Circumvent – definition: to avoid by artfulness or deception; avoid by anticipating or outwitting
The argument of choosing traditional publishing versus self publishing continues to be discussed at length on many social media sites. The option to release your novel into the world without waiting months or even years for a traditional publishing house to pick it up, has revolutionized the authoring world and our options within it. There are still pitfalls as well as concerns about the quality with self published works, but on the whole it is seen as a great opportunity by many struggling authors.
A twist in the tale is now emerging, where self published authors are being approached by the traditional houses – some accept, some do not. Again there are advantages and disadvantages – drastic reduction in royalties, publicity coverage, cover design, prestigious outlets, contractual restrictions or conditions.
Even some famous authors utilized the self publishing route, it is not a ‘new’ concept by any means.
- Mark Twain, Huckleberry Finn
- John Grisham, A Time to Kill
- L. Ron Hubbard, Dianetics
- Irma Rombauer, The Joy of Cooking
- Walt Whitman, Leaves of Grass
- Richard Paul Evans, The Christmas Box
- Jack Canfield and Mark Hensen,Chicken Soup for the Soul
- James Redfield, The Celestine Prophecy
- Beatrix Potter, creator of the Peter Rabbit Classic Series.
Today’s indie authors have the added advantage of using technology to realize their publishing dreams and at a greatly reduced cost. There are numerous sites advertising publishing options and this is where care needs to be taken. Research each one thoroughly and get personal recommendations from other authors, not from the website! Unfortunately, some sites are preying on inexperienced authors and charging a great deal of money for ‘services’. Always check http://www.sfwa.org/other-resources/for-authors/writer-beware/ they have a list that is constantly updated of sites to avoid.
How do you view self publishing?
What do you feel are the advantages for traditional versus self-publishing?
Related Articles:
http://www.novel-writing-help.com/publishing-a-novel.html
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/holly-robinson/should-you-self-publish-f_b_3721206.html
Mandy Eve-Barnett's Blog for Readers & Writers 