If you had asked me a year ago–or even six months ago–what I thought of self-publishing, I would have told you that while it might be a road other authors willing travel, it’s not a road I would personally traverse. My arguments against self-publishing would have listed something like this:
CONS
- Readers just will not buy a self-published romance novel.
- Editors may look down on an author if they knew they’d been self-published.
- Self-published means the book wasn’t ‘good enough’ for standard New York publishers.
- Very few authors make decent money self-publishing.
Being the logical thinker that I am, I could see the advantages of self-publishing.
PROS
- Freedom. Freedom. Freedom.
- Cover approval. Woohoo!!!
But since that time, Amazon introduced a new self-publishing model to the mix. Now when a self-published book is priced at or above $2.99, the author gets to pocket 70% as opposed to 35%, which was even less than authors would receive if they published with any of the e-publishers. And with that kind of enticement, the self-publishing route is literally exploding.
With more readers in possession of eReaders–3.2 million ereaders were activated after Christmas–and with books going for as little as 99 cents but pretty much averaging at $2.99, trying a self-published author is easy on the pocket book. Traditional self-publishing used to be a very expensive endeavor for both the author and their potential buyers. The cost of printing the book was exorbitant, distribution practically didn’t exist, and in order for the author to make any money, the author had to price the book so ridiculously high, only friends and family members ever bought these books. Now with programs like Amazon and B&N, there is no great expenditure to the author save getting a cover and perhaps getting the book professionally edited.
New York published authors, who have the rights back to their previously published books, are also using these self-publishing programs to reissue their backlist. Miriam Minger has reissued all ten of her historical romances she previously published with Avon Books from the early to mid 90s. As you can see from DEFIANT IMPOSTOR, she has some gorgeous covers to lead the way.
Karin Tabke recently announced that she’ll be self-publishing a novella titled, BAD TO THE BONE, which will be up on Amazon in the next couple days and will be a lead in to her May Berkley release, BLOOD LAW. She’s very excited about her foray into self-publishing and promises this is only the beginning.
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My friend and fellow Zebra author Lori Brighton, jumped into the fray last year, first with her Paranormal Romance THE GHOST HUNTER and recently with her Young Adult Paranormal, THE MIND READERS. Like all the authors in the now obsolete Zebra Debut program, there is a year span between releases. New authors really need to keep their names out there by having books coming out with more frequency because it’s very easy to be forgotten with the plethora of books that hit the market each month. For those of us who fall into this kind of scenario, one of the best ways to do so right now is to deliver to our readers quality books by the way of e-publishing or self-publishing. Don’t get me wrong, it’s definitely not a sure thing, but nothing about publishing is a sure thing.
I am in the process of finishing a novella tied to my Elusive Lords series that I originally intended to try and publish with an epublisher but I’ve recently decided to self-publish it. The thought that I would have complete say in the cover–and I would use www.HotDamnDesigns.com, the same place where Miriam got her covers made and designed my personal website–have absolute control over the content and keep the majority of profits is too much of an enticement. If I thought a novella of mine would do significantly better in the hands of an epublisher, that would certainly be the route I’d choose to go. However, I’m not sure it would as it’s not erotic nor does it have any of the elements that seem to sell so well with the top epublishers. It’s a historical romance with the same heat-level and emotional intensity of my New York published books and my hope is that my fans–at least some of them–will be willing to give it a try at a cheaper price point than they would get from an epublisher.
I’d love to know what you think about self-published ebooks. Have you ever read one? Would you be willing to purchase one? Do you have an ereader? Comment and you’ll be entered to win a book of your choice (max retail $7.99). **Open to international entrants
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I love trying new authors so I would read a self-published author. And I just bought a “self-published” ebook from a well know author.
I actually have gotten books that were self-published. They were from an author I know of and she was testing it out, Delilah Devlin. Now it seems more authors are doing it and I have no problem checking their self-pubbed items out. I’m even willing to check out an unknown author if the blurb interests me and the price was right.
For me, since I don’t have an ereader yet I try to only buy from authors that I know of.
As someone who has herself self-published, I would certainly try other self-published books. I treat them like any other book I purchase from an unknown author however – I look at review and like to read a sample if it is available.
