Determine

Monday, we started trying to figure out whether we want to go with a self-publisher or a traditional one. I’m pretty sure you all know where I stand on this, but I have self-published in the past, and I do have some things for you to keep in mind on that front, as well.

We know what we want now, maybe. At the very least, we should have a leaning. But now, I’m going to ask you a few questions about what you might not want, to make sure you're pointed in the right direction. 

Step 8:

Determine what you can do without

We’ve done a lot of researching at this point, and I’d like to think that we have a much better view of the publishing world than we had before. (as a side note, even if this is your fifth book, this process is still valid—the publishing game changes all the time). So now we’ve looked a little bit at both self-publishers and traditional ones, and maybe we’re still not sure which way we’re leaning.

Well, answer me these:

Do you want…

An editor?

Without one, everything in the manuscript will be left up to you. But maybe you have an editor you can work with outside the publisher, someone who will help you get it to the ready stage without having to go through a traditional publisher.

A marketing advisor?

If you have one, they’ll help you know what to do when it comes to getting sales. They’ll help point you in the right direction, at the very least. They’re another set of eyes on the subject, someone who will help you set up book signings and other events. Without them, that’s all on you.

A designer?

How good are you at graphic design, I suppose I should ask. A designer will help you with your cover, and with any illustrations that you might need. They’ll get promotional materials put together for you, they’ll help out with your social media, and they’ll make sure your book looks like it was put together by a professional, even if you've self-published.

A partner?

If you’d rather go it alone, there’s nothing wrong with it. That’s what self-publishers are for. They’ll get you published without you having to deal with anyone else, for the most part. They’re more than willing to let you do the work yourself, or to have to pay them to do it.

Creative control?

A lot of authors don’t understand this part, so I’ll elaborate a bit. Creative control means that you’ll have complete control of your manuscript and what ends up hitting the shelves at the end of the process. Full creative control is only achieved through self-publishers. However, you have to keep in mind that traditional publishers know the market a lot better than you do. They’re the ones who’ll be able to make it attractive to readers, without batting their eyes. So sometimes, it’s okay to release that control. We, as authors, don’t know everything. But if you’d rather stay in control, if you’d rather keep everything in your hands, then you’d better stick with self-publishing.

I hope that gives you enough information to decide which route you’d like to go! Next up, we’re stepping into the big leagues. Time to pick a publisher.

[love]

{Rani Divine}