As a self published author, my sense is that trad vs self boils down to three things:
1. Who takes the investment risk and who reaps royalty rewards.
2. Who ensures the quality of the book (quality is related to how much money gets invested).
3. Distribution and marketing. As I understand it, with rare exceptions, distribution IS the marketing boon provided by traditional publishers (and some hybrids) but there are some books that get more marketing attention than distribution alone— though not many.
There are some very attractive advantages to traditional publishing—less financial risk, experts to ensure quality, and distribution. But the hoops that need to be jumped to get in the door are formidable and there is no guarantee of success. Every time I think about it seriously, I decide I’d rather spend my energy (and money) on creating a great book rather than trying to convince someone else to help me do it.
That's exactly right - all of those are the pros/cons of the publishing models for authors. And I think every author has to decide for themselves what cons are worth the pros. But I always think it's interesting to look at it from the perspective of the reader and realize that traditional publishing does make a positive difference in the world!
Also: Nutty Bars are my favorite thing that Little Debbie still makes.
When we lived in Chattanooga (1982-1985), some of my parents' friends worked at Little Debbie; and we benefited from discounted inventory. My favorite thing they made at the time was carrot cake. So good!
As a self published author, my sense is that trad vs self boils down to three things:
1. Who takes the investment risk and who reaps royalty rewards.
2. Who ensures the quality of the book (quality is related to how much money gets invested).
3. Distribution and marketing. As I understand it, with rare exceptions, distribution IS the marketing boon provided by traditional publishers (and some hybrids) but there are some books that get more marketing attention than distribution alone— though not many.
There are some very attractive advantages to traditional publishing—less financial risk, experts to ensure quality, and distribution. But the hoops that need to be jumped to get in the door are formidable and there is no guarantee of success. Every time I think about it seriously, I decide I’d rather spend my energy (and money) on creating a great book rather than trying to convince someone else to help me do it.
That's exactly right - all of those are the pros/cons of the publishing models for authors. And I think every author has to decide for themselves what cons are worth the pros. But I always think it's interesting to look at it from the perspective of the reader and realize that traditional publishing does make a positive difference in the world!
I agree. I’m glad they exist and I think they make the world a better place.
Loved this! Great piece, Ariel.
Also: Nutty Bars are my favorite thing that Little Debbie still makes.
When we lived in Chattanooga (1982-1985), some of my parents' friends worked at Little Debbie; and we benefited from discounted inventory. My favorite thing they made at the time was carrot cake. So good!
Ooh those are so good!!