I don’t have an ereader and not looking for one at the moment (love my print books). But I do enjoy new authors – you never know when you’re going to find a gem. I really enjoy debut authors. A lot of times you find a book of the heart. If not that, then maybe lots of potential. And if I really don’t care for it, well I at least gave them a chance.
I don’t have an e-reader yet :(, but I would probably choose a new self-published author the way I’d try a new author from the big six: reviews. If someone whose opinion I respect likes it, I’m usually willing to give it a go.
I have an ereader, but I need to update it as it only reads html…sigh.
But I would definitly read a self-published book, why not? I know those NY publishers turn down some really good authors and if this is the only way they can get their work out, then I’d say…go for it!!!
Valerie
in Germany
If you are considering self-publishing, don’t forget Smashwords for us epub readers. I think that Kobo also has a self-publishing program (based on the book listings I see) – not sure how it works though.
I think THE MIND READERS by Lori Brighton is the only self-published ebook I’ve purchased. Looking at my Kindle account, there are actually very few self-published or even e-published books that I’ve purchased–I’ve gotten a lot as freebies however.
I have read self-published books before. I am huge fan of Austen FanFic and purchased many a book from authors there. Good Luck.
I like trying new authors, too, and it doesn’t matter if they’re self-pubbed or not.
I have read a self-published ebook by Kimberlee Shortland. It was called a Piece of My Heart and then the next sequel Constant Craving. It was the most fascinating book. I have also read The Wolf and The Druid by Cornelia Amiri. Also CaddyGirls by Vanessa Kelly! I would always try new authors no matter what. Ebooks? Oh yeahh. Just because I don’t have a nook I read it on the computer.
I have read and am completely open to new and self-published authors. I see no problems with self-published books, for the most part. I have had excellent luck with the ones that I have read and only experienced a few that were on the lower grade.
Forget to mention – Lori is awesome!!! A huge talent and a wonderful person. I read Wild Heart way back before it was published other than in PDF and I fell in love with her work.
I’ve received self-published books before, but I haven’t actually gone out and bought one myself. I tend to be wary of quality depreciation the further a book gets from a major publishing house. I don’t have an e-reader, but I do have most of the free reading apps can be downloaded and used on your computer.
I’m still fighting the good fight against ebooks. I love real books. I also don’t read a large number of ebooks for review on my site. I’ve not bought an ereader either — and don’t know that I will. I’d rather pay more for a print book and have it in my hand.
I’m also very big on reviewing indie authors. I learned a great lesson in 2010—don’t judge a book by it’s cover. I’d say 90% of the books I own have horrid covers {in my opinion as a digital artist and one that represents artists}. But most of them were really great reads.
I do not read self-published book but I would not hesitate to buy one if one of my favorite authors self-published one of his/her books.
I bought a self-pubbed book recently because it got a good review. I enjoyed the book, although I could see where it might have benefitted from an editor. I can also see where traditional publishers would never have given this book the chance it deserved, because it was a genre that supposedly doesn’t sell (historical western), and IMO that’s a darned shame.
Love that you wrote about this! I’m currently helping promote a website called The Indie Book Collective. I think if indie authors have the right promotion, editing, and market appeal, they can be just as good as the NY Best Sellers.
I’m reading one right now! (Supposedly, it’s pubbed by a small press, but since the author of the book is the owner of said small press, I think it counts.) I have read a couple of others, and have one more to read. So far, they have all been free reads or review copies. If I was employed, then, yes, I would buy some. (Shiloh Walker’s “Beg Me” for one.)
I don’t own an e-reader, but my husband has one that I can use sometimes. I end up doing some reading on my computer, but I try to only read novellas that way to save strain on my eyes.
Since I don’t have an e-reader I don’t buy e-books (I don’t mind reading on the lap top but there’s a limit). The only e-books I’ve read have been free or borrowed from the library system. If I had an e-reader, I’d consider the self-published book but prob along the same lines I do print books. Either: 1) it’s an author I’m familiar with & like 2) it’s a new (to me at least) author but the book comes well recommended from people/sites who’s opinion I respect or 3) the book sounds good, the little I read sounds good & the price is right (ie: low).
