Today, we have the author of Solid, Shelley Workinger, stopping by our blog to share some of her thoughts about being a self-published author. Share with us what you think by leaving a comment on this post, or if you have a question for Shelley about self-publishing, just post it. We'll be happy to forward it to her!
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A Note on Self-Publishing
The key to self-publishing is right there in the name: SELF.
You write, you edit, you polish until at last your book is complete.
But that's not the finish line for a self-published author - it's more like the end of part one of a relay in which you must run every leg. Instead of passing the baton to an agent/publishing house, you must now become the editor, graphic designer, promoter, negotiator, even public speaker.
As a writer, you may not have previously explored those roles, but self-publishing provides an opportunity for you to stuff all of those skill sets into your tool kit. The answers and experience you need are out there if you're willing to invest the time, do the research, and go get them!
Such initiative (and guts) required to step out of your comfort zone brings us to the second vital "self," which is self-confidence.
Critics can be particularly harsh on self-published works, calling them "not real books" and deeming them inferior because they weren't produced by a major publishing house. You have to really believe in both your ability as a writer and the work itself to persevere, especially since you don't have an agent to shield you from the most negative feedback.
Only when you've set aside the popular (and highly romanticized) idea that self-publishing is the easiest path for a new author, and researched it sufficiently to appreciate self-publishing for what it is, can you determine if it is the best option for you.
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About the author:Shelley grew up in Maine, and graduated from Loyola University New Orleans.
She currently resides in New Jersey, and consider all of them home.
You can find Shelley on Goodreads, and if you have any comments or feedback you want to share with her about her first book, Solid, you can drop by Solid's Facebook page, or go to http://www.solidnovel.com/ for more information about Solid.
I've often thought about self publishing, but I have to admit that would be my last resort. I have a lot of respect and admiration for those who are brave enough to do it and I wish her the very best. I'll be sure to check out her book.
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