My response to an article written by the Toronto Star, linked below:
As a newly published Canadian author, I am so glad to hear success stories such as Georgi’s. We know how hard it is to rise to the cream of the crop with it hard work and dedication. I believe the stigma attached to self published authors is slowly fading. When self publishing became a hot commodity I think there were many out there that thought that they could write anything and hit publish. As more and more information becomes available I believe many of those types of authors are learning that there are many elements to writing and publishing, and that putting out shoddy, unedited work becomes a public humiliation. As good self published authors who wish to keep their higher royalties and don’t wish to waste years receiving rejection letters, it doesn’t make us any less than a traditionally published author; we just need to work that much harder to acquire exposure.
D.G. Kaye ©2014
Toronto, Canada
“2013: The year of self-publishing
Call 2013 the year of the self-published book, as hundreds of thousands marched to the drummer of their own words on their own terms — and the business world scrambled to catch up and capitalize on the trend…..” Read More
I agree that self publishing is rapidly losing its stigma. Hurray! Proof is that traditional publishers are getting on the e-book wagon, hoping, I suppose to get a piece of the profits. Self publishers are becoming more respected and more people are buying their books either in print or in e-book. Again Hurray!
You’re also right that self publishers have to work harder. We have to wear many hats: writer, editor (or hire one), book cover design, marketing and so forth.
I’d still like to publish traditionally, at least for one of my books because of the prestige that I associate with traditional publishing. Although I have been made aware that authors still do a lot of the work in the traditional publishing process, it offers the advantage of working with other people interested in your project: agent, editor, book designer. We all know how insecure we as writers can be and so it’s good to have a team behind us who believes in our project and cheers us on.
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Yes Carol, I understand what you’re saying about traditional publishing but as you said, we still have to do the promoting which is most of the work after publishing. I suppose it’s prestige but I will sacrifice that for more of my own profits and waiting years to see my book in print. I am happy for the new and coming acceptance of Indie authors with respect.
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Yes, this waiting years before your book is on the shelf is a HUGE problem. As is being rejected by agents.
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I agree. I’ve heard too many stories about unresponsive agents, lackluster marketing, and disappointing book sales that confirms an old adage–if you want it done right, do it yourself!
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Welcome to the club Adam! Wishing you a very Happy New Year! 🙂
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I know very little about writing … and publishing, but I have some online friends that has self-published their books. I think it’s great that there are tools for this to happen. Because it’s an endless struggling.
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Yes it is Viv, it takes a lot of diligence to put out a good book especially from an independent author. Thanks for reading. 🙂
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I wish you a wonderful and successful New Year 2014
http://marciento.wordpress.com/
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Thank you so much Marko, same to you, and thanks for stopping by here 🙂
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Yes, I wish you great success, Debby. I think you are one courageous woman to do this on your own. I can’t imagine all you have learned on your own.
Inspired,
Elaine
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Thanks again Elaine, by this time next year you will be patting yourself on the back! I eagerly await your book! 🙂
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