In a recent blog post by Michael Hyatt, he writes of a growing trend among some major Christian publishers to offer a self-publishing option. This means that these major houses are adding publishing arms through which authors may self-publish their books. Three such houses are Thomas Nelson who has started Westbow Press, Harvest House’s Partner Publishers, and Broadman & Holman’s Crossbooks.
Self-publishing means that the author pays for all expenses while the publisher serves as the printer of the book and little more. In the cases of the above publishers, however, they do offer different packages with varying degrees of additional help.
Apparently, this trend is causing a huge uproar in the industry. For a long time, self-publishing has borne a stigma of inferiority that, to be honest, is usually warranted. The belief has been that writers who self-publish do not write well enough to acquire a traditional publisher. But this belief is being challenged. Because of trends toward big-name writers with national and international platforms, some outstanding writers without big names and platforms are finding it increasingly difficult to get published. As a result, many of them have turned to self-publishing.
While there are some very important things to keep in mind when self-publishing, I’ll save that discussion for another post. Meanwhile, if you’d like to learn more about today’s post, check out Michael Hyatt’s blog and Cathy Bryant’s on this emerging topic.
MaryAnn wrote: The belief has been that writers who self-publish do not write well enough to acquire a traditional publisher.
This is SO true. The other thing is that people are not willing to put in the time and effort to improve or wait. I think everyone needs to decide what is best for them.
The problem I have is seeing people touted on the front page of my local newspaper when they’ve only done something anyone could do given enough money. And when I traditionally published two picture books, I didn’t get the time of day. Yeah, I feel a little annoyed by that, but that lies with the newspaper.
The general publish has no idea of the difference. They only see the finished product. Would I like to see my novel published now? Of course! But I’m willing to work and wait. That’s my personal decision. I have good friends who have self-pubbed and are doing well with it.
If you are going to self-pub, please, please hire a good editor and learn the craft of writing. There are so many freelancers out there who can take what you have and make it shine, if you would allow them to.
October 19, 2009 at 11:49 AM
Thanks MaryAnn, and Pam too, for this good info. Am keeping it in mind for future reference:) Thanks and blessings!
October 19, 2009 at 5:19 PM