The Sea Change of Self-Publishing
By Barbara O'Neal | July 24, 2013 |
I’ve just returned from the Romance Writers of America’s national conference. Change has been the word on our lips for at least a couple of years, but the 
swell was washing over every aspect of the conference this year.
The change is self-publishing, and my friends, it is huge.
For the first time I can remember, ever, editors and agents were wooing authors. One notable workshop featured editors from major houses presenting the things publishers could do for authors.
Meanwhile, speakers on the self-pub track, assembled single-handedly by self-publishing millionaire Barbara Freethy, packed the room. The ballroom. Amazon, Apple, Kobo, and Barnes and Noble sent their teams to hold meetings, present workshops, and even offer a wine-tasting. Authors were wooed here, too—by merchandisers and editors for the indies.
Authors buzzed about the astonishing amounts of money they were making. “If you do exactly what I tell you [in this two hour lunch],” said Bella Andre, who landed the much discussed print only deal with Harlequin for a cool $1 million, “You will make money.” The author returned a few months later with reports of excellent money–$15K a month.
And yet, many are very frightened. Some haven’t made any money at all—and the reasons are as numerous as in any other field. Some have a bad product. Some have terrible packaging, or bad copy, or a non-existent understanding of web marketing.
Other authors are just afraid. Afraid of change. Afraid of looking foolish if they try it and fail. Afraid they won’t be taken as seriously if they self-publish. Afraid to leap.
Some are afraid that they’ll invest in the new markets and then somehow the new markets will change terms and screw them. (Like that never happens in traditional publishing.)
Romance novels are definitely at the forefront of the digital revolution. Erotica has long been read in ebook format, and now contemporary and new adult romances are rocking the digital lists. Other genres are doing quite well, however. Science fiction is growing, and mysteries are very strong. Sooner or later, there are bound to be cross-overs in literary and non-fiction.
For one main reason–the ability to price, package and reach your own audience without gatekeepers who need to publish blockbusters. It’s a tremendous amount of creative freedom that has already created some new sub-genres because there was no editor or marketing panel to say, “We don’t think stories about post-high school will sell.”
There is also the money. The average return for a writer on a trade paperback book is about a dollar. On hardcover, maybe you get a bit higher. On mass market, it’s a bit lower. Still. You have to sell a heap of books to make a decent living, and the truth is, shelf space has shrunk insanely over the past five years. In digital publishing, the return on even a 2.99 book is around 2 dollars. At higher price points, it goes higher. Do the math.
And oh, it comes in monthly. Monthly! For a great many established authors, this is mind-boggling.
It’s true there is less respect for self-publishing, for all the reasons that have always existed. But I predict that the support systems of editorial and design will continue to improve and writers will be able to hire the teams they require. Many of us are already doing it.
My prediction for the coming year is that we’re going to see more and more big name authors jumping into the waters—and finding great success. I also predict a lot of new writers are going to go with their creativity and their guts and create new genres and subgenres all over the place.
What are you waiting for?
How are you feeling about this sea change in publishing? Excited, scared, nervous, thrilled?
Barbara O’Neal is the author of more than a dozen award-winning, bestselling novels, including the runaway bestseller, When We Believed in Mermaids, which has been published in more than 20 countries and spent many months on the Amazon Charts, as well as the Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and Washington Post bestseller lists. Barbara lives on the beach in rugged Oregon with her husband, a British endurance athlete who vows he’ll never lose his accent and their zoo of cats and dogs. You can find more information on her newsletter and where to find her on social media at barbaraoneal.com.
It’s a very exciting time to be a self-published author. Love it, love it, love it!!
Barbara, thanks for sharing these insights on self-publishing. I self-pubbed my novel in 2012 and, while I did not achieve strong sales, I learned a lot about publishing and marketing. I hired a book editor and a friend who is a graphic designer did the cover on a pro bono basis. It really is an exciting time to be a writer and a reader. The choices that exist for getting one’s work to the general public have created vast opportunities for individuals who are willing to work hard to learn the skills of publishing and marketing.
It’s a journey, CG, and it sounds like you have the right attitude.
You’re right about the meeting grounds–eventually things have to even out in some way. They are very far apart at the moment.
Thanks for a positive take on the chaos! I find it exciting to think of authors taking more control of their own futures.
I want to add to your comment about the development of “better support systems for independents (editorial and design).” As the writer unboxed ad guru, I field inquiries from a WIDE variety of prospective authorial support services, and it is clear that as well as ‘better’ support systems, there are also going to be a lot of ‘sharks’ waiting to take the self-published author’s money. Authors are going to have to be very proactive about checking credentials of any service they use. That’s why in terms of better support systems, I rank this site and its social media pages (and other similar ones) right up there with editors and designers. It’s not perfect, but it’s better than swimming alone with the sharks.
