Comments on: What’s Better — Traditional or Self Publishing? http://bly.com/blog/general/whats-better-traditional-or-self-publishing/ bly.com direct marketing blog Wed, 03 Dec 2008 19:46:03 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.3.1 By: Bob Bly http://bly.com/blog/general/whats-better-traditional-or-self-publishing/#comment-673930 Bob Bly Mon, 23 Jun 2008 21:55:18 +0000 http://bly.com/blog/general/whats-better-traditional-or-self-publishing/#comment-673930 Barney: congratulations on your success. Choice of publishing mode (traditional, self-published, e-books) depends on several factors. I always went with a traditional publisher for two reasons. First, I did not have the time, temperment, or talent for self-publishing. Second, I wrote books to establish myself as a guru in my field (direct response copywriting), and potential clients were impressed that I was able to get big publishers to publish my books. Barney: congratulations on your success. Choice of publishing mode (traditional, self-published, e-books) depends on several factors. I always went with a traditional publisher for two reasons. First, I did not have the time, temperment, or talent for self-publishing. Second, I wrote books to establish myself as a guru in my field (direct response copywriting), and potential clients were impressed that I was able to get big publishers to publish my books.

]]> By: Barney Davey http://bly.com/blog/general/whats-better-traditional-or-self-publishing/#comment-673929 Barney Davey Mon, 23 Jun 2008 21:51:05 +0000 http://bly.com/blog/general/whats-better-traditional-or-self-publishing/#comment-673929 I am a self-published author and proud of it. Shame or embarrassment never crossed my mind. My book has steadily remained in Amazon's Top 20 Business of Art category for three years. It was ordered and reordered by the North Light Book ClubI I net nearly $18 for each copy sold and do zero fulfillment. A traditional publisher might pay $1.00 per copy. I would be far more ashamed to be taking such a financial beating from the traditional publishing model. In my blog post today, title Indie Art Intersection, I talk about how POD (Print-on-demand) and the Internet have given artists, authors and musicians more opportunities to create their own success than ever before. If you have it in you, go for it. If you don't, or you are hidebound to faltering traditional distribution models hang in, but don't complain either. I am a self-published author and proud of it. Shame or embarrassment never crossed my mind. My book has steadily remained in Amazon’s Top 20 Business of Art category for three years. It was ordered and reordered by the North Light Book ClubI I net nearly $18 for each copy sold and do zero fulfillment. A traditional publisher might pay $1.00 per copy. I would be far more ashamed to be taking such a financial beating from the traditional publishing model.

In my blog post today, title Indie Art Intersection, I talk about how POD (Print-on-demand) and the Internet have given artists, authors and musicians more opportunities to create their own success than ever before. If you have it in you, go for it. If you don’t, or you are hidebound to faltering traditional distribution models hang in, but don’t complain either.

]]> By: S.P. Gass http://bly.com/blog/general/whats-better-traditional-or-self-publishing/#comment-673928 S.P. Gass Mon, 23 Jun 2008 21:28:29 +0000 http://bly.com/blog/general/whats-better-traditional-or-self-publishing/#comment-673928 Does the same advice apply to fiction? I am writing my first novel and plan to try traditional publishing agents for a couple of months. If I do not get a response, then I'll self-publish. Does that approach make sense? Thanks Does the same advice apply to fiction? I am writing my first novel and plan to try traditional publishing agents for a couple of months. If I do not get a response, then I’ll self-publish. Does that approach make sense?

Thanks

]]> By: Barney Davey http://bly.com/blog/general/whats-better-traditional-or-self-publishing/#comment-673927 Barney Davey Mon, 23 Jun 2008 20:53:38 +0000 http://bly.com/blog/general/whats-better-traditional-or-self-publishing/#comment-673927 I am a successful self-published author. My book after 3 years regularly ranks in Amazon's top 20 Business of Art category. I would not trade the 16:1 difference in revenue to have a traditional publisher for any reason. Further, I have never felt any shame in self-publishing. Rather, I'm quite proud I was able to do achieve success through my own efforts. My book was selected for the prestigious North Light Book Club. Apparently, it was not bothered by the fact the book is self-published. The development of POD (Print-on-demand) technology and the Internet make this the best time ever to be an author, artist or musician. My blog post today is titled Indie Art Intersection. If the revenue were more equitable, I still doubt I would use a traditional publisher. It's old school. I am a successful self-published author. My book after 3 years regularly ranks in Amazon’s top 20 Business of Art category. I would not trade the 16:1 difference in revenue to have a traditional publisher for any reason. Further, I have never felt any shame in self-publishing. Rather, I’m quite proud I was able to do achieve success through my own efforts. My book was selected for the prestigious North Light Book Club. Apparently, it was not bothered by the fact the book is self-published.

The development of POD (Print-on-demand) technology and the Internet make this the best time ever to be an author, artist or musician. My blog post today is titled Indie Art Intersection. If the revenue were more equitable, I still doubt I would use a traditional publisher. It’s old school.