I’ve never read one but hey I don’t see what would stop me from getting one 🙂
I have not as yet tried a self-published, but I am certainly interested. I might even be willing to try it for myself with my short stories. I will definitely be looking into it more.
I read more ebooks than print these days, and have read some really good self-published titles.
I’ve read self-pubbed ebooks but mostly of the freebie variety (or I won it in some contest). However, since I don’t have an ereader and have to read ebooks on my old laptop, I don’t like reading ebooks all that much. If I had an ereader, I would read more ebooks and hence more self-pub ebooks.
I have purchased a self published book from a well known author.
I have a Kindle, but also read a lot of ebooks on my laptop.
Great blog, Bev. I thought much the same way you did six months ago. Until I had a conversation with a friend of mine at the RWA con this past summer. She is multi New York pubbed. A series she really enjoyed writing was left hanging This was a few years ago. Her readers kept emailing, asking for the next story. Finally she said, “Fine! I’ll write it and self-pub it!” She did, and in less than a month she made over 8K. Not to shabby for a 40K novella. She’s happy, her readers are happy.
I get regular emails asking me when the next hot cop book is coming out. I’ve had to say, “None in the pipes at the moment.” So after chatting with my friend, I had a light bulb moment. Why not write hot cops and publish them myself? I have a readership, I’m a seasoned writer, I have a great CP, a great cover artist, and hell, why not add an excerpt of my debut series at Berkley?
And so it came to pass. BAD TO THE BONE went live on Smashwords today. It’s at Amazon and BN.com (it’ll take a day or two to go live there to where it shows up on my Karin Tabke book list).
I could not be more excited about this entire process. I loved writing the story, I was sooo happy to get back to my hot cops! The publishing world is changing every day, and I’m liking the freedom of choices it gives all of us.
I have read self published books, but they have been from authors that I was already familiar with. I am willing to try a self published book from an unknown author.
I have bought self published books before. You never know if you are going to like an author until you actually read their work. So sometimes it does pay to try new authors. Sometimes authors you didn’t like before you might like now. Authors sometimes change how they write. I go by if the book sounds like one I would enjoy. I don’t really go by the covers. Because “You cant judge a book by its cover”.
I love self-pubbed books, and the fact that there’s not some “stigma” attached to it anymore (except perhaps to some who haven’t seen and or read the quality of books available) Sure, there are some really bad apples, but I’ve read some print books that just made me think “How on EARTH did this get published??” I love that I can spend $2.99 and get a great book! I think Smashwords is fantastic. I’ve read Karin’s novella, Bad To the Bone, and it’s smoking hot! I’ve also read books by new authors, or new-to-me authors, usually based on a recommendation but soemtimes I just browse and find a gem – thanks for writing about this subject =D
I love reading new authors books, so I would buy a self published ebook. I also own an ebook reader and love it.
I don’t have an ereader, although with all the free e-books floating around lately makes me want one. I tend not to like e-books though just because I like the smell and feel of a physical book in my hands. I would probably only purchase a self-published ebook (or any ebook for that matter) if I really like the author or if the premise hooked me so hard that I have to know what will happen. I think the only ebook/story I’ve purchased is the 2nd epilogue for Romancing Mister Bridgerton by Julia Quinn because I wanted to read about the couple’s happy ending from one of my favorite books.
I think for an already published author to release their back list, or maybe a novella or full length book is a great idea and if I had an e-reader, I’d probably be buying those. Since I don’t have an e-reader, and have lots of print books to read, I doubt I’ll be buying any. For a new author, I think it’s a lot more risky, I don’t think I’d spend money on someone I hadn’t heard of – you don’t know if they had the book professionally edited, or even proof-read, and I doubt I’d be interested. I have picked up free stories before, I think that’s a nice way to experience a new author. Not much profit in that, except for the chance to find new readers though.
I got an e-reader for Christmas and I like the idea of using it to read self-published novels. I’m always looking for new authors to read. Best of luck with your self-publishing venture. I love Kim’s creations at HotDamnDesigns. No doubt she’ll create a gorgeous cover for you. I look forward to reading your novella when it’s available!