Excellent reminder, Jeanne. There are lots of fly by nights and people who will take writers for all they’ve got–as there always have been. Using sites like this one as a clearing house, a touchstone, a place to make sure you know what you’re doing is a good way to keep yourself in the know.
It’s good to know we can trust the advertisers here on WU!
Great blog, Barbara! Changes are coming at us at lightning speed.
Fascinating! Thanks for this report from the front lines. From the sounds of it, traditional publishers are realizing they will have to adapt to keep up–which can only be a good thing for the entire industry. I’ll be going to my first writers’ conference in Sept. here in Denver. I’ll be curious to see if there are any major pub house editors gone a-wooing.
That must be the Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers. Can’t go wrong! I hope you enjoy it and learn tons.
I like your enthusiasm, Barbara, and agree this is a wonderful time for self-published authors. Your comment “there is less respect” for s-p authors is key and really jumped out at me because I see this repeatedly in the industry and in readers. S-P authors need to put out high quality writing, not just a package with a trendy strategy to gain success. May I say something here, respectfully? Creating a successful book requires more than support systems in editorial and cover art. Sometimes I think we emphasize too much on the product we want to sell and not enough on the creator of the product. Becoming good writers is vital to the success and respect for all s-p authors. Writing is hard work. Learning the craft and polishing our skills will go much further than any get rich quick advice/scheme to “do this and this and this and you’ll make lots of money.” We are writers, self-published or traditionally published, we are writers, first.
Absolutely, Paula. The writing is first, and without a good story, a good book, there is no point to doing anything else. Polishing our skills, finding good editors to help hone them to their highest possible level, studying techniques and the power of story, both by reading great books and studying craft at conferences, in books, in workshops is Job #1.
It says something that Barbara Freethy, who has sold 3.5 million copies of her self-published books, also won a RITA award this year, her second, and she’s been a finalist many times. She started with a powerful, solid story and great writing–thus took off.
I’d like to add to the appreciative notes on this inspiring article and to add one note of caution regarding the earnings figures: remember to consider your upfront costs as a self-publisher, which ought to include a developmental editor, a line editor, a proofreader, and a designer (most of which a traditional publisher pays for). There are also the costs of doing marketing–perhaps a Web site’s monthly fee, the monthly fee for an email marketing system such as Constant Contact, advertisements on line and in print, and the lost income during all the time the writer spends marketing. (This part one also has to do as a traditionally published author now.)
SO–before you start to count your potential profits from selling an e-book, remember that you, like a traditional publisher, will have expenses to pay back first.
All that said, it’s wonderful that the options are opening up at a time when the industry has gotten so closed. And if one has plenty of time to devote to marketing and a self-published e-book does well, clearly that’s a great feeling in a world in which book writers, like most artists, earn so little.
Good reminder, Janet. Self-publishing is a business and requires outlays of cash–sometimes quite considerable amounts.
Great article, Barbara! You’re the perfect example of a hybrid author–publishing with Big 5, self-publishing, and also publishing via a small press (mine, yay!)
I just want authors to know that there IS a small press choice, and that for many who can’t or don’t want to manage the complex business of promotions and general administrative work, the team support of a good small press may be the answer. While no publisher can give authors the royalty percentage they get from KDP and other online platforms (our overhead makes that impossible) we can definitely compromise at a fair level; Bell Bridge pays 40 percent net on ebook royalties. In return an author gets to concentrate on writing instead of marketing. So keep small presses in mind.
No matter how you publish your work, the key is quality, consistency, and a longterm game plan. We’re in a gold rush at the moment, and–as with all gold rushes — only a few will grab the mother lodes. The rest of us, however, can make a tidy career for ourselves in ways we never thought possible before. I’ve been self-publishing (through Bell Bridge) for about seven years now, and am doing well with frontlist and backlist titles both. My goal is to get more of my Big 6 books reverted to me so I can repackage and re-launch them. Backlist is the unappreciated gold mine we should never ignore.
Thanks for the reminder, Deb. you are so right, and Belle Bridge is leading the way.
Exciting times indeed! In my position as a freelance children’s book editor and publishing consultant, I am fascinated and thrilled by the new publishing opportunities and new business models available for authors and illustrators to explore. I’m seeing agents getting on board to continue to be of the best possible service to their clients, and I couldn’t agree with you more that “the support systems of editorial and design will continue to improve and writers will be able to hire the teams they require.” It’s already happening with some great results. Thanks for your post!
