The Difference Between Traditional Publishing & Self-Publishing

Years ago my answer to this would have been, "Quality." I was one of those people who thought those who self-published were those who couldn't make it in the traditional market. Go ahead and throw things, I deserve it. Hang on, let me wipe the rotten vegetables and fruit from my screen… Back then I would have never considered going that route, especially with a small publisher interested in my work. But I was naïve about the true differences between the two.

It's true, anyone can self-publish which means there is a lot of sub-par work out there. However, there is a lot of sub-par work in traditional publishing too. Out of all the traditionally published books I've read in the last two years there are only a handful of them that I really liked. Seriously. And you know what? I've read some outstanding self-published novels (Anne Riley's The Clearing, Kristie Cook's Promise, Purpose, Krissi Dallas's soon to be traditionally published Phantom Island: Wind). There is good work on both sides of the fence.

If you haven't heard about Abbott Press then you will soon. They are the self-publishing press I decided to go with instead of a small publisher who was interested in my novel. (By the way, I just wanted to reiterate that I love small presses and fully support them and their novels. It just wasn't the right choice for me and my book.) Your novel has to pass content evaluation for Abbott Press and then there is an editorial review in which you can potentially gain the Writer's Digest mark of quality if your novel is up to their quality standards.

The introduction of this mark of quality has the potential to change the answer to that question about the difference between traditional and self-publishing. In the near future the answer will no longer be "quality" but instead, "author royalties, author control, and retention of rights". The future looks brighter every day. For an in depth look at my process with Abbott Press so far check out my post on it here.


~Heather

Breaking Into Publishing

The days when opportunity came knocking at your door are all but gone. Now, one must seek out opportunity's door and knock on it. It doesn't hurt to come armed with a lock-pick kit and a sledgehammer as back up. The publishing world is changing, not only because times are hard but because of the electronic revolution. It's pretty safe to say it has never been harder to break into publishing. Unfortunately just writing a great novel isn't enough any more. A lot of factors come into play when you're trying to land an agent and sell your novel. The timing and material has to be right. If you wrote an outstanding novel that involves a trend that's on it's way out, agents and publishers will probably pass you by. So they're looking for the next big thing then right? Yes and no.

They're looking for something that has the potential to be outstanding, is fresh and innovative, but that people can relate to. Now you're totally confused aren't you? Don't feel bad, I'm right there with you. Not only does timing have to be right but there is a huge amount of luck that comes into play when you're introducing a new idea or one that's trendy. Voice and style are also a large part of it. You can write a book about a trendy idea but have a completely fresh voice or style that makes it something new.

So what can you do to increase your chances of succeeding in this increasingly discerning and competitive market? Perfect your craft. Take classes, go to retreats or workshops, or read books on the subject, that's your lock-pick kit. While my young adult paranormal series was on submission I've completed another stand alone novel in a different genre. There's the sledgehammer, a positive enduring attitude that won't give up. If you keep writing you increase you chances of success. It's important to keep improving your craft as well. If you can't attend writer's retreats or workshops in person then do so online. If that still isn't an option then pick up books on writing to help you improve.

A vital thing you need to realize is that agents and editors can't define your success if you don't let them. Don't stop improving, don't stop writing, and most important, don't give up. In the end, know your options and weigh them all.

~Heather