I do have an ereader and I have bought self published books after reading great reviews for them.
@Bev, thanks for writing on this topic and I wish you luck on your foray into self-publishing.
@Karin: Congratulations on the new title. Cool cover too!
I’m chiming in because I’m one of the aforementioned self-pubbed writers (though we like to use the term “Indie Author/Writer”, because it sounds cool and less stigma attached too) who published my first novel in 2010.
I do buy and read other indie writers because there are some true gems out there. And of course you do have some that shouldn’t have seen the light of day. My advice is to find yourself editor and a cover artist (A good place to look is http://www.deviantart.com) to make your book shine. Sometimes a cover is a turn-off and could be depriving the writer of readers.
As indie writers you need to put your best forward and take pride in the whole package, not just what you wrote. Smashwords.com is a great place to get your ebook out there because they have contracts with all the major chains (Amazon, B&N, Kobo, Apple, etc.) and if you follow their guidelines and get into their premium channel (that’s where my books are) your works show up in all these various e-seller stores too. So the exposure isn’t just on Smashwords but all over.
I’ve had two e-readers so far (Sony E-reader Touch PRS-600) and now a Kobo (got it to replace the Sony that went haywire and stopped working). I love the Kobo because it allows me to use a SD card up to 32 GB to store ebooks on. That’s a lot of memory and I don’t know if I’ll ever fill up a card of that size but it will be fun trying!
If you are an indie author, I’m starting a blog for indie writers (unpublished and published) that will help promote, teach, and show a writer how to market/network too (http://indieauthor-howto.blogspot.com). I’m going to having guest bloggers so please drop me a line.
I normally don’t buy ebooks or self-published books because before Amazon and B&N came out with their self-publishing programs, I didn’t trust the sites I’d find these books at. Now, I see these books as bargain alternatives and would buy an ebook by you or anyone else (if you went through amazon or b&n) in a heart beat. As long as the book sounds interesting, a 2.99 investment is something I would be willing to make weekly! There should be a special site dedicated to spotlighting the best of the best in self-publishing. It would be an invaluable resource. Is there a site like that, I wondeR?
Hi Karin,
Thanks for stopping by. When I saw your post yesterday, I thought, ‘What perfect timing.’ I think we’ll start to see more NY pubbed authors making the leap. If they can tap into their fan base, it’s just a win-win situation, IMO.
Rita, I’m totally chuckling over your last question. LOL. There just might be. 😉
Thanks so much for your mention of my book Defiant Impostor on your blog! You’re right; it’s a very exciting time for authors. I’m so thrilled to have re-released all 10 of my historical romances as ebooks. I’ve also published an inspirational romantic thriller, Blood Son, under the name M.C. Walker that is available exclusively as an ebook:
http://www.amazon.com/Blood-Son-ebook/dp/B0041VYNL6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&m=AG56TWVU5XWC2&s=digital-text&qid=1294971763&sr=1-1
I’m also so grateful to Kimberly Killion at Hot Damn Designs for my covers and website. Good luck with your novella and happy ebook reading to all of you!
I actually had 16 months between my two Kensington books (second is due out in March). So if I wouldn’t have self published, I would have only had 2 books out in about a 2 year period. Now I’ll have 4, possibly 5 as I’m working on a historical paranormal right now 🙂
As for money, some of the NY publishers pay very little. I’ve already made more on The Ghost Hunter (my first self published book) than I have made on my first NY published book. I haven’t made a ton, but more, so I can’t complain! The only downsides are editing (you might find a few more typos) and there are a lot of people who still read only print books.
Oh, and speaking of Ereaders… I just got one not too long ago and love it! I like to collect signed books and I really didn’t think I’d like an Ereader as much as print books, but its great! Only problem is you might spend more as its so easy to get the newest release… just a click and its on your reader!
