Thinking About Self-Publishing? Things You Need to Know

Are you thinking about publishing your book yourself? It's a huge decision, and every writer has deeply personal feelings about whether indie or traditional publishing is the right goal for them. Over the past few years, as traditional publishers have faced dramatic changes and self-publishing has expanded its capabilities, lots of writers have become interested in the indie route.

Fortunately, with so many authors publishing independently, lots of information has become available on what's involved. Recently I came across a great article on the subject by David Carnoy at CNET. As an indie author himself, and a professional techie, he's in a position to offer some excellent insights. He chose the self-publishing route several years ago, against the advice of his agent, and says that while many things have changed since then, especially in the e-book world, much of what he learned along the way applies more than ever. Here are his twenty-five tips on the pluses and minuses and how-to's of indie publishing today.

Now, if you think you've got something truly special with your book but are butting your head against a brick wall trying to get through the traditional publishing industry's gatekeepers, keep in mind that standout books can make a huge splash in the indie world—once in a very great while. Looking for inspiration to take the plunge?

We all know the success stories of the authors of HUNGER GAMES  and FIFTY SHADES OF GREY. Now comes Tracey Garvis Graves, a forty-five year old mom from Iowa who got tired of rejections from literary agents, and decided to go indie with her debut novel, a romance. After selling 360,000 copies, she's been picked up by a major publisher. The paperback edition of her book, ON THE ISLAND, came out from Penguin yesterday. Here's the Wall Street Journal article about Ms. Graves and her book. You have to admit, that's inspiring.

Personally, I'm still interested in finding support from the traditional publishing industry, but I must say the indie world has definite appeal. I'm not closing any doors. What about you? Which direction will (or did) you choose?