Someone asked me if I self-published Fairy Tale Fail because it was rejected by my traditional publisher.
The simple answer is: No, it wasn't rejected by my publisher.
The more complicated answer is: It wasn't accepted either.
What it was, for a time, was a pitch email with attachment that was floating around without a yes or no. And then I discovered that I could sell it as an ebook on Amazon, so I went and did that.
I guess the context of the original question was, "Should I self-publish instead? Why go through the possibility of being rejected by a publisher?"
You can't avoid rejection, sorry. Maybe for a self-publisher it doesn't come as a letter that begins with "We regret to inform you..." but you can still experience:
1. Negative reviews
2. Lackluster sales
3. People who tell you they won't buy your book because they don't like the format/genre/don't read at all
... and many other reasons.
I happen to think that you should independently publish because you want more control over the publishing process. NOT because you just don't want to experience rejection.
In fact, rejection can help. Not just for the writing part, but the publishing as well. Maybe you can't go back and rewrite an already-published book to make it better, but you can apply those lessons to future work. And as a self-publisher, you can change up your pricing, covers, availability, and other things to make sure that certain people give you a chance.
Oh, and this year, my publisher offered to distribute Fairy Tale Fail in paperback, so it will finally appear in local bookstores soon. So, yay! I consider that the opposite of rejection.
Really great story from indie success to mainstream publishing. Happy for you! Have 10,000 Qs... :)
ReplyDeleteWas it a publisher who published your books before? What made them decide to take it in this time? Do you retain copyright and control over your royalties or is it merely a print distribution thing?
Would you say self-publishing is a great way to get your work recognized (and earn in the process) while waiting for a conventional publisher to pick it up?
I decided to self-publish mainly to learn how Amazon works and—not because I did not want to be rejected—but because I was impatient! :)
1. Yes, same trad publisher
Delete2. Not sure what made them make a decision, but I have wild speculation. :)
3. I retain copyright even over the ones they've published, but maybe you mean digital rights. I asked to retain digital rights over these indie books, yes, so it's more of a print distribution deal.
4. Yes it's a great way to do it, but it has to be the way we're doing it (the hard way). I think publishers will notice it if it's been building an audience, and it's hard work doing that on your own.
thank you for this post. i have been thinking about it for long. it's nerve-wracking though and there are not many people you get to talk to so thanks! i'm glad your book is finally seeing the light in paperback. sometimes i wonder if a book is less since you cannot hold it if it's in ebook format.
ReplyDeleteThe paperback vs ebook thing is not as big a challenge really! You just make sure your book is in the format your audience wants it in, and you'll be fine. :)
Delete