Yes, I think the times are exciting, but I hesitate when I hear anyone promise that people self-publishing will pull in X amount of dollars a month. I knew a self-published author who was making quite a good income for several years, but then it dropped, and she claimed it was the ever-more-crowded field, especially with people selling their books for $.99. She’s just one example, of course, but I bet the stats would show more authors make very little from self-publishing than big or even moderate bucks. That’s not to discourage anyone from self-publishing! I’ve done it after 19 books with traditional publishers, but I still make more money from those than from my indies. I think I likely always will.
It’s true earnings will vary from person to person, as with anything else. Talent, drive, even technical savvy will influence the success of a business model.
Not everyone will thrive. But many, many will.
Thanks for sharing your experience, Lev. I’m sure it varies by genre (and many other factors) but, from what I hear, debut authors (self- or traditionally published) generally don’t make much money. Even if it’s small, I’m sure it’s nice to get an advance up front (or, at least the first third). I’ve read that self-publishing is a “long-tail” game…revenues often increase with subsequent books, adding to an author’s never-vanishing catalog, assuming readers like them.
Barbara, thank you for this informative and inspiring post. I’m so happy you addressed the issue of fear. I’m not traditionally published (as a novelist–I’m a former journalist) and have only queried a little. I’m growing increasingly interested in the benefits of self-publishing, but I want to make sure I do it right. It IS scary—but the growing opportunities for writers also is exciting, and I’m learning all I can. Thank you for taking the time to post.
the growing opportunities for writers ARE exciting…
plural opportunities
Gah! Can’t let a grammatical error go!
;)
I’ve been a DIY person my whole life, so the opportunities that present themselves with this revolution in publishing excite me beyond measure.
I agree with Paula that the crafting of the story is the most important thing, but I also revel in creating a website, having input on my book cover, and just generally having control over every aspect of the book.
I may be timid in a lot of areas of life, but I am ready to jump in on this one!
This is all so interesting! I do understand the anxiety that anyone associated with publishing is feeling in the current context in which we find ourselves. Change – all change, good or bad – is stressful. And Lord knows, the publishing industry is changing! The trends toward self-publsihing, in my opinion, can only help authors. Given that all of the creative/design/editing elements are right and in place, the greatest hurdle for authors is marketing. Getting one’s name and book out there is a monumental task. But it seems that task falls on the author’s shoulders regardless of how his/her book entered the marketplace, so what’s to lose by going the self-pub route? In the interests of self-presrvation, perhaps traditional publishers might take a hard look at the wisdom, or lack there of, in focusing all their attention on a handful of authors while the rest languish unattended.
From an author’s viewpoint, this is what I want from a publisher: solid line editing, top notch proof reading, a terrific cover that will attract attention, perfect formatting, and excellent marketing support. If a publisher can’t or won’t offer these things, then one must ask what it is that they do for their 65-93% of revenues produced through a book’s sales? Paper is expensive, but it’s not THAT expensive.
As for me at present, I like the comfort of having a publisher behind my name. Although my publisher is small, there is a great support network among my fellow authors within our system. My publisher also produces dynamite covers. And these things, in the long run, may be the greatest help of all.
That’s a big part of the shift that writers want, I think, Linda. The BIG BIG names have always thrived and built fine houses. The rest of the rank and file have scrambled contract to contract to greater and lesser degrees.
The shift is happening in traditional publishing. I see agents and editors looking at things in new ways. Not so sure the top brass have yet understood how deep and wide the shift goes, but it’s a smart bunch of people.
And I must state for the record that I am still traditionally published and publishing, with a new book out next May with Bantam, who’ve published a lot of my books, and very well.
Barbara-
Refreshing to hear that report. It’s as I said yesterday, the (print) industry needs you more than you need the industry.
What do I feel? I feel patient. The evolution of the publishing business is not over. Economic laws do their work but they take a while.
What will the future really look like?
S-P authors will discover that unless they’re multiply gifted, they’ll need assistance. And pay for it. The higher s-p royalty share on a $2.99 book does sound good, but wait a couple of years (or books) then do the math again. The take-home will drop. Plus, the competition will be not 6000 other titles annually, as before, but 100,000.)
Meanwhile, publishers sooner or later will escalate e-book royalty rates. Believe it. It will happen. It’s already happening around the edges. It’s called competition. And as their royalty rates rise, their bad deal for authors will–compared to the true margins of do-it-“yourself”–will start to look not so bad.
Publishers have not yet grasped the sea change in the world of authors. Authors in this giddy time have not yet grasped the true cost of going it alone.
(Sorry. Say all you want about the lower cost of design and online promo, but when you factor in the labor hours–yours–its not as cheap as you think. And it’s not going to get cheaper.)
