Doing My Research

Self Publishing

When thinking about self publishing, I have a few worries.

1. If I self publish in a digital format, will I still be able to submit to a publishers?
   
2. Will anyone even find my story to read it?
   
3. Do I physically have the time to write another novel? My free time is about to vanish and the posts and novels I don’t have time to write now will be even more limited soon.
   
4. Would anyone want to read it? What if it’s rubbish? What if the very kind and gentle rejections I recieved after submitting my manuscripts are actually because the novel is rubbish?

I’ve been researching to find out some answers to my questions.

What I’ve Found Out So Far..

The Best Way to Break into Science Fiction Writing is Online Publishing by Ed Grabianowski, answers one of my questions: Will publishers still publish an online novel?

Ed quotes Michael Stackpole who explains that ‘even a serialized novel on a website won't cause problems if a writer tries to sign a publishing deal at a later date because mainstream publishers don't see digital publishing as a serious threat.’ Good to know.

To answer my ‘will they like it’ question, in How To Get Started (And Get Ahead) In Science Fiction Self-Publishing, Bennett R. Coles says to write about what you love. He goes on to say, ‘this is your book, not mine and not anyone else’s, and if you’re excited about the ideas, locales and characters then that excitement will come through on the page.’

He also says to pay for an editor and a very good cover artist. I must admit, when browsing for books myself the combination of an interesting title and a dynamic cover do draw my attention. This must be true for prospective readers of my work. However, I don’t currently have the cash to put into an editor or a cover artist.

I am definitely one to admit that an editor is essential. If a part of my novel doesn’t quite line up, or if it would be better to put that scene before the deck scene, or if the ending doesn’t quite play out right, you need that brutally honest editor in your life to make sure you fix those mistakes to create an outstanding novel.

I’m lucky to have a lot of friends and family who enjoy sci fi and are actually willing to read my novel. My very good friend Chris was kind enough to edit my first chapter but to edit an entire novel is a big ask.

Bennett also advocates joining sci fi communities but I’m a little shy. I could be brave and just go for it, join the ones that interest me like Firefly and Dark Matter, the Star Treks and Star Wars… basically all sci fi. One of the publishers I submitted my latest novel to, which I still love and have hopes for, asked for my online presence. I didn’t have one at the time, not Twitter or a relevant blog, but I have since developed my online identity. It must be important.

Remus Shepherd, who has replied to Bennett’s post, suggests finding reputable editors through www.reeedsy.com and Writer Beware. It seems as if to get your novel self published, the best thing is to spend a bit of money.

But I just want people to read and enjoy my stories. Is it worth publishing for free just to say, ‘Hi, I’m here and #amwriting’ ?