I've been reading around the blogosphere (I'm an avid lurker) about people having to make big decisions.
Do I go with self-publishing?
Am I meant to work with a small publisher?
Is agenthood right for me? Am I cut out for the big boys?
It is tough to know what works for you. Defeat sets in with all those rejections. You see your friends get agented but you get passed by. Does it mean you suck? Were you supposed to support those around you and forget your own dream?
NO way.
Some love agenthood (I hope to be there one day). A business partner whose been through the crazy hell of revisions and the publishing world. They're your back up. Some people want that. I know I do.
Some love self-publishing. It gives them there own schedule. Their own opportunties. It's a lot of work but those are a dedicated bunch of people. For that I remain impressed.
Some love a small publishing house. The interaction and support between all of them is endearing in perfect. The ability to have more of a connection with the publishing house rather than the agent.
We all have to find what's right for us. Number one thing - Go with your gut. Seriously. It's not lying to you. DO NOT RUSH because you want to be published. Analyze your novel, analyze who you are, analyze the end goal. Take the time to be right.
What's right for you?
24 comments:
You're right, everyones path is different and it's important for them to be happy with their decisions. I'll be happy publishing through a small press.
I'm dealing with this right now because I would love to be a part of the big 6, but the industry is changing so much and small publishers are moving up.
You're absolutely right. Instinct is everything. If all things are pointing to it being right, but in your gut, it feels wrong, it probably is.
And it doesn't hurt to take your time. If you are rushed into something, you aren't going to feel good about just doing it because you were pressured.
Well said. :) I'm a firm believer in following your intuition. The trick is learning to listen. :)
I would add, make sure your gut is educated. Learn everything there is to know about every option—then go with the one that makes the most sense for you and your book. Thanks for the post!
I'd love an agent. Someone fighting your corner is invaluable. Great post!
Lx
I'm with you. I really want that agent as a business partner. Handling the business side all by myself would be a one way ticket to stress-ville for me
Great post, Jen. Currently, I'm pursuing traditional publishing -- an agent, hopefully a big publisher, etc. -- but wouldn't rule out self-publishing entirely. It's something that you need to trust your instinct for.
100% perfect advice. My path was first self-publishing, but I knew it was temporary. Now I'm with a small publisher, and I've certainly found my niche. I love it where I am. I may move on one day, but for now, I'm right where I should be. Here's to hoping you find your own path!
I think you are right, as long as you go with your gut feeling, its the right one for you. How was your long weekend, sunshine? Muah
Ps: I’m hosting an awesome Lo & Sons travel bag GIVEAWAY today! I bet you’ll love it!
I'm a control freak so I love the thought of self-publishing but currently I'm with a small publisher. We'll see how that goes.
I like my small publisher because I feel like a person, not just a number. (I get that at work already.)
I agree-go with your gut instinct. My gut instinct says I need more time to analyze what would work best for me.
I think the important thing to remember is that one path doesn't necessarily preclude the others. You could go with an agent and then end up self-publishing (as some have done) or vice versa. The important thing is to just keep writing and be amazingly thankful that, as writers, we have so many choices right now!
"Go with your gut" - best advice ever. There is no one-size-fits-all path to publishing and we all have to do what works best for us. It always felt right for me to go the agent route, but I know that's not for everybody and some writers are very happy not having agents! And that's awesome.
You are spot on. Do what feels right for YOU, not what everyone else does.
Ellie Garratt
Good post. I really like the advice "don't rush" that you give here. I think that is really important.
Wonderful post, and I totally agree- rushing is bad. Going with your gut sounds like the only thing to do. :)
I've always found that I know what's right for me when I finally have it. It makes for a lot of stress and headaches in the interim but I seldom have to endure negative consequences once I make my choice. I guess I'm lucky that way. But you're absolutely right: We're all different and have different things that are right for us. When we are so different, what good is comparing? :)
It was refreshing to read this post. Thank you for saying writer's should have their own opinions about what's right for them. I've been hearing a lot of close-minded opinions about publishing, and it's high time people took a look around and did what's right for them.
Bravo!
You're absolutely right. There is no one path to publication and the only person who can tell you if you're on the right one for you - is you. :)
I went with a small/self publish house...if you do not have the time to resources to invest in promoting yourself, that is not the way to go. I wish I had fought a little harder and had an agent...
My mind is cluttered with these questions, and then I remind myself: you must finish a book first!
I say shoot for the stars and go for an agent to shop to the big pubs. If years of this simply don't work with various manuscripts, then maybe self-pub is the solution. But I think always working toward improving your craft, making connections and READING are key. Advice from a novice!
Great post. Going with your gut is absolutely essential. I knew that I wanted an agent, because anything beyond the writing part of the business was... beyond me.
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