To really make it in print, *or* as s-p, here’s what it will take: great storytelling, great design, great distribution in multiple formats (including–gasp–print), great ongoing promotion…and, finally, repetition. A fan base is not built with one book.
What I like about where we are now is how empowered authors are feeling. What I don’t like is how distorted the picture is on all sides. But time will take care of that.
I’m feeling patient.
No apology necessary. It’s true that the writers I know who are finding big success are working a LOT more hours than I know I ever will. Honestly, I’m just kind of laid back that way.
That is my hope–that the royalties on ebooks by publishers will come in line with S-P, and I also hope the pricing will come down. Readers are balking at paying $10 for any kind of ebook, unless it is the digital version of a brand new hardcover. That’s hurting my income as a trade paperback writer. I’m not advocating crazy-low, but a modest 6.99 or so would be a place to start.
Barbara-
Yeah, pricing e-books is an interesting topic with no great clarity as yet. We can at least be entertained by the federal lawsuits underway, though.
More seriously, while it’s tempting to call e-books the new mass-market paperbacks, I’m growing less comfortable with that analogy. I think e-book consumers are a fractured market. There’s the audience for $.99 level fiction. Then there are price-conscious consumers who nevertheless want quality. Then there are consumers who will pay print books prices, lord bless ’em.
You can probably guess what I’m going to say. Why shoot to be a $.99 author in an ocean of dross, when you can sell novels in any format up to $25 hardcovers? That’s not easy, to be sure, but why be in this crazy business to do what anyone can do?
Yes, I’d love to find all the “only quality matters” readers.
I discover that I am not at all price conscious myself in most ways, but when it comes to books–maybe because I buy SO MANY of them–I notice what they cost. I comparison shop.
It will shake out over time, I’m sure. Right now we’re caught between two sides, warring it out.
I’m finding the current situation less either/or and more hand-in-hand. I have a traditional publisher bringing out a non-fiction book in February and they just made an offer to bring out a related novel as an ebook. And I’m going to use those two as a platform to self-pub two other novels I’ve written. So I’ll have four books appearing in the spring. Without self-pub, my books would have stayed buried on my hard drive. But without the traditional publication of my hardcover non-fiction book, the digital titles would not have the launching platform. Two other points worth repeating: trad pubs will have to increase their royalties and no longer will pubs be able to say that a certain genre of book won’t sell. It’s a rapidly shifting landscape but my bet is the two avenues will gradually become one.
Right. A great many of us are going that route. Hand in hand.
I feel like a sponge.
Such a timely subject! My historical novel has been professionally edited and copy-edited, and I have a professionally designed cover. I’m planning to go to Create Space next for proof reading and distribution. Most tell me they are happy with Create Space. Any comments or advice? Thanks.
I would NOT use CreateSpace for proofing. There are more reasonable freelancers out there. Try Arran at Editing720 for starters.
CS is a good way to go for print, but you’ll want to do your own digital distribution as much as possible, direct to the retail sites. Good luck!
I’m feeling open to the possibilities. It’s a good place to be. Thanks for sharing these observations.
What I don’t like is the lure that self-pub offers. I think it was Paula, above, who pointed out that writing is hard, and learning the craft takes time. Having such a temptation to just “be done with it,” tends to rush the process. I don’t care who the writer is, writers (myself included) are not the best judges of when our work is ready. I was very close to self-pub two years ago, and I look back at the state my work was in then, and am so relieved I didn’t do it. I suppose, as Don says, the marketplace will be the eventual arbiter–the great leveler. And I don’t want to be leveled.
As a carpenter, I see it all of the time. The days when you apprenticed for (or at least worked for) an experienced carpenter are over. Hand someone a nail gun, and they’re a carpenter. General contractors leave the jobsite in the morning to talk on cell phones all day, chasing the next deal (and buck). And building standards have suffered for it, but no one seems to care. With today’s technology and new materials, houses should last even longer and have fewer maintenance issues than ever, but it’s sadly not the case (I know, in my former life I went on hundreds of new construction callbacks, and 90% of the problems were rooted in poor installation and inferior carpentry).
Hippocrates said, “The life so short, the craft so long to learn.” Seems such an antiquated notion these days. I can only speak for myself, but the only way I know to ensure my work is ready for prime time is to undergo the traditional vetting process. But I fear patience and perseverance are stumbling block issues for many young writers. I hope early, false launches, resulting in poor sales, don’t disappoint and wash out too many of the next generation’s potentially great writers.
Thanks for sharing what you witnessed, Barbara.
