tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2092805684169371138.post1395687443160785609..comments2023-08-27T04:22:55.468-07:00Comments on The Literary Lab: What Going Indie Will Cost You: Part 3 of Why Self-Publishing Is Better Than You ThinkUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger47125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2092805684169371138.post-48886915031648037872010-09-20T12:55:20.029-07:002010-09-20T12:55:20.029-07:00this is a great post, and i linked it in one of my...this is a great post, and i linked it in one of my blog posts with a bit of commentary, but enlightening, I agree you can't skimp on details, otherwise in my mind as well, you can give more people who DON'T like self-publishing more to complain about. Bravo!Rebecca A Emrichhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11157030856692233491noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2092805684169371138.post-87382942310146875252010-09-10T07:17:11.112-07:002010-09-10T07:17:11.112-07:00Jamie: Thank you for your comment. I don't thi...<b>Jamie:</b> Thank you for your comment. I don't think there is any quick way, either. Obviously my numbers here are no indication of whether or not someone could make a living at this because so many factors will come into play later.<br /><br />It's important to remain realistic with all of this. I've always been skeptical when other writers say they want to earn a living writing novels and they seem to imply that it will happen quickly. Like most self-employment, these things take a lot of time and investment.Michelle D. Argylehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09696465137285587646noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2092805684169371138.post-31585658799902586352010-09-09T13:57:30.495-07:002010-09-09T13:57:30.495-07:00Just to quickly address Nevet's remarks - ther...Just to quickly address Nevet's remarks - there is no "quick" way to make money in publishing, either traditionally or self-pub. Odds are a first advance for a traditional contract isn't going to be enough to quit the day job either. Maybe not even the second one, depending on whether you sell through or not. <br /><br />I honestly believe I can make a living self-publishing, even though my first book hasn't sold even as much as Michelle's. It's all about backlist (note, I didn't say marketing, I said *backlist*). But it takes time to become established no matter how you go about it. <br /><br />My point being - you can't extrapolate from these numbers whether or not Michelle will be able to make a living writing off self-publishing, or any kind of publishing just yet. Patience is key - I believe you have to have at least 3 books out before you can even begin to predict what the future might hold. <br /><br />Don't give up hope. Jump in whichever publishing arena floats your boat, and go for it. :-)Jamie D.https://www.blogger.com/profile/05486427517423813962noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2092805684169371138.post-30881779586381470722010-09-09T12:08:37.275-07:002010-09-09T12:08:37.275-07:00Nevets: Thanks. :) I sometimes think I'm crazy...<b>Nevets:</b> Thanks. :) I sometimes think I'm crazy for wanting to do all this marketing. It's a lot of work, but when all is said and done I'm having way too much fun to second-guess myself.Michelle D. Argylehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09696465137285587646noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2092805684169371138.post-64822896753352315762010-09-09T05:11:56.017-07:002010-09-09T05:11:56.017-07:00Michelle, I know you haven't! :) That's o...<b>Michelle</b>, I know you haven't! :) That's one of the reasons I'd managed to keep my mouth shut so far. I don't want anyone to think that I objectively believe that self-publishing=selling your dreams short. There is no equation there, except in my own psychology.<br /><br /><b>Bru</b>, welcome back to circulation. Hope you're feeling better.C. N. Nevetshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00375714948653196993noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2092805684169371138.post-30087763056218522652010-09-09T05:05:16.106-07:002010-09-09T05:05:16.106-07:00Nevets: Aim high for your dreams!!!! Seriously, do...<b>Nevets:</b> Aim high for your dreams!!!! Seriously, don't ever settle for anything less. I haven't. I did exactly what I wanted with Cinders, and I'll just say that new doors are opening. Very exciting ones... :)<br /><br /><b>Paperback:</b> You're welcome! Thank you for stopping by to read. I'm glad this could be helpful.<br /><br /><b>February:</b> You're welcome! It was hard to decide if I wanted to share this. I thought I might get some crap about it, and I have, but not here in this space. I love our readers. :)Michelle D. Argylehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09696465137285587646noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2092805684169371138.post-20288341216366870632010-09-08T21:38:29.235-07:002010-09-08T21:38:29.235-07:00Thank you so much for being so completely honest a...Thank you so much for being so completely honest and sharing all of this with us, Michelle- it really is very much appreciated!<br /><br />~bruFebruary Gracehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01078037856070486022noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2092805684169371138.post-20873585444615177622010-09-08T18:04:04.452-07:002010-09-08T18:04:04.452-07:00Ah, THIS is cutting to the chase!
