As I prepare for publishing my second Book, I remember again how much I love the self-publishing process. Writers love being creative in their stories, and I feel that putting the rest of it together is just as fun and creative.
My books are published through createspace.com, an affiliate of Amazon, which are then listed on their website for free. No cost at all to the writer, except when your book sells, you split profits with Amazon.
Some may say it's way too much work, or they would rather just have the glory of being picked up by a traditional publishing house. Not me. I love to know that when that book is for sale, I did everything that is involved in making that happen. Of course, I ask lots of advice and feedback from people along the way.
The idea making, writing, editing (multiple times), proof reading, formatting, cover designing, marketing, etc, is all directly my day-to-day work of being a writer. I mean, who knows your book better than yourself? Plus, you retain all the rights to your book. No fighting with publishing houses to keep your book in print when it's no longer selling. No having to see your story chopped up when the publisher wants to go in a different direction. No waiting to even see if they will accept your manuscript.
Self-publishing through CreateSpace gave me the chance of being an author. That's why I proudly use the imprint: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform on my books. Times are changing. Authors are revolutionizing what it means to self-publish. Some self-published books, I admit, can really be pretty lousy. At the same time, there are lots of self-published books that have been way better than lots of traditionally published books. There are a bunch of success stories of self-published authors as well.
And there is nothing like holding that finished copy of your book in your hands, knowing it's yours and you created it from start to finish. I highly recommend self-publishing. You really are creating your whole book! And if that seems a daunting task, there are so many helps on CreateSpace through the forums, as well as professional services available such as editing and cover designing if you want to go that route.
At the end of the day, that story is your story, and everyone has a unique way of telling one in their own way. If I can do it, so can you. All you need is an idea, and you can write a book. The key to writing a good book is characters that readers can connect with, a plot that moves and keeps you guessing, and an ending that leaves you satisfied.
Write that great story,
Therese
P.S. My mystery novel is nearing completion and needs lots of editing. Then it's just putting it all together! Should be available mid to late August. :)