Vaughan’s comment resonates for me (I have self-built two little houses, as it happens). Riffing a bit on his imagery…
It seems to me that self-publishing is a tool. No more, no less, not inherently wondrous or terrible. Simply a tool. Great to see that the tool is getting more respect. Still, whether it’s the right tool for the job, whether you use the tool well, all depends. The biggest factor in building something workable and beautiful will always be the material itself.
A builder friend once taught me something interesting about tools: “Finesse it, don’t force it.”
Yes, Mary! Well-said! (Also, Vaughn, it’s scary to hear your experience with contractors. Groan.)
Vaughn,
I appreciate what you’re saying about the writing craft. Craft has always been important to me, too. After more than 20 years as a professional journalist, I went back to school to earn an MFA in writing fiction. I’ve still got about $23k left on my student loans and I’m not published. One thing I know: I haven’t gotten my work “out there” enough. I didn’t query my first two novels (not good enough) and I’ve only queried the third a little. Based on feedback from agents who requested the full, I’m revising (yet again).
I think it’s about balance. I agree that writers are not good judges of our own work. Also, many new writers probably send their manuscripts to agents and editors before the work is ready. (I was an intern for a NY agent and read the slush.) Now some are self-publishing too early, and the result is what you and I might think of as poor-quality work.
But I’ve come to believe that’s not a big deal. Readers get to decide if they want to invest their time (and cash) in a book, and I think that’s exciting.
I’m not at all opposed to traditional publishing, and I think the hybrid model will become more popular. At the same time, I think mergers (most recently Big 6 to 5) and other market forces are putting extreme pressures on publishers, and they simply are not the sole arbiter of quality.
Good luck to you.
Again, I agree that the book is first. The book, the book, the book.
There is almost an assumption that self-publishing = poor quality or slap dash craft, but there is poor quality and slap dash craft in all books.
Writers who care about craft will continue to write books they feel are important and as polished as they can hope to make them. Writers who care most about story will pay less attention to characters. Writers who love fast will write fast.
Some books will get through that should not. Of course. But writers are writers are writers.
Sorry, I don’t mean to beat a dead horse, Barbara. But what I’m worried about is not so much the books. I know there will always still be wonderful books. What I’m worried about is the young writers.
I see it all the time. Very young, inexperience writers arrive on the WU group page having just put their baby out into the world, often to dismal results (or crickets), and they are completely disillusioned. They wonder what they need to do to ‘promote better’ or how they can find an audience. But I often sense that if they’d had to go through the process of submitting to someone other than perhaps a few beta-readers and maybe a hired editor they found online, they’d be brought along to realize the actual state of their work and their skill-level. I have absolutely nothing against the means of publication. I love the variety of options. I was just bemoaning the lure of the shortcut.
Sorry if I sound like an old fogey–bemoaning the lack of patience in today’s darn whippersnappers. I suppose disillusionment could come via the traditional route, as well. But at least if you come through that battle, you’ve gained a thicker-skin and a better gauge on what it takes to succeed. Maybe I should just be content that I know what’s right for me, and stop worrying about anyone else. I suppose it’s no more wrenching to have dismal sales of a s-p title than to be roundly rejected by agents and editors.
In any case, it’s always an interesting topic. Thanks for the great discussion!
It’s not a dead horse by any stretch, Vaughn. It’s a young thoroughbred, ready to break out of the gates.
Young writers will learn the same ways they always have–by trying and failing until they succeed. Some will do it in traditional ways, through the process of submitting and being considered by New York editors. Some will do it through offering work to readers and being considered by them. Which is the better method? New York? Always? And if so, why?
When the paradigm shifts so dramatically, we all have to examine the paradigms we’re holding ourselves. I’m still doing it every single day.
The thought I’m having right now is that nothing is assured. You are not assured success as a self-publisher, even if you have a great story, spend money to make your book meet all those standards that people talk about, and can market your ass off. There are plenty of people who do everything right and their book still doesn’t take off.
You are not assured success in traditional publishing, even if you have a great story, find yourself an agent who sells your book to a publisher and meet all those standards people talk about.
The question is which set of risks are you willing to take, knowing that the decision may look different from story to story, even. There still seems to be this perception that one is better than the other, and it seems to me that both have their pluses and minuses. It’s just nice for writers to have those choices to make.
The scariest thing to me about self-publishing is the knowledge that I am the responsible one. If the story doesn’t sell to other people’s expectations, then it’s judged that I didn’t do something right. I don’t have the safety net of having that approval from outside sources like an agent or a publisher. I can’t say, “Well, I got a publishing contract, and have the benefit of everything a publisher does in production of a book. The reading public just doesn’t know what they’re talking about.” Since I do lean pretty heavily on outside approval, that’s scary.
