by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraig
Today is July 4th and those of us in the States are celebrating our country’s independence.
It’s a day when we usually celebrate freedom of all kinds. And eat lots of grilled food. :)
One of my favorite things about living in a free country is having choices—being able to choose with whom we want to associate. Being able to choose how or if we want to worship. The option to travel freely to other countries.
And even the freedom to make very small choices. Like how we want to approach publishing our book.
It’s baffled me how acrimonious the traditional publishing vs. self-publishing debate has become. Emotions have run high in both camps and it seems to be centered around who’s right and who’s wrong.
I don’t think it matters who’s right and I don’t think it really matters what we choose to do with a particular book. We should probably just write plenty of books and experiment.
I’ve just handed in the fourth book of my Memphis Barbeque series to Penguin.
Now I’m writing a book to self-publish. I’ve self-published two other titles, but one was backlist and one was written for traditional publishing but didn’t sell. This is the first time I’ve written a book for the sole purpose of self-publishing it.
After that, I’ll be working on my 3rd book for the Southern Quilting mysteries for Penguin.
I couldn’t feel less-conflicted about it. I won’t try to shop the book I’m writing independently—it won’t be sent to my agent. I won’t agonize over the fact that I’m writing books for a traditional publisher and whether that means I’ll miss out on higher royalties.
Actually, it’s a real luxury to have more than one option. What’s a good approach for one book may not be right for another.
So that’s what I’m celebrating on this 4th of July—having options and having the ability to freely choose between them. What are you celebrating?
Happy 4th to my friends in the States. :)
Image: Flickr—Lou Ann A
Elizabeth – I couldn’t agree with you more! There is no reason at all that all of the different publishing options can’t co-exist. Today’s author has more options than ever and that is a good (if sometimes bewildering ;-) ) thing.
Happy Fourth to you and your family, too!
I love you Elizabeth Spann Craig. This is so wise and if only everyone would think and feel this way.
Karen
Happy Fourth of July!
I agree, it’s great to have so many options open to us these days. There’s more than enough room for everyone’s preferences, so why get riled up over it?
Beautifully put.
I think people are just anxious, really. Change is scary, and frankly, so are options sometimes.
The thing that’s really cool is that right now all sorts of opportunities are opening up. Not just how you publish a book, but the form the book takes. (I’ve seen Twitter stories!)
Readers have more options than ever before, both in what and how they can read, but also in how they express themselves – traditional reviews, in person or online groups to chat with, blogs.
It is an exciting time.
I don’t understand the angst and nastiness over the topic either. I think everyone can choose their own path(s) and that should be the end of it. We all have our different roads to take anyway – why should pubbing be any different?
Hope you and your family have a wonderful 4th! :)
Paul–Exactly. Really, it’s none of my business what other authors choose to do. And I wish everyone realized that!
Margot–Bewildering but good…ha! So true.
Karen–I love you, too! Happy 4th. And you’re usually the wise one.
The argument makes no sense to me. Whatever puts good books on the market works for me. I bet there’s a lot less pressure with that book you’re going to self-publish as well.
Happy Fourth and proud to live in a country with so many freedoms and options.
It’s great to have so many options and the freedom to choose.
Happy 4th of July!
The Daring Novelist–You’re very right…change *can* be stressful. I’m one of those who is usually stressed out by any type of change–even in my daily routine or schedule. But I do react better to it when I see that I have no control over the situation. Somehow that makes me just shrug and get on with adjusting. But boy–try to change a plan with me (to see a movie, go to a concert, etc.) and I’ll fall apart. :)
I’ve seen those Twitter stories, too! And I love what you’re doing on your blog right now, with your serial.
Very interesting point about reader reviews/feedback. Of course, that can be a little nerve-wracking too, but at the bottom of it all, I *love* the fact that people are excited about books and sharing them–even if they’re complaining about them, they’re still networking with each other over reading. And that’s going to move books into the 21st century and keep them relevant.
Jemi–The funny thing is that the writing community usually isn’t like that at all. It’s very odd how divisive this issue has been.
Alex–Me too! And…you’re right. No pressure at all, except the usual pressure I put on myself!
Susanne–Thanks so much! And the same to you. :)
And THIS is why I follow you and would vote for you if you choose to become president. :)
The fear of not having the ultimate control often turns people (the industry in this case) into bully types. For years, the publishers sent out word that self-publishing was not good writing which isn’t always true. Eventually, new ways and perhaps better ways surface. That’s what’s happening and the old guy has to make room for the new kid in town.
Happy 4th to you too.
T
There have been some heated online debates, via comments, about traditional publishing versus self. It’s surprised me because the writing community is usually supportive & calm. It’s possibly a sign of the frustration writers have felt for many years. No one likes their dreams crushed & it’s difficult to make a living from writing. Creative people are sensitive & passionate. We have options now & we should move past the debate & make the decision that best suits us. Either way, we still might not find happiness or success, but at least we never gave up.
Elizabeth, good luck & thanks for all the great links on twitter.
Simon–Thank you. And I think your comment shows a lot of insight. Writing is a lifelong dream of so many and they’re passionate about it…and worried they’re going to lose out, one way or the other. Finding what’s best for *us* seems to be the right road to follow.
Good for you, Elizabeth! And I agree, it is great to have options. I have no regrets going SP for The ET, because it was the right thing for this project. I still have an agent, and am still producing in hopes of selling to the traditional market. I love the flexibility of being able to pick my path, rather than feel shoe-horned into one route.
Have a great Thursday! :)
Teresa–Ha! I’m thinking what an off-kilter president I’d make. I’d be too focused on the arts and education! Wars? What wars? :)
You’re so right about the control issues. And this is something that’s ultimately out of the control of most of us–it’s all about technology and reader convenience and reader preferences.
Elizabeth, I love how authors like you have found a way to explore all options. It’s encouraging for the rest of us. Why close the door on any opportunities? Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts and experiences. It really does help.