We ALL have a book in us…to self-publish, e-publish or print-publish is the QUESTION?
So, the title of this blog says it all. I really do believe that we ALL have a book in us, somewhere and on some topic. And you don’t even have to be a “writer,” per se. Check out sites like ScribblePress.com for one, and Shutterfly.com for another!
A man who buys a book is not just buying a few ounces of paper, glue, and printer’s ink; he may be buying a whole new life.
~ Ralph Waldo Emerson
But the greater question is..for those of us who do take writing to a professional level, what is the best option for disseminating our work?
I have grappled with this question for 4+ years now. After having completed my first full-length independent book (From Secretary to CEO: A Guide to Climbing the Corporate Ladder Without Losing My Identity) in 2005, I contracted with a traditional print publisher (whose name cannot be mentioned because I am under a legal GAG order); by the end of 2007, with no book even nearly in print, I was left with nothing other than frustration, fear and trepidation about the games being played in the publishing playground. They don’t play very nicely in that sandbox! So, I proceeded to legally break my contract with said publisher and fight for my right…to my own work! Hence the gag order- in exchange back for the very words I myself wrote, I had to agree [in writing] not to blaspheme them in print or web 
2+ years later, I am no closer to deciding where or how to print publish my work. BUT, I have learned that no solution is perfect, so it’s about choosing the solution that FITS BEST.
So, I ask myself:
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What is my ultimate goal? ~ Publishing my book[s] in print is a means to an end. I could just as easily take it to Kinkos and get it bound, but then I would be the only one benefiting. SO: if I choose to share my words and thoughts with others, it has to be accessible to those who would like access. And, since most people still favor books-in-print to those on their PCs or mobile devices, I believe my book needs to have hard copy counterparts to its digital versions. *
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What am I willing to lose in order to win? ~ I have arrived at the following conclusion: IF I publish with a self-publishing company, I will maintain 100% control over my work and the rights to it, see my book in print within 8-12 weeks, allow readers access to it (via large distributors such as Amazon/B&N.com etc), continue writing for my love of it, and nurse my bruised ego because I could not get a traditional publishing deal out the door. Whereas, IF I pursue the traditional publishing route, odds are that I will face certain rejection and possibly chase my own tail for years on end until and unless the Random Houses and Hyperions out there take note of little old me. And, if they did decide to adopt my work, it would become theirs and I would lose my rights to it…
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Where do I want to begin? ~ Exactly where I am and build on it. So, the only [logical] thing to do would be to research as much as possible to gain a comfort level, and start the process. Make an informed decision and don’t look back [ but do read the fine print before signing another contract of any kind
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You will note that the above 3 questions can apply to any decision – big or small – that we must ask ourselves when faced with taking the next step into unknown territory – not just how to publish a book.
* For the record and on the record, my book has been E-published. Despite my aversion to all things technical, I did brave the world of HTML and E-book converters to successfully arrive at both Amazon.com (for Kindle users) as well as Smashwords.com. I have only great things to say about Smashwords and its CEO, Mark Coker. In the world of e-books and electronic communication, Mark and his organization certainly know how to maintain the personal touch.
For more [ and even better] information on the discussions surrounding self vs. traditional publishing, do yourself a favor and take a look at Mark Coker’s blog.
Wishing You [and me, too!] Success,
N