Except that the publishers DO blame authors if sales are not strong, and decline to renew contracts. It happens all the time, and can be even more demoralizing since the author has little to no control over title, cover, blurbs, marketing, pricing, etc.
“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, we had everything before us, we had nothing before us, we were all going direct to Heaven, we were all going direct the other way. . . .” – Dickens
Amazing how a work can stand to describe an age that didn’t exist when the writer penned it. I love your posts, I always read them, and this one filled me with a great excitement and yes, a little fear. But what’s the imagining of possibility without a little fear? Not half as exciting. Thank you for a glimpse into the shaping new world.
Perfect.
Thank you for this post. It brought out a lot of interesting points in the comments.
As Lara says, many of us “do lean pretty heavily on outside approval,” and a contract with a traditional publisher is the ultimate outside validation.
As Donald Maass says the competition is growing but “publishers have not yet grasped the sea change in the world of authors.”
Jo Schmo, the junior crime fighter extraordinaire said: “Ripple, wave, tsunami–that’s the way it works in the crime world.”
Maybe that’s the way it works in all worlds, not just the universe of crime, and if authors jumped into the self-publishing tank in large enough numbers they could help escalate the ripple/wave to a tsunami, so publishers see the “sea change” sooner. (Sorry for the awful alliteration).
Anjali
I’m self published and I’m still afraid. It takes a lot of time away from writing and at times I feel like I’m a bit schizophrenic trying to balance the two hats, but I’m thinking the more I do (more books to self publish), the easier it will get… here’s hoping. (And I’d love to be part of the “astonishing amounts of money…”
Being traditionally published requires a lot of non-writing time, too. You’re still responsible for most of your marketing, have to deal with your agent/editor about stuff, have edits, copy-edits, galleys, have to write blog posts for publisher-set-up tours (not always to the most highly trafficked blogs), deal with tracking down missing royalty statements, etc.
There’s no path that lets you ‘just write,’ sad to say. Except the one where you’re not interested in any form of publication.
I have to give credit to RWA for expanding their offerings and allowing self-published novels to compete in the RITA. When I attended Nationals two years ago, it seemed like that decision would take another decade. Delighted that Barb Freethy and others were both heard and allowed to set an agenda which accommodates modern realities. (I didn’t feel I missed out on attending last summer, but this year seemed to have vitality and verve. It was hard to be a bystander!)
I’m focused on craft and improving my output. As such, the SP/blended/traditional choice is somewhat academic for me. But for what it’s worth right now–and I reserve the right to change my mind–I’d rather “fail” on my own terms than be saddled with an uncommitted, rapidly changing, unresponsive team, which is sadly what I have heard about from so many authors and friends. It’s kind of like my approach to marriage; I’m glad I’m with the ToolMaster, but if he hadn’t come along, better to be single than in a miserable partnership.
I wish I’d see you there, Jan!
Laughing at the comparison to marriage. Exactly. If there is open communication and a genuine attempt for both sides to do the best they can for the other, it works wonderfully well.
I’ve been really open with my agent and editor about my status straddling both the indie and traditionally published worlds. I hope we can continue to work well together as everything continues to unfold, for all of us.
Next year, Barbara. I’m going to start budgeting now, so save time for a drink with me. ;)
And of course you’d be a person who would gather a good team, because you are talented, a good communicator, and have a functioning BS detector. I’m still working on the first and the last of those.
Hi Barbara
Would you say that these trends you describe might make it far more difficult for new writers to “get in on the action,” so to say? If I understood what you wrote correctly, my interpretation is that the market is going to be dominated even further by writers who have already established themselves as authorities, leaving less and less room for the smaller guys.
Not at all, Jackson. As long as you do your homework by studying the greats, figuring out your voice, and writing your butt off (I genuinely believe in that 1 million words it takes to be a writer who can sell), you have as much chance as anyone.
The shelves are infinite.
New York can offer you a lot, too, so think about that angle as well.
Very interesting, scary shift. Thank you for the post!
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You ask what I am waiting for? A couple of things, probably. Partly, I wait because I love my agent. Partly the idea of going the non-traditional route scares the poop out of me. I think it’s also my ego . . . isn’t that stupid?
Fear + ego = Stuck in the La Brea Tar Pits.
Thank you for this great post.
xo,
s
Great post, Barbara. The market has undergone a sea change in the last five years, and it’ll be interesting to see where it goes. Yes, there will be some garbage that comes out, but the increase of choice for the public lets the reader choose. I think it’s great for books. Writers that want to be part need to shed their inhibitions and jump in.
