I know this is yet another unusual posting day for me, and there are a few more unusual posting days to come, but don’t worry - it won’t last forever! By July I hope to be settling back into my consistent Monday schedule.
Today I am collabing with my lovely friend Ivie Brooks @ Ivie Writes to talk about the different publishing routes that we want to take! Ivie is pursuing self-publishing, so her post is all about why she’s chosen that winding road. I, on the other hand, am leaning toward traditional publishing, so my post here is all about that! And I’m excited about it, because I’ve been meaning for a while to talk a little more in-depth about why I’m not into indie publishing like so many of my blogger friends are. And don’t get me wrong - if you’re into indie publishing, I think that’s awesome! I’m cheering you on!
I’ve always wanted to trad publish, though. Always. Even after my twisted misconception that self-publishing is only for desperate, impatient writers with no respect for their craft got blown out of the water (when I started blogging, I came across other bloggers whose serious, professional pursuit of independent publishing made me realize I was wrong), it didn’t appeal to me personally. And it still doesn’t.
Traditional publishing is my dream and my plan - unless God starts guiding my heart in a new direction, of course. I would love love love to be traditionally published! And here is why:
- So much is out of my hands and in the hands of professionals who know what they’re doing. Usually. :/ Many of those seeking to self-pub probably consider this a con rather than a pro, haha. But I guess I’m one of those writers who likes the idea of a big ol’ team of experienced agents, and editors, and marketers, and etc. to back me up and guide me through some things that - if I were to self-publish - I would have to do pretty much all by myself.
Now, I’m perfectly aware that either way, being a published (or close to published) author is HARD WORK. Just because all these professionals would be working with me doesn’t mean it would be easy. It doesn’t mean it would be easier than self-publishing. That's not what I'm saying.
But still, the immense professional support appeals to me. :D
- Traditionally published books reach lots and lots of people. It probably sounds selfish, but it’s the truth. I ain’t gonna lie. This may be my biggest reason for wanting to publish traditionally.
You see, traditionally published books GET AROUND. They fall into hundreds upon hundreds - often thousands - of grabby reader hands. That’s just the way it is. Self-published authors can market their book like crazy and draw a considerably sized audience. It’s really cool when that happens. But traditionally published books… man, they really get around. To be completely honest with you, I LOVE the idea of my books ending up popular-ish. I feel like “popularity” (*winces at that annoying word*) has a different meaning for everyone, but suffice it to say that I dream about being at least a semi-popular author one day. I know my chances may be slim, but I still dream.
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In case you don’t know much about traditional publishing, or are trying to decide whether you want to go the traditional or indie route, here are some things I know/have heard about traditional publishing. (And fyi, this isn’t going to be all sunshine and rainbows.)
- Querying. I’ve learned enough about the agent-querying process to know that it’s not for the faint of heart. You need a thick skin to deal with all those rejections. Yes, feel free to cry. Feel free to headdesk about a million times. But get this… all a querying writer really needs is one “yes.” And if they keep at it, I truly believe - from the bottom of my inexperienced heart - that they will get that “yes.” Eventually.
If you don’t know what a query letter is, Google it. You will find better explanations in the search results than I could ever come up with. xD Besides, I don’t know a whole lot about querying myself, because I’m not at that stage in my writing journey yet.
- Title changes and cover design. It surprised me when I first learned that publishers will often change book titles and there’s essentially nothing the author can do about it. You see, publishing companies buy the rights to the manuscript. They will HAVE the rights to your precious story. Which may sound scary, but that’s just how it is. And the same for cover design. Authors may have a tiny little say, but so much is out of their hands.
A lot of times, though, those title changes are for the better. After all, the publisher wouldn't change it unless they thought it would be a better title, in some way. And have you seen the gorgeous covers gracing most traditionally published novels?? Especially YA?? SO BEAUTIFUL, I CAN'T. <333
- Rights to the manuscript. I’ve heard that if the editor proposes changes the author doesn’t like, that doesn’t necessarily mean those changes won’t happen. The author may not ultimately have a big enough say in the matter. I've also heard that contracts, in the worst of circumstances, can feel like prison chains.
As aforementioned, conflict can arise between editor and author, or agent and author. The publisher may make decisions that the author doesn’t agree with. Working with these people as a team is usually very rewarding (we see the evidence of this everywhere), but if the team is not all on the same page, problems can spring up. And the author isn't the boss.
In summary, it isn't smooth sailing. I do feel, however, that the less favorable circumstances I’ve listed above aren't very likely?? I don’t know all the ups and downs, but there are ways to be careful about it. There are ways to find a good agent who shares your vision for your stories. There are WAYS. Lol.
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As you can see, there are twists and turns to this whole thing, and I myself still have lots to learn. As scary and uncertain as it is, though, I believe it's worth it. I believe that traditional publishing is worth the blood, sweat, and tears. To hold ARC's, then final copies, in my hands. To receive fan art and fan emails. To see my stories sent out into the world, to see them fruitful... oh, how rewarding that must be! Book merch, hype for new books on the way, movie franchises, etc., etc., etc. The list of delicious possibilities goes on.
All right, it's now time for you to go read Ivie’s part of the collab HERE. I don’t know about you, but I’m super excited to read about her publishing journey and the information she has to offer about the independent publishing route! A big thank you to her for coming up with the epic idea to collab on this topic! <3 <3
What are your thoughts on traditional publishing?
Which route are you taking, or planning to take?
Let's chat in the comments!
The Lord's Truly,
