditional! Don’ forget, only 20 more days to enter the giveaway!
