The Post Where I Tell The Truth

We all know we support and love indie publishing--small press and self pub. And I want to be super clear before we get started:

I love my job. Writing is what I've always wanted to do and I get to and there is, in my opinion, NOTHING better than that.

But let's look at something we don't always consider: the unfortunate downsides of self publishing/small press.

 

-You are your own boss. And the job never ends.

I have been on deadline since March of last year. With one month off for major holidays--and I mentored in a contest and prepared a book for release the next month--I haven't had a deadline break in almost a year. I love deadlines--I work incredibly well under them. But the fact is, eventually they get exhausting. And even when you don't have a deadline, as a indie author, you always have something to do: emails to answer, a book to edit, expenses to track, social media, teasers--it's a never ending cycle. You are, essentially your own boss and that means you will always have something to do. If that isn't incredibly appealing? Not the job for you.

 

-This is not a get rich quick scheme.

 Publishing well takes money--I spend between 850-1500 per book. That is an initial investment and doesn't include mailing prizes, or events. When you think about each book making me just over two dollars a copy--do the math. Yes, you can make a steady income, but the fact is you don't go into publishing for money. Small press royalties are usually a lower percentage without the attractive high price point of you get with traditional. So the initial payout isn't a deterrent, but you still won't be making a ridiculous amount of money.

 

-Everyone is doing it.

So they are. But there is still a stigma attached to self-publishing and standing out in the ever crowded indie pond is becoming more difficult.

 

-Trends do matter.

 

So you don't have to have the approval of an editor to gamble. But when *you* gamble, it's with your money. Sometimes, the book you adore is not what the market demands and that, my friends, is a slightly heartbreaking choice to make. Because it isn't about what you love--not entirely. It's also a business decision. 

 

-It's all on you.

 Wild success. Crushing failure. The somewhat disconcerting mid list--whatever you do, the results are on you--especially true for self-publishers--because you don't have anyone BUT you making these decisions. That is at times exhilarating, and other times infuriating and daunting.

There are a lot of ways to spin self publishing to make it sound attractive and clearly, I like it. But these are some points bear considering. One last thought:

 

It is terrifying and thrilling and one of the most rewarding things I've ever done. I am exhausted and work constantly--even at family birthday parties--but I wouldn't change a second of it. <3