I see so many little guys who have a book out through a "small" press and suddenly think they're qualified to determine that all self-pubbed books are crap and that the author should seek to be published just as they did. It's very sad because these authors actually think they're a step above a self-pubbed author in many respects.
Well, here's a wake up call. You aren't. In fact your about five steps below them because you actually think that you're "traditionally" published when you aren't. All you've actually done is--nothing. You don't have access to anything a self-pubbed author has access to. You don't have a grand edit, as most small presses can't even afford an editor. Most small presses only offer a line edit and a sad one at that. An author with a small press is a self-pubbed author with a small press. It means nothing more than that.
I recently went to two "small" presses after my second publisher offered to give me back the rights to Forever Richard as they were moving in another direction. One had the gall to tell me that I needed them more than they needed me!!!! LOLROFL Really! I I'm not lying this is what they said. The other was very interested but wanted to re-edit two books that were award winning with one being short-listed for a Bram Stoker Award for Superior Achievement in a First Novel and the other being long-listed for a British Fantasy Award!!! They actually wanted to re-edit both professionally edited books!!! Wow!
Of course Nicholas Grabowsky of Black Bed Sheet Books was HONORED to publish me and they have my heart! He's also on board with making my book non-returnable so bookstores can't steal my books and sink my publisher. ;D
So to all you small press authors who don't want to promote self-pubbed books because they haven't been "traditionally" published, you best go look in the mirror because you aren't "traditionally" published either. Ask self-pubbed authors about their edit if you want to learn how serious they are about writing and having their work appeal to readers. Other than that, get over it.
OMG how much do I love you???
ReplyDeleteThis is PRECISELY what I have been saying for years!
Small press books are NOT in bookstores (unless the author themselves, can schmooze the store manager into maybe putting one or two on the shelf)and even if they can be ordered for a book signing, if they don't ALL sell, they are packed up and sent right back to the distributor, or publisher.
Small presses can do NOTHING for you that you can't do for yourself, except MAYBE cover artwork if you aren't artistic or don't know an artist.
I was with SIX small press publishers over three years and they all did a CRAPPY job of editing my books! The very best was no better than the person I hired to edit for me.
One (which is now out of business - go figure) even put massive mistakes in my book and had to pull it and re-edit and then re-publish it, it was so bad!
So for all of you idiots who think you're so much better than self-pubbed authors, you need to think again.
Unless I can walk into any bookstore in the United States (and I do mean ANY) and find your book STOCKED on their shelves, YOU ARE NO BETTER THAN ME AND NEVER WILL BE!
You're simply fooling yourself if you think you are.
I've been there, done it and GLADLY went back to self-publishing when I saw how useless small press is.
That's a good point, J.B.
ReplyDeleteI think what Sue was trying to say - and what I'm saying, (oh and by the way, I'm a freelance editor as well) is that it's okay to suggest that a book needs more editing.
BUT...
The finished product better darned well be worth the "attitude" that is often expressed when suggesting something be re-edited.
I don't EVER offer to re-edit something, unless I'm certain that I can do better.
Just giving another view is all...
Jon is "DA" man!!! If you haven't read his book "Soul Runner" you ARE missing out! I dare anyone to pick it up and try to put it down. I dare ya!!! ;D
ReplyDeleteSo absolutely awesome is his story-telling ability that I want to scream to the world, "what in the heck is wrong with you people?" He's been at this writing gig for years and IT SHOWS!!!
Whose his audience? Anyone who wants to read a good story. Nuf said.