tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8378702741483615751.post1425116372293198227..comments2023-03-29T03:33:46.640-05:00Comments on The Unpublished Writers' Guide to Survival: Guest Post: "DEFYING GRAVITY: Self-Publishing" by Silver JamesUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger17125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8378702741483615751.post-89334962417794748212013-01-15T09:15:30.683-06:002013-01-15T09:15:30.683-06:00Thanks for having me, B.E. I had a great time and ...Thanks for having me, B.E. I had a great time and I'm glad we had such a livey discussion. I'll be happy to come back whenever you wish.Silver Jameshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15606837105470988646noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8378702741483615751.post-13791156393512905732013-01-14T17:49:29.867-06:002013-01-14T17:49:29.867-06:00I'd like to thank Silver for dropping by today...I'd like to thank Silver for dropping by today. It was a truly awesome post. And thanks also to all the commenters. All of you are what make this blog special. =o)B.E. Sandersonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04336115135400388268noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8378702741483615751.post-78947149514319794682013-01-14T15:26:08.693-06:002013-01-14T15:26:08.693-06:00I agree! I've found some fantastic self-pub au...I agree! I've found some fantastic self-pub authors =)Natalie Murphyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01116611923169722657noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8378702741483615751.post-80893535730383610482013-01-14T15:13:47.512-06:002013-01-14T15:13:47.512-06:00Hi, Karyn! But...aww shucks, ma'am. Going this...Hi, Karyn! But...aww shucks, ma'am. Going this route is a business decision and therefore should be examined closely before deciding. I'm not an expert by any means but I've been happy with the decision. I'm a much happier writer and I'm slowly learning not to obsess over my numbers. LOLSilver Jameshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15606837105470988646noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8378702741483615751.post-22920458154465030572013-01-14T15:10:04.225-06:002013-01-14T15:10:04.225-06:00Thanks, Natalie. And yes. There is still a lot of ...Thanks, Natalie. And yes. There is still a lot of dreck out there in the "slush piles" of the self-published books. And self-publishing is definitely not for everyone. YA and NA definitely seem to be under NY's thumb so it makes sense to see those authors break out of the mold. All in all, I think the readers will be better served--so long as they take their time to winnow out the good stuff.Silver Jameshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15606837105470988646noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8378702741483615751.post-87384378266224073042013-01-14T13:20:12.387-06:002013-01-14T13:20:12.387-06:00What an excellent post, Silver. You're an insp...What an excellent post, Silver. You're an inspiration. You're right, there's a lot to consider. I have this one idea that I think would do well, but I'm still not sure I want to undertake it. I'm not sure self-publishing is for me. But it's wonderful to now that there are writers out there like you willing to share their experiences and their knowledge, so if I change my mind I know where to go for information.Karyn Goodhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07137027268568162257noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8378702741483615751.post-35395507480768174232013-01-14T12:28:32.151-06:002013-01-14T12:28:32.151-06:00Good post! At the moment, I'm not considering ...Good post! At the moment, I'm not considering self-publishing. It's just not something I really want to do--and I doubt that will change. I do, however, support other authors who have decided to do it. My Kindle is full of self-published books. It is still hit or miss though. Some self-pubs are fantastic, and some are so bad it makes my eyes water. I would also include Young Adult or New Adult as an extremely popular self-publishing trend. Many of those authors are on the NYT and USA bestseller lists, and are making 6 figures. =)Natalie Murphyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01116611923169722657noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8378702741483615751.post-1978037407801222912013-01-14T12:16:35.478-06:002013-01-14T12:16:35.478-06:00Aww, thanks, Jen! You are one of the reasons I dec...Aww, thanks, Jen! You are one of the reasons I decided to take the plunge. I didn't get into the topic of self-publishing to continue a series popular with readers if not the marketing department of a publisher. And I'm excited about your upcoming trilogy! Hot stuff there, lady.<br /><br />The risks are ours, but so are the rewards. At this point, I'm not sure I could go back to traditional publishing in a big way. The freedom of self-publishing is heady stuff. That's not to say that for certain projects I wouldn't welcome a call from the big guys. ;)Silver Jameshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15606837105470988646noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8378702741483615751.post-43716865045798504152013-01-14T12:12:56.276-06:002013-01-14T12:12:56.276-06:00Thanks for stopping by, Jannine! Like you, I learn...Thanks for stopping by, Jannine! Like you, I learned a lot from publishing first. I have a terrific free-lance editor who is wise to me flaws and catches them. Just because it's self-published doesn't mean its not excellent content presented professionally--if the author is smart. And you are one smart cookie! ;)Silver Jameshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15606837105470988646noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8378702741483615751.post-69848339597177475772013-01-14T11:36:33.250-06:002013-01-14T11:36:33.250-06:00Great advice, Silver! I actually love, LOVE self p...Great advice, Silver! I actually love, LOVE self publishing now, however, I appreciate all that I have learned in my years of traditional publishing. A good editor is worth every penny, and a good book is worth every single second of work that goes into it; writing, revisiting, editing--rinse and repeat until the book is as good as its going to get. <br /><br />I'm going to put this post on my FB page!Jen Lyonhttp://www.jenniferlyonbooks.