Thanks tons, Mic...Ah, THIS is cutting to the chase!<br />Thanks tons, Michele. This is what we all need to know.A Paperback Writerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10155962941590663738noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2092805684169371138.post-36600832991971601022010-09-08T17:44:41.681-07:002010-09-08T17:44:41.681-07:00*sigh* So I'll just say it, even though I know...*sigh* So I'll just say it, even though I know it will make me seem delusional. I get everything you've said about self-publishing, and it holds a strong appeal for both my artistic side and my management side.<br /><br />But.<br /><br />When I look at your numbers (which I think are great, BTW), it just strikes home for the me the big problem: you can't make your living at it.<br /><br />And as much of a will o the wisp as it might be, I just have to believe I can make a living doing this. I know it's hard. I know it's not common. I know I sound like a either daydreamer or an arrogant SOB, but as nice as self-publishing looks for someone pursuing writing as an artistic endeavor, or pursuit among many, going that route for me would feel like a crushing defeat.<br /><br />Not because there's anything wrong with it. Not because I think less of self-published books or authors. I definitely do not.<br /><br />But because, for me personally, it would definitely be a second-best, a selling short of my dreams, a compromise just to get something out there because I was tired of the struggle.<br /><br />I hope I didn't just comment-jack your thread for personal emotional release. lolC. N. Nevetshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00375714948653196993noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2092805684169371138.post-73738059606923403612010-09-08T17:34:35.790-07:002010-09-08T17:34:35.790-07:00Dawn: Thank you!!! Isn't self-publishing wonde...<b>Dawn:</b> Thank you!!! Isn't self-publishing wonderful? The freedom is lovely!Michelle D. Argylehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09696465137285587646noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2092805684169371138.post-90001251816018725292010-09-08T16:58:46.404-07:002010-09-08T16:58:46.404-07:00fantastic article! Your cover, bookmarks, busines...fantastic article! Your cover, bookmarks, business cards are gorgeous!<br /><br />I self-published because I'm all about immediate gratification & a control freak ~ it has been a great experience. I'm still learning the marketing piece but am in no hurry ~ I was happy just to have actually seen a writing project through completion. It's great to see others taking some of the stigma out of self-publishing.Dawnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00675100680394283646noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2092805684169371138.post-56042185912159728162010-09-08T16:51:14.031-07:002010-09-08T16:51:14.031-07:00Jane: I'm sending you an email! I have a list ...<b>Jane:</b> I'm sending you an email! I have a list of dream editors, but some of them are far out of my price range, sadly. I'm happy I've found you, though. You're right about it needing to be a good fit.Michelle D. Argylehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09696465137285587646noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2092805684169371138.post-61109157202917818212010-09-08T14:40:32.541-07:002010-09-08T14:40:32.541-07:00Michelle, you caught me out. Setting up a proper c...Michelle, you caught me out. Setting up a proper commercial site has been on my to-do list forever... but what with working for clients and working on my WIP, it never happens. I tend to get referrals!<br /><br />Anyone can email me at jane.steen@comcast.net with 5 random double-spaced sample pages (not the uber-polished ones from the first chapter ;)) and a total word count - I will get back to them ASAP with a no-obligation estimate for the work, my terms & conditions, plus their corrected sample pages to give an idea of the work involved.<br /><br />As you know, there are plenty of good editors out there, from single freelancers to large factory-style websites. All have their advantages & disadvantages, and I would encourage writers to get more than one quote and weigh their options. Finding the right fit is key!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07338002014574933192noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2092805684169371138.post-6328780156276319182010-09-08T14:20:14.767-07:002010-09-08T14:20:14.767-07:00Jane: So you do editorial work? I'm going to h...<b>Jane:</b> So you do editorial work? I'm going to have to check out your site if you have one. I've been trying to keep a list of freelance editors...Michelle D. Argylehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09696465137285587646noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2092805684169371138.post-79954117955245011642010-09-08T14:09:12.911-07:002010-09-08T14:09:12.911-07:00Tara, you are so right. Good stock photographs are...Tara, you are so right. Good stock photographs are easily purchased, and sites like 99designs ensure that a simple, effective cover design need not cost the earth. A good design creates a brand for your writing and tells the prospective reader that s/he's in for a treat.<br /><br />Although, as a word nerd, I urge writers to use an editor (if it's only a proofreading pass by a friend with good grammar and spelling!) Nothing says "professional writer" like correct punctuation.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07338002014574933192noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2092805684169371138.post-49115601143401365122010-09-08T14:01:26.773-07:002010-09-08T14:01:26.773-07:00That's awfully brave of you to share your numb...That's awfully brave of you to share your numbers here, Michelle. Thanks for being willing to let us all in on the financials!<br /><br />It seems a lot of work, sure, but your dedication to the process and the product really shows in the end result. The book's lovely.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2092805684169371138.post-10344567407280968822010-09-08T13:57:43.140-07:002010-09-08T13:57:43.140-07:00Crimey: I think the stigma is really with bad writ...<b>Crimey:</b> I think the stigma is really with bad writing and not self-publishing, but self-publishing is where it gets pinned, sadly. <br /><br /><b>Davin:</b> I'm in agreement with you on that. I think the cover is really important for first impressions and beyond that it's icing.