tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8911314544674287828.post5140877325768405322..comments2024-02-21T03:32:15.577-05:00Comments on Jill Kemerer: In Defense of Traditional PublishersJill Kemererhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07865493609868329393noreply@blogger.comBlogger39125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8911314544674287828.post-15844260894934998182011-03-30T21:25:51.868-04:002011-03-30T21:25:51.868-04:00Hi Jill, As I read I was shouting, or rather sayin...Hi Jill, As I read I was shouting, or rather saying softly, "Preach it, sister." My dream is a book between two hard covers and maybe that will be me stapling and gluing it together for my family and friends to read. I like to hope it will be through an agent and an editor that I grow to respect and call friends. To each his/her own. That just happens to me my choice. Tough to accomplish doesn't mean broken. It just means tough.patti.mallett_pphttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01453756965198648016noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8911314544674287828.post-36741272026502558802011-03-29T15:52:13.331-04:002011-03-29T15:52:13.331-04:00Jaime: I want one of those too. :) And right on, t...Jaime: I want one of those too. :) And right on, the cover is everything!<br /><br />Melissa: What you say is so true, and in many ways it's true of all publishing. Not every book will sell well, and not everyone will make it to a best-seller list. Our expectations need to be realistic.<br /><br />Maggie: Yep. Over 700,000 books were <i>self-published</i> last year. That's a lot of competition.<br /><br />Tyrean: Thank you! I'll stop by! And yes, authors who self-publish would be wise to hire professionals to edit their books. Quality counts.<br /><br />Icy Roses: Great attitude! I'm with you. Right now, I have a plan based on current information. Two years from now, things might look very different!<br /><br />Susan JR: Good point, and sometimes it works. There are tons of talented authors who have quality books and can't find a publisher to take a chance on them. Self-publishing might make sense for them.<br /><br />Maria McK: Absolutely. Self-promotion is vital for either publishing avenue!<br /><br />Thanks so much for stopping by!Jill Kemererhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07865493609868329393noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8911314544674287828.post-84987248279959051622011-03-29T15:38:14.809-04:002011-03-29T15:38:14.809-04:00Great post! I don't think traditional publishi...Great post! I don't think traditional publishing is dead at all. I know self promotion and marketing are involved there, but with self publishing, so much more is required of an author.Maria McKenziehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15138614172014005449noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8911314544674287828.post-4664234633567578432011-03-29T15:24:14.066-04:002011-03-29T15:24:14.066-04:00Hi Jill -
I think most self-pubbed authors hope t...Hi Jill -<br /><br />I think most self-pubbed authors hope their books will be so successful that they'll catch the eye of a traditional publisher. <br /><br />While the best-selling author may refuse a traditional deal, he has the advantage of a wide readership. His action will draw attention to his new book. The man knows how to market.<br /><br />The truth is publishing isn't for the faint of heart whether traditional or self-published. It's hard work producing that book and then selling it.<br /><br />Blessings,<br />Susan :)Susan J. Reinhardthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07461276857852409546noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8911314544674287828.post-80949348498160669312011-03-29T12:36:54.913-04:002011-03-29T12:36:54.913-04:00I think it really depends on what you're looki...I think it really depends on what you're looking for out of the publishing experience. Right now, traditional publishing is what fits with my goals, so that's where I'll be looking. I simply don't have the resources or marketing skills needed to pursue the other path. But hey. Never say never. I do believe the publishing industry is undergoing some serious change, and maybe sometime down the line, I'll re-evaluate what looks good for me. Great post!XiXihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05364953168828471897noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8911314544674287828.post-87697379475789688782011-03-29T12:35:24.859-04:002011-03-29T12:35:24.859-04:00Great post! I think there are benefits to all form...Great post! I think there are benefits to all forms of publishing, depending on the author and their work. I know my fiction novels aren't ready to be seen yet, or read by anyone outside a small group of people. Therefore, it will be awhile before I pursue any kind of publishing. However, I think that if an author wants both stability, great editing, and help with publicity, the traditional publisher is the way to go. If we want to try it on our own, that's ok. But either way isn't necessarily easier.<br />By the way, I have an award for you at my blog, from my Thursday post. Sorry it's taken me so long to notify you.Tyrean Martinsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15356604721537744361noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8911314544674287828.post-82263639469482548382011-03-29T11:23:21.903-04:002011-03-29T11:23:21.903-04:00Great post. I think the problem is people get star...Great post. I think the problem is people get stars in their eyes after hearing self-pub success stories and forget about the thousands or hundreds of thousands of people who self-pub and their books totally tank.