Why I Am Self-Publishing Again

I’m busy writing my second book at the moment with a predicted launch date of 10th September. Yes, I’m organised – I’ve even written up my timetable in terms of getting it to the editor, getting illustrations back, getting it to the formattor, to the printers etc – there’s just the tiny task of finishing the writing first! I’m thinking that I need to book myself into a writing retreat for a fortnight – well, a girl can dream I guess.

I’ve had a number of people asking me if I am going to crowdfund again, if I’m going to look for a traditional publisher or if I’m going to self-publish again. When I first self-published, I knew so little. Not only was it a steep learning curve but I look back and think to myself that I was jolly lucky the way it all worked out so well.

I’ve decided to self-publish again rather than spend a lot of time looking for a publisher. There’s many reasons for this which I’ll list below but the main one is I like self-publishing. Yes, it is hassle at times but I like being in charge even if it feels like I’m muddling along at times. Of course, if publishers were knocking on my door, I’d probably be very flattered and would be going for that option instead. If Ryan Tubridy interviews me again, that’s all the kudos I need.

Why I Am Self-Publishing Again

I admit – I did toy with the idea of looking for a publisher. The reason for this was mainly that I was conscious my first book ‘Would You Marry A Farmer?’ was written for an Irish audience and I was intrigued to see what suggestions an editor might make in terms of making it more suitable for an international audience. However, it’s been reviewed by some UK reviewers now and they seem fine with it so that reason is gone. Although I was happy with the first book, I’m conscious that it would be nice to be able to make some changes too and hey, going with a traditional publisher would give me that opportunity. The publishers would also deal with all the hassle of distributing the book too and just send me some money every six months or so – bear in mind that I’m not the best with paperwork so this was highly attractive.

There are lots of advantages of having a publisher – from them buying space in bookshops to promote your book, helping you with promotion, taking care of the distribution, organising the printing and the pricing. There’s no doubt about it, having a publisher has many advantages but so does self-publishing.

I worked hard at getting a publisher. I contacted two agents and two publishers! And then I thought to myself – I want to get this book out in September, if I’m spending time sending applications to publishers and agents, I’ll never get the book written. In addition, if I get a publisher it will take at least another year in all likelihood and I tend to be impatient. It’s nearly two years since my last one came out after all. So here’s why I’m self-publishing again.

1. Control

I do like keeping control of my own book, of its design, the editing, the illustrations, the pricing, the length of time it stays in print. ?If my book has a dip in sales, I’m in control of whether I run a promotion whereas a publisher might let it go out-of-print or sell it for ?3 a copy on those bargain basement shelves. I also know how sales are going from month to month rather than having to wait six months to see the royalty cheque.

2. Distribution

Yes, it would be handy to have someone else taking care of it but to be honest, it’s not bad. I have two wholesalers in Ireland taking it so it is just a case of sorting out invoices and statements for them as well as sending them the books. I have it up on CreateSpace and IngramSparks now too for worldwide distribution so we will see how that goes.

3. Promotion

Okay, some publishers will help you promote your book but apparently, many don’t so you might as well do it yourself anyway. All authors really have to get out there and promote their own works now and it’s something I enjoy doing. Even though my book has been out almost eighteen months, I’m still getting some press coverage with it. In the last couple of weeks, I’ve been featured in Horse and Countryside, interviewed on a Cornish radio station and had the book featured in Ireland’s Own.

Horse and Countryside

Interestingly, I’ve just read a post which surveyed over 400 traditionally published authors and the results show that almost 50% of authors felt the marketing and promoting of their book was poor and 60% felt that their publisher didn’t attempt to involve them in discussion regarding the marketing. I have to admit I would see it as being team work, as the authors working with the PR departments.

4. Editing

Of course I will be using an editor – not only to find typos but to hear her valued opinion too. However, at the end of the day, what stays in or gets removed is my decision – for better or worse!

5. Margin

Of course, it might be possible to sell more with a publisher but I’ve found that very few people realise it is self published. It’s in all the bookshops in Ireland (or if not on the shelf, it can be ordered). It’s now available internationally via CreateSpace and IngramSparks too. I get around ?3 per copy when selling via CreateSpace and bookshops. Apparently, it averages around ?1 per copy if selling with a publisher.

6. Time

By this I mean the amount of time it takes to apply to agents and publishers, it can take hours! Time when I could be writing the darn thing and getting it out there in front of readers. The one thing I would love about having a traditional publishing contract is the deadline as I’m the type of person who can do anything as long as I have a deadline but seem to get tied up with other things if I don’t. Therefore, it’s a case of creating your own deadlines and adhering to them.