<br /><br /><b>Donna:</b> Thank you for stopping by!<br /><br /><b>Tara:</b> Thanks for reading and understanding why I'm fretting about it all. And that's very sweet of you to offer cover help!Michelle D. Argylehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09696465137285587646noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2092805684169371138.post-19952938302234163962010-09-08T13:26:20.501-07:002010-09-08T13:26:20.501-07:00Tara, thanks for saying that. I know it's sha...<b>Tara</b>, thanks for saying that. I know it's shallow of me, but the cover really does help set the mood and tone. I don't picture people or places in a way that is modeled off the cover, but the cover establishes the ambience.<br /><br />My experience reading Grisham with the old marble covers felt different than reading Grisham with movie covers or other later designs.<br /><br />Call me silly, if you wish, but it's not something I can change. It's a psychological response.C. N. Nevetshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00375714948653196993noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2092805684169371138.post-14785670863905976342010-09-08T13:18:05.056-07:002010-09-08T13:18:05.056-07:00I have a few self-published books where the cover ...I have a few self-published books where the cover is so bad, I've had to hide it with a blank sheet of paper. <br />For sake of my bleeding eyeballs, please, please get a decent cover. If you can't afford anything, put the title on a solid background. But do not, I BEG you, publish your book with a picture that looks like a six year old drew it with crayons and has your name in 8-pt font, lime green outlined in red. I AM ON MY KNEES. I will help anyone here with a cover if they want to self-publish for free if it means one less ugly cover in the world. I am serious.<br /><br />So, respectfully, I submit that the cover is the 2nd most important thing about the book which must be good. Above even editing. In a pinch, plain is better than garish.Tara Mayahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09095632631554776002noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2092805684169371138.post-63747924112161683252010-09-08T13:01:16.902-07:002010-09-08T13:01:16.902-07:00THANK YOU for putting this out there, Michelle. I ...THANK YOU for putting this out there, Michelle. I know it was unnerving to share $$$ data, but most people are so cagey about this that it is hard to find good info. I hope to do the same with my own book. I'm going to re-read this again when I have more time.Tara Mayahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09095632631554776002noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2092805684169371138.post-50595013301429352232010-09-08T13:01:11.480-07:002010-09-08T13:01:11.480-07:00Wow, excellent write-up Michelle.
Thanks for the i...Wow, excellent write-up Michelle.<br />Thanks for the info.<br /><br />......dholedolorahhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08715849844092553699noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2092805684169371138.post-61607312284552182802010-09-08T11:18:27.373-07:002010-09-08T11:18:27.373-07:00A word about the cover. I wonder if the importance...A word about the cover. I wonder if the importance of a good cover is only based on first reads. Presumably, Michelle, you'll get multiple waves of buyers. The first wave is probably your friends and family and people who are deciding based on external factors other than the writing. But, after that first wave, I'd imagine word of mouth would be the most important things. I know when I love a book or think it will appeal to a certain audience, I work hard to get the word out. And if, say, the cover was less than perfect, I'd make sure to tell people something like, "Yeah, the cover isn't so hot, but the book is great." So, perhaps the importance of a cover is only important in the beginning.Davin Malasarnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09385823575081492949noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2092805684169371138.post-11280868493344948402010-09-08T11:11:19.435-07:002010-09-08T11:11:19.435-07:00Michelle, thanks for explaining your self-publishi...Michelle, thanks for explaining your self-publishing journey in a clear, to the point way. I hate there's a stigma against self-publishing, but I think that's changing, slowing, but it's happening.About Mehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10011023963327391019noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2092805684169371138.post-48758016008938533172010-09-08T10:36:30.072-07:002010-09-08T10:36:30.072-07:00Jamie: Ack! Sorry! I'll fix that link right aw...<b>Jamie:</b> Ack! Sorry! I'll fix that link right away. There were a lot of link in here. I knew I'd get at least one wrong, haha. <br /><br />And yes, I think it's beneficial for self-published writers to share this kind of information. It might be unnerving, but think about who you're helping. :)Michelle D. Argylehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09696465137285587646noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2092805684169371138.post-75078520703355623312010-09-08T10:10:00.351-07:002010-09-08T10:10:00.351-07:00Glad my post could be useful, Michelle - and thank...Glad my post could be useful, Michelle - and thanks for sharing your numbers. I'm seriously considering doing that myself...but still working up the chutzpah. ;-) Good for you for putting it all out there - a realistic look at what all goes into self-publishing is really important for anyone considering going this route, IMO. <br /><br />And I agree with you - two most important things are editing and a professional cover. Without doubt. My covers are well worth the money...and social networking has made me very fortunate in connecting with my editor.<br /><br />As an aside - that post of mine is on my business blog - <a href="http://bookbiz.jamiedebree.com" rel="nofollow">Beyond the Words</a> rather than The Variety Pages (which is my writing blog). <br /><br />Self-pubbing was kind of like getting a tattoo for me - nerve-wracking at first, a little painful during, and very addictive after. ;-)Jamie D.https://www.blogger.com/profile/05486427517423813962noreply@blogger.com