Or at least, feeling that way. I read a comment the other day that "this is the best time in the history of publishing to be an author." I agree wholeheartedly that choices for authors are greater than ever: large traditional publisher, small indie press, self-pub POD print, self-pub digital.
But if you go the self-pub route, that means you have to hire an editor, formatter, book cover designer, website designer, publicist, even buy reviews (yes, a new industry of paid reviews for self-pubbers is at hand), ads, ISBN's and copyrights. Or, if you are not independently-wealthy (like moi), you wear ALL of those hats yourself. Plus blogging (SEO! Tags!) and participating in a good dozen social media/newsgroup outlets in addition to your day job and taking care of family and household chores.
I wouldn't mind so much taking on all of the load above, if it allowed enougn time for writing. But there's the rub, isn't it? Who has time left to write? I am tremendously sympathetic towards Amanda Hocking, who went from millionaire self-pubber to traditional so she could concentrate on the writing. AFter a day spend struggling with two websites and blogs, sounds a little like heaven to me.
Comments