I came across an article the other day on the debate of self published and traditionally published and once again I read about the berating at self pubbers and how our works can only be considered secondary to traditionally published because they are unpolished and unedited. This statement has been made many times, generalizing all self published writers, while trying to humiliate the few whom their articles pertain to.
I think everyone has the right to choose how they prefer to publish without being judged. As for self publishing, yes, there is a bit of a stigma attached to it but I think that as time has progressed and will progress from what I am reading about, many writers are starting to get it! It, being the fact that mass production with no edits or proper book covers is becoming a public humiliation.
Perhaps when self publishing boomed anyone thought they could be a writer because you could ‘hit publish’ on amazon. People learn through criticism and for the small few mixed in the bunch as time progresses, well you will always get a few. I can definitely attest to the fact that there are a number of books traditionally published that I have personally read which could use some editing as well. Nonetheless, it is brave and lots of work to be a writer and learn to market and self promote as well.
I have spent this whole year, pent up, mostly in seclusion writing my book and reading hundreds of publications, countless forums and read many books along this journey as well as passed my book through 2 editors. I can only hope that if it is not well received by some that it is only because of a genre preference. Any thoughts?
DGKaye©2013
DGKayewriter.com 
I’ve self-published as an experiment ( a book of flash fiction), but I think I would wait for traditional publication, if it does happen. I’m not gutsy enough to go sell my own book completely on my own.
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It is a personal choice for all of us and a lot of work but also a great sense of accomplishment. Don’t be afraid and have faith in yourself! Thanks for dropping by! 🙂
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I’ve chosen to self-publish. With a limited budget, it is self-publish or not publish at all. I have too much pride in my words to let them sit idle because of self-publishing perceptions. My first release is nearing, and I am proud of what I’m accomplishing with next to nothing financing.
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Good for you! This is what I am doing and I do believe that time is proving that self published authors don’t have to feel like they are any less than traditionally published; the stigma will dissipate eventually. Many books in ebook, have gotten right up there in the ratings with ‘famous’ authors! Kudos to us! 🙂
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I agree. It’s not easy. Let’s just let people be. Whatever works well for them should be great. Blessings!
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Amen! 🙂
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Looking forward to reading your book Debby when it comes out, great post, loved it. Clarabelle
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Thanks for your kindness Clarabelle! 🙂
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Most welcome Debby 🙂
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Personally, I believe if you have taken the time to write something, it’s only fair that people should have the opportunity to read it. Otherwise why write at all? I got so fed up of stories of people being rejected for stupid reasons, that I though ‘why should the big publishing houses be the gatekeepers of what the public gets to read, especially when they churn out all that celebrity rubbish because that sells?’ I’m all for self-publishing. In fact, as a reaction to this I set up my own small publishing company with a view to publishing new authors.
There are proof-reading services out there as well, who says a self-published book isn’t edited. And yes, I have several newly released books by the big companies that I’ve been reading ,and as an editor, I’ve spotted loads of mistakes.
It makes me so mad!
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It goes to show that nobody is perfect. Indie writers are only just that, independent writer/publishers who chose not to go through the big houses. it doesn’t make them any less and if the books aren’t edited well, it can happen on both sides. 🙂
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This is great, Debby. Generalizations are lousy. There are many excellent self-published books and more success stories all the time. Presses such as She Writes Press make “self-publishing” into an art form, putting out books that would otherwise be ignored because no one thinks they’ll be a best seller. The book industry is in flux and self-publishing provides a good choice for many writers who aren’t already famous. I’ll be interested to see how promotion go for you. This seems hard to do on one’s own, but no matter what my final choice, I have guidance from my wonderful book development editor Jill Swenson.
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Yes, Elaine, I thought the same thing about generalizations, that is why I wrote this. The book world is still ever-evolving and self publishers have to work extra hard to get their books out there by themselves by promoting and not pushing. You have an extra edge with Jill, take advantage of the opportunity. I know you follow me so you will keep abreast of what my journey will entail. Thanks for your interest. 🙂
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