]]> By: dianacacy http://bly.com/blog/general/whats-better-traditional-or-self-publishing/#comment-673925 dianacacy Mon, 23 Jun 2008 17:18:03 +0000 http://bly.com/blog/general/whats-better-traditional-or-self-publishing/#comment-673925 Thanks, Bob ... I was afraid that would be your answer. Figured it wouldn't hurt to ask though. LOL Thanks, Bob …

I was afraid that would be your answer. Figured it wouldn’t hurt to ask though. LOL

]]> By: Bob Bly http://bly.com/blog/general/whats-better-traditional-or-self-publishing/#comment-673924 Bob Bly Mon, 23 Jun 2008 16:22:28 +0000 http://bly.com/blog/general/whats-better-traditional-or-self-publishing/#comment-673924 Dianacacy: The Copywriter's Handbook is published by Henry Holt & Company. They are a traditional publisher and therefore are only going to publish it as a standard trade paperback (the first edition way back in 1985 was also a hardcover). Only self-publishers have the option of special formats, which is another advantage of self-publishing traditional publishers do not offer. Dianacacy: The Copywriter’s Handbook is published by Henry Holt & Company. They are a traditional publisher and therefore are only going to publish it as a standard trade paperback (the first edition way back in 1985 was also a hardcover). Only self-publishers have the option of special formats, which is another advantage of self-publishing traditional publishers do not offer.

]]> By: dianacacy http://bly.com/blog/general/whats-better-traditional-or-self-publishing/#comment-673923 dianacacy Mon, 23 Jun 2008 14:28:16 +0000 http://bly.com/blog/general/whats-better-traditional-or-self-publishing/#comment-673923 I'm not sure this is on-topic, but this subject did make me think of this. Bob, I keep your Copywriter's Handbook close to me. I refer back to it often. So often that my copy is getting pretty worn already. And I know others in the same situation with your book. Have you ever thought about releasing the book in a tough page, spiral format for quick and constant reference? If you have the rights freedom to do that, it could be an option. I have a few other of your books and some of the e-books, but that's the one getting the most abuse from me. I’m not sure this is on-topic, but this subject did make me think of this.

Bob, I keep your Copywriter’s Handbook close to me. I refer back to it often. So often that my copy is getting pretty worn already. And I know others in the same situation with your book.

Have you ever thought about releasing the book in a tough page, spiral format for quick and constant reference? If you have the rights freedom to do that, it could be an option.

I have a few other of your books and some of the e-books, but that’s the one getting the most abuse from me.

]]> By: dianacacy http://bly.com/blog/general/whats-better-traditional-or-self-publishing/#comment-673922 dianacacy Mon, 23 Jun 2008 14:21:00 +0000 http://bly.com/blog/general/whats-better-traditional-or-self-publishing/#comment-673922 Self-publishing is still a great way to get your work to the readers. Authors send me copies of their books for reviews, and what Kristi says is true. I think anyone considering self-publishing has to keep in mind that people are not going to enjoy something that looks like second-class material. They want first class. They expect more than their money's worth. Always produce the best product you can and go for the repeat sales. Tell them to do more than just kick out the e-books. Tell them to kick out QUALITY e-books, and they'll get the respect they're looking for. BTW, Bob, in case you were wondering if anyone else knows about that checkbox that Elizabeth mentioned ... I did look for it. I have your blog on my google reader, but can't follow a single comment thread through it, so I would have needed that checkbox. Self-publishing is still a great way to get your work to the readers. Authors send me copies of their books for reviews, and what Kristi says is true.

I think anyone considering self-publishing has to keep in mind that people are not going to enjoy something that looks like second-class material. They want first class. They expect more than their money’s worth.

Always produce the best product you can and go for the repeat sales.

Tell them to do more than just kick out the e-books. Tell them to kick out QUALITY e-books, and they’ll get the respect they’re looking for.

BTW, Bob, in case you were wondering if anyone else knows about that checkbox that Elizabeth mentioned … I did look for it. I have your blog on my google reader, but can’t follow a single comment thread through it, so I would have needed that checkbox.

]]> By: Jim Logan http://bly.com/blog/general/whats-better-traditional-or-self-publishing/#comment-673921 Jim Logan Mon, 23 Jun 2008 13:34:46 +0000 http://bly.com/blog/general/whats-better-traditional-or-self-publishing/#comment-673921 I agree with your recommendation Bob: mainstream for prestige, ebook for profit and self-publish for promotion. I have a friend who self-publishes books in support of speaking opportunities. He's very successful with his books as a lead generator. Also, he's successfully sold many copies on Amazon. His books look, feel and read like a book published by McGraw-Hill or John Wiley. I believe he uses Lulu to publish. That said, I agree with you and it's the advice I offer to friends and clients. I agree with your recommendation Bob: mainstream for prestige, ebook for profit and self-publish for promotion.

I have a friend who self-publishes books in support of speaking opportunities. He’s very successful with his books as a lead generator. Also, he’s successfully sold many copies on Amazon. His books look, feel and read like a book published by McGraw-Hill or John Wiley. I believe he uses Lulu to publish.

That said, I agree with you and it’s the advice I offer to friends and clients.

]]> By: Kristi Holl http://bly.com/blog/general/whats-better-traditional-or-self-publishing/#comment-673920 Kristi Holl Mon, 23 Jun 2008 10:20:15 +0000 http://bly.com/blog/general/whats-better-traditional-or-self-publishing/#comment-673920 Self-publishing's reputation hasn't just been damaged by unethical practices, although that's certainly true. Most self-publishing is pretty substandard, which is why bookstores won't stock many, if any, titles. They tend to be rushed, barely edited or critiqued, and with art work that isn't the best. I know there are exceptions--I've seen a few--but for the most part this is why self-publishing has a bad reputation. Self-publishing’s reputation hasn’t just been damaged by unethical practices, although that’s certainly true. Most self-publishing is pretty substandard, which is why bookstores won’t stock many, if any, titles. They tend to be rushed, barely edited or critiqued, and with art work that isn’t the best. I know there are exceptions–I’ve seen a few–but for the most part this is why self-publishing has a bad reputation.

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