Both my daughter and I have noticed that self publishing seems to be a popular pet among writers. A refrain I have noticed in several threads is that traditionally published people put on airs, as though they’re better than other writers, this might be true, but I wanted to toss another perspective into cyberspace.
Could it be possible, that some of us can not afford to self publish? That some of us are in awe of those who have the funds to assure their own publication? That some of us could see self publishing as authors showing off how much money they have? ( I’m not saying that this is true about self published authors but rather, trying to make the point that these judgements can slice both ways.) That some of us, like myself, are hoping it’s not too late in the day to start up a crockpot of beans to last the week?
That said, I am truly feeling blessed by Stephanie’s disclosure , that the Lord has granted over thirty two of my poems to find homes in Literary Journals. ( None of which we had to pay for). Additionally, not having the funds to enter poetry contests with fees, I feel blessed that the Andres Montoya contest held by the University of Notre Dame chose one of my collections as a finalist. And finally, of course, I am thankful to have been offered a traditional contract by Green Writer’s Press.
I am thankful for how the Lord uses these experiences to show me that I am not just poor.. but a poet.
Moccasins at Meadow Arc 
People should do what makes them happy.
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Thanks for weighing in Dawn:)
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You can be very proud of yourself, Kimberly! You have accomplished what many only dream of — having your poetry set down between the pages of a lovely book! As for myself, I prefer the traditional route. I’m nowhere near tech savvy enough to format my books for Kindle, create a cover, etc. etc. (And I’m poor too, lol!) I love the care and attention my publisher, cover artist and editor give to each of my books and with PBG I have the most amazing support system of fellow authors. Yes, they get a portion of the money from my sales, but it’s worth it to me and it’s never been about money anyway 🙂 I certainly don’t think being traditionally published makes me a better author than anyone else. I feel very blessed to have a home with PBG. If self publishing works for others, I am more than happy for them 🙂
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Thanks M. Jean:) Regarding tech savvy.. right?? Oh my goodness.. me too.
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Thanks for this very thoughtful response:)
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Interesting point. I don’t know much about publishing, but from what I’ve read from authors who are self-publishing, it is less expensive, and the author can control production, design, and delivery. But of course, an author can go either way as long as it supports their purpose.
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With traditional publishing I don’t have to pay anything. I sell the rights to the publisher and get some of the proceeds from the sales. Self publishing has the potential to earn more from sales but I don’t have the money to publish myself.
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In self publishing the author does have much more control.. and responsibility for everything required to get their book out there. Green Writer’s Press is very collaborative, solicited my ideas about design cover ( which was to have the Mexican street art flavor of Fresno, ) and totally delivered on that style.
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I have heard that signing a hybrid contract can cost more than self publishing though, in which scenario the author pays the hybrid to help edit, product and market the book. Some like hybrid because they don’t have all the responsibilities of self publishing and retain more rights/ money from sales of their book.
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Is working through Amazon considered a hybrid contract?
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That is a great question . I will ask Stephanie. She’s much more knowledgeable about publishing than I am.
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Ok.. She’s not completely sure.. but our understanding is that it might be the most inexpensive / simplest way to self publish.. I asked her about e books on Amazon as well and she said that she thinks they are available as well on demand.. but we’re not really sure about how it all works. My publisher partners with a group called IPG and they have listed my book on Amazon as well as several other catalogs.. I think they may be a place where self publishers can turn to for marketing as well.. but again.. not really fluent in the logistics of all this.
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Cool. Well, I learned a lot today. Thank you.
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