Self-publishing is actually getting some legitimacy…sort of.

So there’s been a lot of talk lately about whether to self publish or not.  I even attended a writers conference where an agent actually said there are two legitimate ways of getting published:  the traditional method with an agent, etc. and self-publishing.  It was the first time I’d actually heard self-publishing referred to as legitimate.  In the past everyone’s kind of steered clear.  It was only the desperate ones who couldn’t find an agent that went this route.  Things have changed.

With the big publishers accepting fewer books, and consequently agents signing fewer clients (at least that’s what I’ve heard), there are some legitimately good books that are being self published.  And some of the authors have made in the millions of dollars.  Sounds great, right?

The problem is that there is still a lot of terrible stuff out there in the self publishing world.  Often it’s never been seen by an editor.  And the bigger problem:  no publicity.  How do you get your book name out there?  How do you advertise?  How do you attract the right audience?

So it may all boil down to a few simple things.  Hire a freelance editor.  Hire a publicist (or at least have some idea of what you’re doing and come up with a plan).  OR still go with an agent.  Not surprisingly, with the change to digital media (and all the monetary issues writers and publishers have been fighting about) and the ease of self publishing, there are agencies who are starting to guide their clients through the self publishing arena instead of just submitting to big traditional publishers.   But then again, you have to attract an agent first.  Are you starting to get as confused as I am????

Who knows where the future of books is going.  Even Toys R Us is going to start selling the Kindle.  Books at the push of a button?  Sounds good.  I’ve even done it.  Maybe that should be my next post.