SELF-PUBLISHING THOUGHTS
What’s Your Reason for Publishing?
You're not alone in thinking about self-publishing? But before you go down that write road, have you asked yourself WHY you want to be published?
Being clear from the start about your reasons for wanting to have your work published, could save you a lot of time, money and soul searching later.
But I just want to get my stuff published - you protest, isn't that MY right?
And, yeah, it is. But there are a couple of things that it's worth considering first.
Who says your work is good anyway?
In conventional terms the Publisher or literary agent can act as a filter; separating out the good (publishable or commercial) from the bad (poor or not worth publishing). Without this objective filter, who or what is it that's telling you your work deserves to be published?
The answer is probably your own good judgment and / or positive feedback from others about your work; which is fine. The point being, before going it alone in publishing it's worth validating your thoughts about just how good your work is: honestly, in your own eyes; realistically, in relation to the work of others; and independently, in terms of what the average Joe and Jane on the street think.
Ask: What’s the purpose of publishing my work?
Do you have something great to tell the world?
Is there something you think will benefit, enlighten and enrich people’s lives?
Must you simply be heard?
Will your words have them queuing around the block?
Would not sharing your work be a loss to society?
Is it ego driven?
Are you seeking fame and fortune through your art?
The important thing is, knowing YOUR reasons. Because, these reasons will help you determine a suitable approach to a) validating, b) estimating cost / effort, c) being realistic, d) finding a suitable route publishing. Be that:
What’s Your Reason for Publishing?
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