May 26, 2010
As many of you know, I am in a constant state of indecision regarding whether to go the self-publishing route or stick to the old “query ’til you drop” route…which is most likely only successful if you truly do query ’til you drop rather than giving up for a month after every 50 queries which is what I tend to do. I don’t really have the stamina to put my creative hat aside for long periods of time to write cover letters and research agents and their interests.
Though I’m not really any closer to a definitive decision for my own work, I did notice something interesting the other day when my Alumni Magazine arrived from my Alma Mater. I did the usual perusal for my graduation year and noted the new arrivals and who’s been named to what boards and graduated which medical schools. Then I noticed a page dedicated to new publications from various alumni. Right there on the page was a color photo of each book, the author and a brief synopsis along with the book price. There was a children’s book, a self-help book and two novels. I didn’t know any of the authors myself, but I did recognize the publishers. In fact, 3 of the 4 were SELF PUBLISHED!
I’m chagrined to admit that my first I thought was “Oh they are self-published” as a justification of sorts. But then I recognized the little green monster for what it was and wondered if the majority of alumni reading this page would be informed regarding the various names of self-publishing companies – and would they even care? And then I thought: Who cares – this is GREAT free advertising to a HUGE alumni network!
So I’m back on the fence. Mostly because I’m perhaps not ready for the huge self-promotion work it will require to be successful as a self-published author. After all, I still have a toddler at home – my time is not really my own. Or perhaps that is just an excuse. But either way, I’m gathering the courage (and marketing ideas) so that when I DO decide, I’ll go out there into the professional arena with a bang!
What are your thoughts? Any great marketing ideas from those of you who have opted for self-publishing?