<br />Just like in traditional publishing, there are books that do well and books that don't. However I think many self-pubs dive in without adequate preparation for the work involved.Maggiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17017081528751539437noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8911314544674287828.post-87486346569528928272011-03-29T11:13:53.422-04:002011-03-29T11:13:53.422-04:00I worked for a major self-publisher a few years ag...I worked for a major self-publisher a few years ago (and I still freelance for them) so I know that business model inside and out. It's very, very rare for someone to make it successful. The success stories you hear about are a tiny fraction of all the authors that use the self-publishing model. It can happen, of course, and I don't discourage anyone from taking that route if that is what they want.<br /><br />For me, I'm still holding out for a traditional publishing contract.<br />:-)Melissa Amateishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16086267508858187716noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8911314544674287828.post-36853294270807435592011-03-29T11:10:10.931-04:002011-03-29T11:10:10.931-04:00can I sign a book deal for $2M? :) :) :) No, I'...can I sign a book deal for $2M? :) :) :) No, I'm not interested in self-pub. Not that some can't do it - my book covers would be nasty and it's all in the book cover, right? ;)Jaime Wrighthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07768583469408522818noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8911314544674287828.post-54906676605870791952011-03-29T10:02:51.357-04:002011-03-29T10:02:51.357-04:00Karen L: I do too. It's an exciting time to be...Karen L: I do too. It's an exciting time to be a writer!<br /><br />Quiet Spirit: Thank you for sharing this. I hope your friend sells all of her books!<br /><br />Julie M: You really have to pay a company to format your book to be e-book ready. Some are better than others. Also, authors have to pay for cover art. Nathan Bransford wrote an amazing post yesterday at his blog, breaking down the income potential of self-pub and trad. pub.<br /><br />Carol: I agree with you on both counts. It does take stamina!<br /><br />Sharon M: Nothing wrong with that. I'd say most writers want validation--I know I do! <br /><br />Thanks so much for stopping by!Jill Kemererhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07865493609868329393noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8911314544674287828.post-74602966326068209522011-03-29T02:08:52.267-04:002011-03-29T02:08:52.267-04:00I guess I need someone to validate me. Having an ...I guess I need someone to validate me. Having an editor at a traditional publishing house will do that for me. It will mean that someone believes in me enough to back my words. I don't think I have the skill set to do all the jobs a publishing house does. I know there are people making a living as self published authors and that's wonderful, but for me I need that validation and support from a publishing house.<br /><br />Great post, Jill!Sharon K. Mayhewhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07799235347319851345noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8911314544674287828.post-20931825950533248792011-03-28T22:14:53.149-04:002011-03-28T22:14:53.149-04:00I admire those who have the stamina to self publis...I admire those who have the stamina to self publish but I don't believe traditional publishing is on the way out. There may be a lot of shifting and adapting going on, but I believe it will survive in a reorganized format. Fewer books may make it through the ranks, but that's not necessarily a bad thing.Carol J. Garvinhttp://careann.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8911314544674287828.post-58773439068246796562011-03-28T21:47:53.759-04:002011-03-28T21:47:53.759-04:00My head is spinning with all this information abou...My head is spinning with all this information about publishing changes. I think that, for myself, traditional is the way to go. I have a pretty good grasp of grammar and language, but is it good enough to plot it right on a Kindle? Probably not. I need someone with more experienced eyes than mine to make it reader-ready. Great post, Jill.Julie Musilhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02150454913885915017noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8911314544674287828.post-46693187509138290752011-03-28T18:17:17.491-04:002011-03-28T18:17:17.491-04:00While I haven't ventured out to publish a book...While I haven't ventured out to publish a book, self or traditional, a friend of mine self-pubbed two. She told a group of us she hadn't made any money from the sale of them. She carries them around in the trunk of her car and asks people if they would like to purchase one of both of them. She has had book signings at some events.quietspirithttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06086016141181470311noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8911314544674287828.post-89216052764919895402011-03-28T17:36:40.259-04:002011-03-28T17:36:40.259-04:00I like that there are options available to writers...I like that there are options available to writers. As far as the best option, well that is different just as everyone is different. Good discussion going!<br />Blessings,<br />KarenKaren Langehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18177923284595298347noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8911314544674287828.post-77379436169607731772011-03-28T16:55:51.610-04:002011-03-28T16:55:51.610-04:00Tamika: Ooo, great attitude!
