Writing eBooks, getting published, or self publish?

[Fletch XXX]

Ive been toying with the idea of writing my own collection of ebooks, hoever, from what Ive read online it seems many say it might be better to just self publish a paper version of the book yourself, or try and shop it around and have publishers take a look?

Do any of you have any links or advice on this topic?

Ive been writing for years and finally have a few topics I would like to address and feel that I could possibly be onto something that I have the urge to do,.... any advice?

[Bridgette]

Hey, it's great to hear that you're thinking about publishing your writing. My background is in publishing, and I have to tell you that I think that self publishing is the way to go right now. All my friends who were still in the publishing industry have been laid off recently, and one publisher that I know of hasn't paid their electric bills in months. So publishers are pinching pennies right now, and the future of publishing is definitely in self publishing...but, akin to blogs, etc., self published books will only really be successful if they're done right. I would definitely recommend getting your work thoroughly copy edited and proofread before going to press, as this is often what sets successful self published authors apart from the masses. You will also need to invest some time (and probably some money) into marketing your book, shopping it around and getting publicity events set up.

Writing the book as an ebook first to see if it garners interest is a really good idea. You can decide from there if the investment in print-on-demand publishing will be worth it for you. From there, you might consider getting in touch with an agent who can take your book to the right publishers (hopefully ones who are still paying their electric bills).

[Fletch XXX]

Thank you for your response! I heed your advice and considering, although I love to write, I am not the best with grammar, I would need copy editor for sure! As you say, my plan was to start with an eBook and go from there, for it seemed the cheapest, and easiest route to see if there was any interest. When I moved from California down here to new orleans, I told myself I would spend a few years writing and so I have. Over 3 years now. But now, what to do with all these notebooks, miles of research, and endless amounts of scribbld notes and bookmarked pages?

I just turned 33 and something is calling me to do more with my life instead of sitting behind this desk, while I seek not riches from these books, I have always enjoyed sharing my words with others and feel this may finally be the time.

[kane]

I know some about the publishing world. I have a publishing deal with a major publishing house for a novel I have written so maybe I can lend a little insight for you.

First off which way you decide to go depends on what the book will be about. If you are writing mass market fiction there is probably more money to be made in the long run by working to get an agent and get a deal with a bigger publisher. If you are writing something that is fiction but with a very specific audience or non-fiction that has a very specific audience you may end up making more money going the self publish route if you have a marketing plan in place.

For example if you are writing a murder mystery the best bet would be to try to get an agent and a publisher that knows that genre and knows how to market it. That is a genre with a very wide audience and they know how to reach that audience. On the other hand if you are writing a non-fiction book about using alternative energy to power your house you probably know enough about that topic that you understand the audience and can market your book to it pretty well so self publishing and e-books might be the way to go.

One thing I have been told is that if you have a desire to reach a broad audience and get a bigger publishing deal self publishing should be something you do only as a last resort. If you self publish your book, most major publishing houses will not want to touch it then because they want to introduce it and you to the market. Of course there are exceptions to the rule, but for the most part it holds true.

So I would advise that you identify your audience then you determine what your goals for the book are. If you are happy just selling a handful or a few hundred copies of your book or e-book then self publishing could work out well for you. If you have higher goals and think your work has a larger audience I would work hard to get an agent and have them guide you.

[DWB]

Interesting info here.

I'd like to write a book one day. I have some stories from around the world that need to be shared. Some of them are literally unbelievable.

[Angry Jew Cat - Banned for Life]

Originally Posted by DirtyWhiteBoy

Interesting info here.

I'd like to write a book one day. I have some stories from around the world that need to be shared. Some of them are literally unbelievable.

I want the first copy!

[lagcam]

Originally Posted by DirtyWhiteBoy

Interesting info here.

I'd like to write a book one day. I have some stories from around the world that need to be shared. Some of them are literally unbelievable.

I believe that would be an interesting read, although it would probably need to be distributed by mail order only and in a plain envelope.....

If I were you, I would be writing them down now while you have close to full recollection and not wait until you are actually ready to write the book, by which time the old memory will likely let you down.