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8378702741483615751.post-60357027970593238272013-01-14T11:21:11.643-06:002013-01-14T11:21:11.643-06:00Thanks, Siobhan, and yes, you've been there. A...Thanks, Siobhan, and yes, you've been there. A free read can be a great marketing tool. When I get ready to release my Penumbra Papers series, I'm probably going to put a free read out there, too--one that sets up the characters and the world-building.<br /><br />And you have my email. :) My brain is free for the picking. Silver Jameshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15606837105470988646noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8378702741483615751.post-1150024906032671012013-01-14T11:19:46.489-06:002013-01-14T11:19:46.489-06:00Some terrific, realistic advice here. I wouldn'...Some terrific, realistic advice here. I wouldn't consider self publishing (which I am) without the experience of having worked with publishers and editors first. With that under my belt, I'm ready to tackle a project, knowing where my problem areas lie, knowing what I have to do to make sure they don't wind up in my self-published book. You're soooo right - if you estimate your worth as a writer based on what your mom has to say about your book, you're in for a steep plunge into reality!Jannine Gallanthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17692098634695675967noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8378702741483615751.post-51484085556527195222013-01-14T11:05:48.916-06:002013-01-14T11:05:48.916-06:00You make some excellent points and things I keep t...You make some excellent points and things I keep telling folks. Just because you can, doesn't mean you should. And just because your friends or family like your stories, doesn't mean you can write them very well. I'm traditionally published through small presses, but I'm going to put one (ONE) free read out there to introduce my writing, and that will only be after I've had several people go over it with a fine toothed comb. Just because it's easier to publish, doesn't mean there's not work in it. It's just as much a job as getting the publishers to notice.<br /><br />Great post, Silver. And I so want to talk to you about being a CSI. :)<br /><br />SiobhanSiobhan Muirhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00595776353171184107noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8378702741483615751.post-39589918724864253702013-01-14T09:35:35.457-06:002013-01-14T09:35:35.457-06:00Thanks, JB. Flying solo the first time was hard fo...Thanks, JB. Flying solo the first time was hard for me. I put a lot of time and effort into the project and had the experience of working with several editors before I ever took that first dive off the platform.<br /><br />It is hard for writers to learn the "facts of life." When family and friends all extol their writing chops to the heavens, it's a hard fall when a professional gets hold of the MS. I never want to see the stars in their eyes get snuffed out. But...yeah. I have three words for aspiring writers: Big. Girl. Panties.Silver Jameshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15606837105470988646noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8378702741483615751.post-63016999214796099752013-01-14T09:30:08.331-06:002013-01-14T09:30:08.331-06:00Janet, we're going to talk, lady. Are you read...Janet, we're going to talk, lady. Are you ready right now? No. Will you be ready in the future? I'm betting on it. You have too much talent. That can be refined into a stellar project. The laziness? I'll just have to sic Taz on your ass. ;-)Silver Jameshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15606837105470988646noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8378702741483615751.post-41339255259577808382013-01-14T09:10:57.938-06:002013-01-14T09:10:57.938-06:00Terrific post! You've offered some great, REA...Terrific post! You've offered some great, REALISTIC advice. <br /><br />I actually want to stress something you said: There’s a reason you aren’t getting asked for partials or fulls. Yes, you might be submitting in all the wrong places but it also might be because your work isn’t quite ready for prime time.<br /><br />I think this is sooo on the money. It's hard to tell writers who are working at their craft and it's so challenging for writers to hear it.JB Lynnhttp://jblynn.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8378702741483615751.post-59638151203027843032013-01-14T06:17:57.092-06:002013-01-14T06:17:57.092-06:00Excellent post, Silver - one I'm bookmarking f...Excellent post, Silver - one I'm bookmarking for future reference. I'm so glad you give all the details - I've read so many posts where it's all sunshine and lollipops, tempting me to jump right into the self-publishing pool, but in my heart, I know I'm not ready for this. And I know I am too lazy for all the particulars (no, seriously). <br /><br />Good luck going forward with your self-publishing, and I have my fingers and toes crossed for that manuscript that's at a traditional publishing house. You are an inspiration :)Janethttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13297537075103893956noreply@blogger.com