Danyelle: Thank you...Tamika: Ooo, great attitude! <br /><br />Danyelle: Thank you!! Yeah, social media takes a lot of my time already. I can't imagine what she goes through!<br /><br />Sondrae: Excellent. I agree. Publishing is HARD. There are no easy paths. Maybe that's the real lesson here?<br /><br />Katie: Ha, ha! Alive and kicking and waiting to release your book!<br /><br />Nancy: I do too. It's great to have more than one option!<br /><br />Jen: Yeah, it is a lot more work. Agreed!<br /><br />Thanks so much for stopping by!Jill Kemererhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07865493609868329393noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8911314544674287828.post-21921902117149910452011-03-28T16:28:43.675-04:002011-03-28T16:28:43.675-04:00Joanne: I agree with you. Authors like Mia (first ...Joanne: I agree with you. Authors like Mia (first commenter) will benefit from self-publishing because they have a built-in fanbase. Authors like myself (unpublished) would have to devote most waking hours to promoting our writing.<br /><br />Heather: Yep. You said it well. Savvy writers will benefit from self-publishing or traditional publishing. Exciting changes await!<br /><br />Keli: Good point (and I can relate!). In many ways, self-published authors who succeed are entrepeneurs!<br /><br />Lauren: The actual book in the hands--it's a fantastic motivator!<br /><br />Erica: It's nice to hear from you--a multi-published author--and hear good things about your publisher. Thank you!<br /><br />P.W.: Hard to argue with that, and I won't. I agree with you. With so many authors fighting to get an agent and publisher, and only so many slots each month, it stands to reason very few sub-quality books make it all the way. Many times a rejection is based on an agent or editor's gut-feeling or fear of not being able to market it. It's not the writing. <br /><br />Erin: Again, nice to hear from our published authors. It's encouraging to hear the positive side of traditional publishing rather than the negative constantly.<br /><br />Aron: Yes, I think many authors will utilize both. It will give authors more opportunities to reach out to their audiences in different ways, say by offering a 99 cent novella a few times a year or their backlists.<br /><br />Loree: Hear, hear! Nicely put!<br />Eileen: Hi!! So glad to see you here! Yeah, I only have so many talents--I don't think I could do justice to it all.Jill Kemererhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07865493609868329393noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8911314544674287828.post-42297607163207981382011-03-28T15:54:43.539-04:002011-03-28T15:54:43.539-04:00Of course it isn't dead; nor will it ever be. ...Of course it isn't dead; nor will it ever be. We humans overreact to everything from planets to pets; why not publishing?<br /><br />I have considered self-publishing, but it's a lot more work to promote yourself.Jeanette Levelliehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12898750484193832082noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8911314544674287828.post-11585832612591448862011-03-28T15:23:48.927-04:002011-03-28T15:23:48.927-04:00This shows that one type of publishing can lead to...This shows that one type of publishing can lead to the other. I believe Mark Twain started this way. Of course traditional publishing is valuable. I hope it always will be. And I like to have choices which self-publishing offers.Nancyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15163662759281341381noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8911314544674287828.post-40030526686884566602011-03-28T13:49:27.951-04:002011-03-28T13:49:27.951-04:00I really hope it's not dead!! Since I recently...I really hope it's not dead!! Since I recently signed a deal. :)<br /><br />I think Amanda Hocking is awesome. Super level-headed.Katie Gansherthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09150375338556869812noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8911314544674287828.post-37714455406028066252011-03-28T13:44:38.827-04:002011-03-28T13:44:38.827-04:00Great post. I've been seeing a lot of posts ar...Great post. I've been seeing a lot of posts arguing both sides lately but I agree with all of the points you've laid out. Traditional publishing is not on the way out nor is it broken. <br /><br />Don't get me wrong, I have nothing against self-published authors or books. I've read some really great ones. If someone is putting in the time and effort to put out a quality product and market themselves...more power to them. But the reality is its a hard road and it's only going to get harder as self-publishing becomes easier and more people flock to what they perceive as easy money. We both know there's nothing easy about it. I have a TON of respect for those who have risen to the top on their own. <br /><br />But I don't understand this new witchhunt against publishers or the theory that because some succeeded theres no reason to have a publisher. They still have a lot to offer authors, new and established.Sondrae Bennetthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02990517502363224333noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8911314544674287828.post-85747736237084418662011-03-28T13:38:19.609-04:002011-03-28T13:38:19.609-04:00I think people have been predicting the death of p...I think people have been predicting the death of publishing for a number of decades. ;-)<br /><br />I definitely think commercial publishing is the way to go. Something Amanda Hocking said in one of her posts about wanting to have more time to write really stuck me. I know marketing and whatnot will be involved either way, but I'd rather be writing than having to do all the stuff a publisher has to do on top. <br /><br />And I know I'm late on this, but congrats on signing with an agent!Danyelle L.https://www.blogger.com/profile/10366276085080565870noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8911314544674287828.post-60320016789339027332011-03-28T13:09:42.487-04:002011-03-28T13:09:42.487-04:00I agree with Laura, it's an exciting time to b...I agree with Laura, it's an exciting time to be a writer. The journey is unique for every author, and I appreciate how God showcases His power to pick! I want my road to publication to follow His will- traditional or not so traditional.Tamika:https://www.blogger.com/profile/04874834971492028558noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8911314544674287828.post-83263691074632383262011-03-28T12:56:39.228-04:002011-03-28T12:56:39.228-04:00I sure hope it's not dead or dying!
The profe...I sure hope it's not dead or dying!<br /><br />The professional editing alone would be a gift to any author, I imagine, as well as the wealth of consumer interests, marketing, etc. that publishing houses offer. Very few authors can wear all the hats that are needed to create and market a stellar novel in my opinion.Eileen Astels Watsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11098531184044931737noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8911314544674287828.post-77846527033221502632011-03-28T12:52:38.979-04:002011-03-28T12:52:38.979-04:00This is a hot topic on the blogs this morning. I&#...This is a hot topic on the blogs this morning. I'm on board with going the traditional route, but I salute those who self publish and make a good go of it.Loree Huebnerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09845600356878587780noreply@blogger.com