epearl wrote:This was really helpful. I'm curious about self-publishing though. Is that like giving up or is it best to just get your work out there any way you can?
This is a really good question, and one I have discussed with several authors, self-published, aspiring, and traditionally published. As the industry continues to shift, and as self-publishing gains validity, this question will continue to be revisited. I think though the answer can be yes or no depending on your motivations. if you are dedicated to improving your craft, you workshop your book with other writers to hone it to the best it can be, engage the people you need to produce a quality product, and market it as you would any business, then no, you are not giving up, nor are you getting your work out there any way you can. You are conducting yourself as a professional, and if you choose to self-publish because you want to maintain control and develop your own brand (not that of a traditional publisher), then you are no different than any entrepreneur. Will you get rich? Not likely. Will you become famous? Not likely. Will it be hard work, long hours, and sometimes a thankless task? Possibly. Will you be able to take pride in the product you have developed? Absolutely.
The key is making a decision that is right for you. It is important to conduct yourself as a professional through every step. Learn everything you can. Hire people with skills you don't possess, whether this is editing or cover design, etc. Invest in yourself and your books. Please note the plural on the end. All the people I know who are making any money in self-publishing have multiple offerings, and in most cases, it took a fair amount of time to begin to see any cash flow.
One final thing, self-publishing is particularly good for those who can fill a niche market, one that most traditional publishers are not responding to.
If you decide to go that route, make it a decision you are proud of, not one that is a last resort for a desperate author.
Good luck.
"We awaken the muse with the spirit of creativity. We entomb it with the ghoul of self-doubt."
That's right, I have a muse. It is spelled MusE. My writing is influenced by the interactions of people I meet - us and ME.