Whether you are publishing traditionally or self-publishing, you have to be ready for your book to be seen by the public. Well, once you have your content and cover decided and complete, how will you be publishing your book? Will you be sending the files to your traditional publisher or will you be uploading it to an online store like I do on Blurb.com to get the book finalized and printed? Both ways have some negatives and positives, so let's look at those.
Traditional publishing: By publishing your book with a traditional publisher, you have their name behind you and that can help you sell books to the masses. Traditional publishers help with marketing the book and give you tips both on the content of your book and the cover, so you will reach more people. When you succeed they succeed. They will work with you to get your book read by others. You may find yourself giving away some of your rights to the book. Make sure to check your contract so you know what you can and can't do. The publisher also might want you to change certain things in your books because they are known for something specific, or they might want your cover to look a certain way. These publishers will also probably hold you to a deadline of when they need your next book, they have readers, etc. who are waiting for the next book and this might add extra pressure to you that you wish you didn't have.
Traditional publishing might be perfect for you, or you might wish you could really just do your own thing.
Self-publishing: By self-publishing you have all the rights to your book and can make the book however you want. You can set your own schedule and can sell just locally or online through some of the self-publishing houses. You can setup your own marketing to market to whoever you want and you can do your own marketing at local events or to friends and family. You don't have a contract, so you aren't held to any timeline or specific book topic or direction.
Self-publishing might give you the freedom you need to enjoy writing while also creating a masterpiece that others will also enjoy.
Speaking of Self-publishing...my 7th novel is now available for purchase. Please check it out and I'd love to hear your comments.
Summary: Jake receives a plea for help and with the help of his friends, raises anchor and sets off on a mystery-solving adventure up the coast. A few new friends also cruise along and help the mystery solvers.
