Why self-publishing your book rather than pursuing the traditional route can be your best bet

Sue Collier | May 5, 2010

I read a blog post today about why authors should pursue traditional publishing rather than try self-publishing from the start. For authors of fiction, I would probably agree that traditional publishing is definitely the more ideal model; but for authors of nonfiction, self-publishing is often the best, most profitable way for authors to see their [...]

Book distribution and discounts: The problems with using a “self-publishing company”

Sue Collier | April 27, 2010

One of the most appealing things about using a so-called self-publishing company for many authors is the lack of up-front investment. Companies such as Lulu cost very little, so eager authors jump right in—often without examining the fine print. Unfortunately, most authors quickly discover they are left with an unmarketable book that sells few copies. [...]

So you’re thinking of publishing your own book. Is self-publishing a scam?

Sue Collier | April 15, 2010

I read another blogger today who asked this same question—and his answer was that 99 percent of self-publishing is a scam. I’m going to have to respectfully disagree with him on that one—but only because he is using incorrect terminology. Subsidy publishing—now there is a scam (for the most part—I would probably agree with 99 [...]

I certainly don’t think Author Solutions is “evil”–but they cannot “self-publish” anyone

Sue Collier | March 10, 2010

I have to speak up again today after reading this blog post: http://blog.writersdigest.com/norules/CommentView.aspx?guid=8f273388-29f7-4bcc-9b1f-3efd79f5cf10 The blog wasn’t cooperating with my comment addition, however, so I’m going to put it right here: “…the industry is now experiencing a “true self-publishing” movement that argues a “real” self-published author is one who eschews the use of services like AuthorSolutions. [...]

Yes, think hard before self-publishing–but understand what “true” self-publishing is first

Sue Collier | March 10, 2010

I read this blog post today http://cba-ramblings.blogspot.com/2010/03/think-hard-before-self-publishing.html from a literary agent, who basically thinks self-publishing is a bad idea for the vast majority of authors. Because I disagree with so much of what she says–from the standpoint of authors who are truly self-published (and this is an important distinction!)–and wrote a lengthy comment to the [...]

Publishers Weekly still doesn’t understand the definition of “self-publishing”

Sue Collier | January 19, 2010

Apparently, not even Publishers Weekly understands that POD ”self-publishing” is not self-publishing at all. Here is the article I responded to: http://www.publishersweekly.com/article/CA6712254.html?talk_back_header_id=6637648#talkback. (There is a lot of other excellent feedback there, including from self-publishing pioneer Dan Poynter, so be sure to read that as well.) My comments: I find it amazing that Publishers Weekly still doesn’t understand [...]

New Harlequin line: self-publishing or subsidy publishing in disguise?

Sue Collier | November 19, 2009

If you are even remotely tapped into the publishing world, you’ve heard all about the new Harlequin Horizons, wherein authors can pay $600 to $1,600 for their book to be “published.” (Hmmm…sounds like a vanity press to me.) This might be a fabulous idea–if you’re Harlequin. And that is probably true only in the short [...]