|
Post by Idazle on Jul 23, 2012 6:24:18 GMT -5
Being that this is a writing board, I was curious what everyone's takes are on Self Publishing, also known as Vanity Publishing. If you've done it, thought about doing it, or have questions about the process, you can post them here.
I personally have gone through the process and was quite pleased with the results. I have sold nearly 90 copies since the book was published on February 29. The royalty pay has been decent, though some is witheld from me because I do not have enough money in my account for the direct deposit to go through. When I get enough royalties, it will finally send me the money I have earned.
Aside from that, it has really helped to get my name out. Even the principal at my school has started calling me Idazle (though he pronounces it I-dazzle instead of ee-DAHZ-lay). The press has also given me a few seconds in fame, and that really helped.
A lot of people condemn the art because, with some companies, once you publish a work, it is published. However, self-publishing is a cheap and easy way to start a career as an author, and I have been very pleased with it. The book I published I was pleased with, but I was not thrilled with. I knew that if I sent it out to a publisher, it would most likely not be selected for publication considering it was written by a teenager that lives out in the sticks. Now, however, I am aiming to get a real name publisher for my next book which will be a sequel to my novel but will be able to stand independent of it.
Enough of me. I'm curious about what y'all think.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jul 23, 2012 20:39:02 GMT -5
Um.... That is insane. Can you tell me the story of how you accomplished all of this? What you did to do it? Cause I would lOve to follow haha
|
|
|
Post by Idazle on Jul 23, 2012 21:00:38 GMT -5
Well, after writing the story for NaNoWriMo, I reread it once and sent it out to some of my English teachers. After a bit more editing on my part, I just kind of forgot about it and gave up trying. I just didn't feel I would be good enough to actually be published.
Then, I got into a creative writing class that really helped me boost my confidence. My writing group also helped me with a bit of encouragement and criticism on some parts. That was when I finally returned to my edits.
I used CreateSpace to make the cover and get the template for formatting my novel. That had to be just about the hardest part. It was extremely difficult without Microsoft word because Open Office just loves to mess things up on me.
NaNo offered me a free proof copy, so I used it to get my first copy. I gave it to my mother to edit since I have never really had any lessons in grammar. Once she finished, I reread it and edited myself. We did this one more time before I finally decided that I was happy with the novel (or at least as happy as I would be since I knew I would always find something wrong with it).
Then, I got in touch with the local paper and town newsletter to get a little help with the advertising, joined facebook (GASP!), and started selling my books to my peers and church. The historical society in my town even has some of the books available, as does the school and local library.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jul 23, 2012 23:50:52 GMT -5
Thats pretty cool. Hey would you mind messaging me more details about how you did it? Cause ive been debating about doing it for a while.
|
|
|
Post by Idazle on Jul 24, 2012 6:16:18 GMT -5
Of course! Not a problem!
|
|
|
Post by Kayla on Jul 24, 2012 14:42:23 GMT -5
I say congrats, I am jealous, and I intend to do it with Feathers one day when I feel it's a good enough story besides "Esani is jealous and love sucks."
|
|
|
Post by Idazle on Jul 24, 2012 20:14:15 GMT -5
Thanks, Kayla! Now you just have to BUY one from me! *death glare*
|
|
|
Post by Kayla on Jul 24, 2012 21:33:33 GMT -5
I would love to if: 1) I had the money. 2) I ever was around when you were selling them. 3) I didn't miss Force events when you had copies on you.
|
|
|
Post by Idazle on Jul 25, 2012 7:15:07 GMT -5
You live right down the street! And they're only $6.
|
|
|
Post by Kayla on Jul 25, 2012 9:21:58 GMT -5
shhh I'm not home right now. xP when I am I will get a copy... and probably edit the living heck out of it if I find mistakes. Hehe.
|
|
|
Post by Idazle on Jul 25, 2012 10:39:52 GMT -5
LOL Oh, Kayla... XD
|
|
|
Post by Kogo Shuko on Jul 25, 2012 12:08:33 GMT -5
I love the idea of self publishing. I, too, am using CreateSpace. Originally I just wanted to get my five free copies and keep them on my bookshelf, but people started asking me for a copy, and soon the five copies turned into 60 copies. I ended up calling up an artist/comic friend in Ireland and getting a decent price on some cover art, which is simply EXQUISITE. The local library of my hometown now has a copy on their shelves (I worked there for three years, so it's rather exciting for them), but I'm in the same boat as you. My second novel, while still in a rough draft, is eventually going to be sent out to publishing companies in the hopes of actually getting a deal. I think self publishing is a great idea!!
|
|
|
Post by Idazle on Jul 25, 2012 12:34:56 GMT -5
Thanks for the input, Kogo! I'm glad you have had success with the site!
And I know what you mean! XD I started out by buying ten or fifteen, and then everyone was like "I want one!" "I want three!" Then, I just had to keep ordering and ordering!
|
|
|
Post by Kayla on Jul 25, 2012 21:45:53 GMT -5
The only full length story I have is Shadow's Wake and I doubt I'd be able to put that into an actual book's format being that it's covered in inside jokes. I'd have to remove my sister completely from it.
|
|
|
Post by Idazle on Jul 26, 2012 8:09:02 GMT -5
Aw, but that would be a cool story to publish so your friends could have! XD
|
|