After all, the worst that happens is that you don’t make it, but if you don’t take the chance, you similarly won’t make it. It takes effort to succeed, and I hope more writers take the plunge.
I am reminded of the time I left my Navy ship for civilian life and college during the Viet Nam era. Young people everywhere were protesting what was happening in the government, and the military did not get any respect, even despicable things thrown or dumped on them. Fast forward to today and while the policies of the government may be in some people’s viewpoint headed in the wrong direction, the soldiers, sailors and airmen in the military get and should get our respect. They don’t make policy, they simply stand ready to defend our shores should there be a real threat to our way of life.
Authors in years past didn’t get a lot of respect for being self published because of the “gatekeepers” and traditional establishment control of the industry. Only silent grumblings from a small contingent of self published authors who had no real platform to attract attention. My how times have changed and are changing daily. Looking forward to the changes.
[…] to the rest at Writer Unboxed and thanks to Joshua for the […]
[…] one of the things that makes this RITA Award-winning author’s The Sea Change of Self-Publishing*** at Writer Unboxed so significant is that her article comes from the deepest, pinkest heart of […]
An excellent recap. Even better some of the comments. Several reasons why I wish to work traditional process first. One, most writers would like “street cred”, or recognition that a publisher thinks enough of a story to traditionally publish it. Another, points made above, mostly as a self-pub, you’ll be up against thousands of competitors and the work of attracting an audience (and buyers) doesn’t come easy. EPub is great if you already have an audience. I too, believe some form of hybrid will arise. Glass half-full, epub is a wonderful thing for those who feel like giving up because traditional won’t let them in the door. Glass half-empty, I’m already seeing a plethora of truly terrible stories clogging the system, more white noise for those who have truly good stories to share.
Why is there a perception that somehow a traditionally published book isn’t in competition with all the other books? Sure, you’ll (hopefully) get a few months of print distribution, but after that, a traditionally published title is competing for the exact same set of readers a self-published title is. And with more and more books being bought online (print as well as digital) there’s even less distinction.
A friend of mine has left NY publishing after her 7th novel, because the publisher’s e-book pricing strategy was harming her career. Yes, she’s a romance author, so that makes a bit of a difference, but when a publisher’s approach to backlist is actively hurting a writer’s career by limiting sales, well. She made the right choice. :)
Huge sea change. I’m a, well, a romance writer among other things – jumped into the self-pubbing world 3-4 years ago and I haven’t regretted it for a moment. Now I can’t wait to get the remainder of my books back from an e-pub.
The advantages so outweigh the disadvantages.
And if I can do it, tech-challenged as I am, anyone can.
I’m not a member of RWA, dropped my membership some time ago. I’ve never attended a conference. Your article makes clear the changes that have pretty much been forced down RWA’s throat, not to mention the fact that publishers actually have to take an interest in writers, known and unknown.
Fascinating.
[…] the website Writer Unboxed, an article proposes that the movement to self-publish will break down barriers enough to entice writers with […]
I jumped in 2010. Interesting watch all the newcomers.
Unfortunately, I am one of those hybrid authors for whom S-P success (i.e., decent money) has proved elusive. Any hints out there? I’m well-published (currently with Ellora’s Cave) but would like to increase sales on my non-EC, S-P books.
Just keep educating yourself and study the people who are making it work. Haunt the forums and ask questions. Ask for honest opinions from others.
Barbara, I agree wholeheartedly, I believe the sea change has come and we will soon witness critical mass for indie writers. More and more I am reading of similar changes in conferences everywhere. Instead of being relegated to the side hallways, indie authors are taking center stage. My first book was published by a NY house nearly 30 years ago, then I went through several small presses and finally gravitated to self-publishing, so I’ve been riding this roller coaster for quite a while; it’s been an amazing ride, but I do believe the best is yet to come. Thanks for a great–and encouraging–post.
Nervous is definitely the word for it. And although I’m glad to hear that others are feeling the same and I’m not alone, it still doesn’t make me feel all that much better. I know writers, newer writers, that are all for going straight to digital, without even approaching an agent. I’m a bit more old school and feel like there’s still a lot of benefit with going the traditional route. I’m a screenwriter and still have yet to finish my novel, so I guess I have some time to decide. Till then I’ll be tuning in. Great post.
Thanks for this report, Barbara. Like many others here, I’ve been in the business for a while, but I only started my own small publisher and began to publish myself in mid-2011.
My own experience has been overwhelmingly positive. But there is a long learning curve and it is a lot of work. For any writer who is interested in learning and working hard, though, having career control is a wonderful thing. :-D
Best,
Diane
Perfect timing – just what I needed to hear right now! I am on the verge – within the next month – of self-publishing my first book, and it is erotica/adult romance. I know it’s just the first one, and it’s small (second book is in the works and a monster in size!), but I’m still so excited about this journey. I have a LOT to learn about marketing and publicity, and that part scares me a bit, but I’ll get through it.
