Wednesday, November 24, 2010

To Publish or to Self Publish?: That is the Question...

This question is in the top 5 of the most frequently asked questions I receive. People ask me in email, they ask on Facebook, they'll DM me in Twitter, they'll stop me at conventions, or when I speak, or in workshops. Others will ask me out to breakfast, lunch, dinner, coffee, or Happy Hour. Still others will hire me as a consultant because they want to know the answer to this question, and they're smart enough to know they need some help figuring out the answer. Here is the question:

Should I find a publisher or should I self publish?

Every day. I get calls, emails, letters (really! Letters) asking me this question.

And it's a good thing they ask because it is critical to understand the pros and cons of each choice. The path is littered with obstacles and very expensive mistakes, so the more you know on the front end, the better your chances of achieving your goals without having to sell the house.

When I am asked this question, I have at least ten to ask in return in order to get an idea of what their ultimate goal is. Questions such as:

  • What is your overall goal or objective?
  • Do you want to be in bookstores and libraries?
  • Do you have a platform?
  • Are you savvy online?
  • What is your budget?
  • Do you understand all of the expenses you're going to have if you self publish?
  • Do you understand distribution channels? Wholesalers, distributors, etc?
  • Are you aware of POD? Do you know the pros and cons of this option?
  • Do you speak?
  • Do you want to sell in the back of the room?
  • Do you want to be on Oprah (How to get on the show is the 2nd most-asked question.)

Because I am asked this question so often, I have decided that I must streamline this and have opted to do a teleseminar on Tuesday, December 7th at 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time (6:00 p.m. Mountain; 7:00 p.m. Central; 8:00 p.m. Eastern). This one hour phone call is free to you and will provide you with the pros and cons of each possibility. This will give you a very good idea of which option is going to work best for you. For me, it's an opportunity to share a lot of knowledge I have gained simply because I work in this business every day. In a call, I can help a lot of people all at once, rather than going out to lunch and telling each individual separately.

I am only taking a specific number of people on this call, so if you're interested please let me know ASAP by sending me an email to:

joanne (at) joannemccall (dot) com

The page for online signups is still being designed, so for now simply contact my office and we will get you taken care of. I will send you the call in number and other important details.

Thanks for your interest. Publishing a book is a very big deal. If I can help you to navigate the sometimes murky waters, it is my pleasure to do so. Remember: Tuesday, December 7th. Talk to you then!

Warmly,
Joanne

No comments: