The debate rages on and actually it pisses me off a bit because as authors, we should hold each other up, not sneer down our nose at others.
SideBar: This is written as an observation/brain blurb/opinion and does no reflect on anyone I know personally and/or professionally. I’d really like your thoughts on the situation though. Whether Indie or Trad published…what do YOU think? Comment below. Like. Share. Follow.
Huh? you ask. Oh come on. We all know who you are…
The authors that pull out their beautiful pristine book and announce the publishing house before the name of the book. They WANT you to know that they were traditionally published. I get it. I really do.
It’s a Vanna White moment… of sweeping pride and wanting all to know you’re one of the chosen. I’m also as jealous AF and want that for myself… but I hope when I actually reach that moment, that I do so with grace, gratitude, and no attitude.
I have an agent. She believes in me but unfortunately she’s had no luck in selling my first novel. Dang–it’s so frustrating.
The question always sneaks into my brain…well, should I self publish? But I’m not quite there.
Let’s face it, the industry wasn’t built to accommodate millions of writers. With more and more mergers happening, opportunities are waning. Does that mean you give up?
You have to ask yourself what you want.
Do you want to see your book in print before you die?
Then, yeah, go do an indie.
Are you in it for the long haul and doing everything you can to connect with agents (and/or publishers–some of the smaller houses will take pitches without an agent.)
Get your ear to the ground. Do your research. Determine within yourself how long you’re willing to continue with the process.
Work hard and go for it. You don’t know what the future holds.
If you Indie Publish, I say Brava/Bravo. There are many successful and popular Indie Authors. I will ask you only two things…
- Don’t rush the process. Put in the work. It’s a better reflection on you and your writing.
- Edit. Edit. Edit. and Edit. Then–let it sit for a month and read it aloud so you can edit again.
Traditional Published Authors Work Hard too…
Gone are the days of huge advances on books and special treatment for traditionally published authors.
All authors, regardless of how they’re published, are expected to actively participate in marketing and promotion. There must be a strong sense of self and a willingness to travel and sell, sell, sell.
Getting an agent or securing a traditional publisher is not a guarantee of a best selling book. The one real positive is that you, as an author, are not alone in the process. Someone is directing the show, so to speak.
Writing is very hard work. Rewriting can be even more difficult. All writers need to listen to and know the industry. Be smart. Set yourself up for success and push forward.
Hey Traditional Published Authors Don’t be a Snot to Indies!
I’m not saying all are walking around with a puffed chest feeling superior to an Indie Author–but some are and it needs to stop.
Trad-Pub Authors–you’re no better than anyone else. Use your knowledge of craft to help other writers. Lift them up. Give them some pointers. Don’t be a jerk and stick your nose in the air. Not cool.
Anyone who sits down and completes a full manuscript deserves respect. It’s a lot of work and takes time and dedication.
We are not each other’s competition.
Get that through your head now. You can’t write what I do and I can’t write like you. We’re totally separate. Embrace that reality.
Let me know your thoughts…snotty or not lol.
