Now, of all times, writers have options. Yet all that I hear lately is:
~ Traditional publishing is the only way.
~ Traditional publishing is dead.
~ Self-publishing is the right path for everyone.
~ Self-publishing is always a mistake.
Here is the truth: No one should be able to tell you how to run your career. The only person who can make the right decision for you--is you. Take all the advice, then filter it out to the truth that makes sense for you.
This is the only one that matters.
[end soapbox]
Ahem...how about you? Any soapboxes you'd like to take a stand on today?
Totally agree with you here. There is never a 'one size fits all' experience when it comes to writing.
ReplyDeleteJust as we listen to our characters and muse, so should we listen to our gut intincts. What feels right for one person, won't necessarily be the solution for someone else. (Hugs)Indigo
Hey, I'd vote for you. Oh, wait. You're not running for office. ;) I agree with your rant.
ReplyDeleteGreat rant. I mean post. I can't stand it when people tell me what to do. Seriously. It's like this red flag goes up and I want to do just the opposite of what they're telling me I should. Childish? Perhaps. But at least I can say, "I did it my way."
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with this rant. Several months ago I went to a writer's group meeting at a local library. And all the group moderator did was tell people how it was impossible to get an agent. I'm not saying it's easy either, but don't tell people it's not possible.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you guys are with me on this. I'm really not a ranter and was a little nervous to post this, but I really felt it had to be said.
ReplyDeleteNicole - not childish, but very important.
Anita - Grr! See? Exactly like that. A moderator behaving that way is just wrong. SO NOT impossible.
I've seen friends be successful with both traditional and self-publishing. The key in both cases was they took their time and persevered and did it right!
ReplyDeleteI don't think there is a right or wrong way to be published. If the author is happy with whatever they choose, then that is all that matters! ;)
ReplyDeleteAmen, sister! May I please stand on that soapbox with you? Is there room? Thanks.
ReplyDeleteI don't believe there's a right or wrong way to do it, only a right or wrong way for each person and each piece of work. That decision is up to each individual. Period. That is all.
I'm just going to add to what you said.
ReplyDeleteSO many writers out there are doing both. Even ones who have been around for a long time.
Does traditional publishing get your name out there better?
Of course.
But that doesn't mean it's the only way to go. I have a couple friends with books they've self-published, and they're happy to just sell their few hundred copies and move onto the next.
I'm simultaneously working with a smaller publisher without my agent, and then my agent is subbing two of my projects to regular publishers.
I also have a project I'm thinking of self-pubbing because it's a project I don't really want to change, and I think that most publishers will want to change it.
So, for me, it changes by project. I love how accepted it is to publish in all formats.
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ReplyDeleteGood point! It's each writer's decision and career (and hopefully they are aware of all the pros and cons of both sides before they decide to do one or the other). Happy weekend!
ReplyDeleteWell said! There's not one "right" path to publication.
ReplyDeleteAmen! At the end of the day we have to do what's best for our own career. No one knows that any better than we do.
ReplyDeleteWhat if we go beyond the word "career" and call what we do a "vocation?" When we do this, the soapboxes, which is nothing but the "self" materialized, vanishes. We are left with just writing with a purpose - a vocation. I got your back on this one :)
ReplyDelete