 

Now, if a publisher was to come along and make me an offer, of course I would consider it! But having said that, I do love having control and independence over my own product.

Oh, and I’m not going to crowdfund again. Although the financial boost was fantastic and gave me a huge confidence lift, my other reasons for crowdfunding were to test the market and to provide me with a much-needed deadline so I’d stop procrastinating and get the thing written. While there will be expenses for editing, illustrating, formatting and printing, plus altering the website I would hope to recoup that within a couple of months of the publishing date.

Now, there’s just the small matter of a book to write. There’s about 60,000 words in draft but it all needs serious sort out over the next couple of weeks before I show it to anyone! At the moment, it feels a bit like I just scattered words and they all came together very haphazardly on the page but I’m sure it will come together. Oh, for that writing retreat …..

I’m going to be sending out my first newsletter next week with plans to send it once a month so if you’d like to subscribe, fire away 🙂

12 thoughts on “Why I Am Self-Publishing Again

  • Nirakander

    So glad I found this blog. This makes me curious to reed your book, especially when you say it is written for Irish audience. You think a Swede could pull it off?

    Reply
  • Sally

    I think distribution would be the main sticking point for me. But, as you’ve proved, it is possible. Savvy business people like yourself, Piers Alexander and Adam Dreece are my go-to people for inspiration. I admire how you are so quick to pick up on a new idea and run with it so speedily.
    Cultivating that all-important initial following is another key, I think. You’ve done brilliantly with that, as has Julie Stock and Terry Tyler, and Tara Sparling is doing pretty damn well with building up a market before she publishes.

    Reply
    • Lorna

      Thanks Sally, oh, I haven’t heard of Terry Tyler and yes, Adam and Piers are both doing incredibly well with sales. I think Adam is writing full time now isn’t it?
      Tara is doing a fab job with her blog, really gathering her readership, and cultivating a community too.
      The difficulty for many is the cost of self publishing particularly if printing a significant number – which is where the crowdfunding was wonderful. I’ve heard of published authors not earning their advance and if they want the rights back to their book, they have to refund part of the advance that hasn’t been earned.
      I thought that blog post showing what authors thought of their publishers was interesting reading too – some do the PR so well and others scarcely at all.

      Reply
      • Sally

        I think there’s no getting away from the fact that authors have to promote their own book, no matter who publishes it. I think that’s only right, actually, although it would be nice to have help. A friend of mine published with a traditional publisher and had to arrange his own launch – the publisher wasn’t too keen to start with to even supply the wine, although I think they stumped up in the end, and sent a representative along to the event, but there wouldn’t have been a launch at all if the author hadn’t initiated it.
        I think there are still good reasons for publishing with a traditional outfit, but there are also excellent reasons (your six and Tara’s additional one) for being your own publisher.
        The costs are of course a worry. Piers and Adam are very businesslike in the way they approach self-publishing, as I think all authors should be. I think a lot of traditionally published authors don’t give their publishers enough credit for the risks they take.

        Reply
        • Lorna

          Oh, I agree that authors should do part of it but most haven’t a clue where to start so would need the publishers’ help with press releases etc.
          I’ve heard of that before with launches, that some publishers scarcely attend and yes, author often pays.
          Your last point is a good one too – if an author doesn’t make back their advance, it suggests the publishers has lost money on the book too. As a result, many of them are being extremely cautious. Liz Nugent’s book wasn’t published for ages as it just didn’t fit into a box so publishers didn’t see it as a good fit for them.

          Reply
  • Tara

    A fantastic run-down for would-be self-publishers, Lorna.
    You forgot number 7, though: “Because I’m bloody good at it”. I’ve seldom seen self-published authors with such a savvy grip on the marketing and promotion end of things, let alone the rest of the technical stuff! Well done and can’t wait for the release of your new book.

    Reply
    • Lorna

      Aw thanks Tara, don’t see myself as being particularly good at it, perhaps determined though – I do think you have to have determination in this game, sticking power too 🙂

      Reply
  • Gerry

    Great article best of luck with number two . Have a look at Felicity Hayes Mc Coy Hiuse On An Irish Hillside and see how she uses Facebook to sell her book.

    Reply
    • Lorna

      Thanks Gerry and yes, I’ve bought Felicity’s book too and yes, because of her Facebook page. She does a great job of using quotes from her book with a link and a photograph. I keep meaning to do something similar and you’ve reminded me. Cheers.

      Reply

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