Thank you for the information and the optimism in this article – I agree that self-publishing IS a sea change in the publishing industry, and the changes are only beginning. I’m so thrilled to be even a small part of that!!
Having traditional published twenty books and self-published eight or so, I like going with small publishers. The royalty isn’t so much but time and work is taken away. I write. It’s what I was built for. I can market and sub-contract publication but I don’t like to. Such activity takes time away from writing. And writing is what’s important. S-P may be the way to go for a one or two book writer. But I write a lot. And I’d rather do that than anything connected with self-publishing.
We live in interesting times, in the very best sense of the word. :)
I noticed the same phenomenon at RWA too. Every single event I attended for the couple of days I was there – panels, workshops, even the keynotes – ended up boiling down to a discussion about the pros and cons of self-pub.
And can I just say that I’m personally very happy that you, Barbara, decided to self-pub your backlist. I own a paperback copy of Breaking the Rules that I bought new in 1994, that I pet and coo over, but I’m thrilled at the fact that I can now buy all the out-of-print books and store them on my iPad for easy access whenever I want! :)
Love that ! :)
[…] O’Neal: The Sea Change of Self-Publishing. Excerpt: “I’ve just returned from the Romance Writers of America’s national conference. […]
[…] The Sea Change of Self Publishing Read this one – based on the RWA conference – to see how disruptive (for traditional publishers) self publishing is. V. interesting. […]
[…] Noticed Changes in Self-Publishing’s Favor at RWA: A few attendees posted their informal observations on a writers’ message board, but Barbara O’Neal includes a detailed observation of the winds of change in the Romance Writers of America‘s world blowing towards self-publishing. O’Neal points out why the change is more prevalent as well as why there’s still an existing stigma against self-publishing even in the Romance genre that leads the digital changes in publishing. The informal observations on the message board noted that several pitch sessions with agents went unfilled with the self-publishing panels being packed. O’Neal’s post confirms that more writers in the Romance genre may be leading the charge for indie publishing. […]
[…] […]
Loved this! As a new writer, the word out there has been discouraging. “We won’t look at your work unless you’re published. Don’t send it or we’ll just trash it.” I’m on the path to self-publishing and I’m doing the work to make sure it’s as professional as a traditionally published book. I’m learning all about the marketing…sometimes overwhelming, but I’m taking things into my own hands. Encouraging to hear of authors who are successful.
I say feel the fear and do it anyway! What do you have to lose?
By the time you wait around for responses to all the query letters you spend time writing and sending, you could have written, published, promoted and started making money. Maybe it won’t be big money, but once you learn the finer aspects of marketing via social media, you can up that figure tremendously.
Fear has kept many a fine writer in the closer. Feel your fear, write, publish and move on to the next book!
[…] O’Neal at Writer Unboxed writes about “The Sea Change of Self-Publishing” as per her experiences at the Atlanta conference of Romance Writers of America. And, yeah, […]
Wonderful article! I was there, heard the same, loved it all. Great! Great! Conference! As a writer who’s been on the cusp of an offer too many times to count over for the past four years, for me, self publishing opens up a new empowering option that takes the ‘hopelessness’ out of the equation, the inability to control your own destiny, the seemingly endless swim up the traditional publishing stream like a salmon, just to be eaten or thrown back to try again. Books that received great reviews from editors, but as you say, were to cutting edge to find their way onto the very limited genre/shelf space of traditional publishing, can now see the light of day and find their readership, even if it IS only a small readership, they can and will be read, and THAT is refreshing. I think the choice and the options are wonderfully empowering and encouraging to authors and their creative muse. I’m excited for the future!
[…] The Sea Change of Self-Publishing […]
Reading the first couple paragraphs of your article, I was shocked. Jaw-dropping shocked.
Then I smiled.
I can’t help but say, “Ah-ha! Shoe’s on the other foot, now, ain’t it?!”
Even though I wasn’t there to experience it, it feels GOOD to think that all the agents and publishers who have smuggly rejected so many are now scrambling to attract authors. Feels damn good.
Well I am an author who has never self published, or tried for a big six deal. I feel right now I’ve found a happy medium with higher royalties than the big six authors, but some of the benefits they have (although not all) – I signed with a big independent publisher, however I wouldn’t rule out either of the other two options in future. As Donald Maass said the Big Six (Five?) need to raise their royalties in digital from 25% net. I’m glad my publisher pays me based on cover price not net.