This is a really tough call. Like others mentioned, I got my online reading start with Jane Austen fanfiction. Some of those stories I really loved, and have followed some of the authors into their traditional publishing careers (Sara Angelini, Abigail Reynolds). I’m just not sure I’d do the same if they had self-published. There’s something about knowing a book went through multiple people before it got to me that makes me feel like my investment won’t be squandered. I’m wary of spending *any* money on an unknown quantity. I think this is where reviews of self-pubbed books could help. Then again, there are plenty of NY books I’ve bought in the last year or so that made me question whether the editor really read it or just sent it to the presses, so who knows? I’m definitely more likely to buy self-pubbed books from authors I already love. Bella Andre comes to mind. I don’t think her latest self-pubbed book suffered in quality at all and at half the price-point of her traditionally published e-books, I loved it even more.
I’m not a big fan of e-books ate all although I have some I rather have a book in my hand and save the money from buying an expensive electronic equipment. However, I am always searching for new authors to enjoy, how else am I to expand my ever growing collection?
I love my Kindle! I’ve had it for over two years now. When I first got it, I tried a bunch of Indie books, but the quality was pretty uneven and the grammar and spelling was often just bad so I stopped buying them. Nowadays I will give the occasional one a try, but I always sample first. I’ve found that if there are going to be quality issues, they will show up in the sample and if I have any doubts, I just don’t buy it. Just last week I bought a self-pubbed book by Marie Force. She’s got two of them available (True North and The Fall) for $2.99 each and since I’ve really enjoyed her other books, I bought them both. I’m thrilled that she gets the lion’s share of the profits.
I’m very excited though about authors regaining control of their backlists and releasing them on their own. The big publishers have been really slow about digitizing their authors’ backlists and have been charging “like new” prices for them, so I think it’s great that the authors are starting to do this on their own at a cheaper price (and get a bigger chunk of the profits). I wouldn’t hesitate to buy a book that was self-pubbed off an author’s backlist.
I don’t have an ereader but if I did I’d buy a self-published book by an author I liked or a new author if the plot looked good.
For more authors re-publishing their backlists, check out: http://www.backlistebooks.com/
I do not yet have an ereader and really do not want to download books onto my computer. I am looking at them and trying to decide which to get. Lately, there have been several authors that I have not read have ebooks available for $.99. I f I had had a place to download them, I would have purchased them.
I don’t have an e-reader and I just think that nothing beats the old paperback.
But I do like to try new authors and to me it doesn’t matter if they are self published or not.
If the story sounds good and the price is acceptable than I’m all for it.
Every author I ever read was at one point new to me so….
Thanks for the interesting post. I don’t have an e-reader yet but I hope to get one in the next couple of years. I didn’t realize that self publishing has become a real alternative but I think it’s great because it gives us readers more options.
I don’t have an ereader nor am I likely to purchase one…not when I have nearly 1000 print books just waiting to be read. I’ll stick to buying/trading paperback books for the most part. That said, I do have several ebooks loaded onto my computer and I also downloaded the Kindle for PC. I have bought a few short stories in ebook form by some of my favorite authors….Storming the Castle by Eloisa James being the most recent purchase. It’s my understanding that story will not be published in print form. Additionally, most of what I have bought are tie-ins to their other series. While it is not a pre-requisite to be so, it certainly helps in my decision making process…to buy or not to buy!
A self-published ebook by an unknown or new-to-me author would have to be a terrific (and short) story in my favorite genre with the highest reviews by other readers before I would consider buying it. I still prefer the print book and for the most part a self-published author is unlikely, at this point in time, to publish in print form.
Getting a Kindle has introduced me to a whole new group of authors. I’ve read some books by self-published authors and I actually enjoyed them. I know that some will offer a free read to draw in new readers. Having a publisher doesn’t mean the book is going to be great either. I’ve read some that were complete bombs and I never finished reading them.
I would definitely buy a self published book if the price was no more than a mass market paperback, $7.99. I have no interest in ebooks though.
No I never read one, not sure I would. Maybe from an author I already knew, but I am not really big on ebooks anyway. If I wasn’t doing reviews, I doubt I would read any. But, I never say never!
No, I don’t have an e-reader and I don’t like reading books on a computer. So though I can understand why it’s tempting to go the self-publishing route, unless it’s also released as a book, I couldn’t purchase it. I have wanted to read Julia Quinn’s Bridgerton epilogues, but I can’t without an e-reader. Luckily, her publisher purchased the rights and will be releasing it in book form.
I think I probably would only buy a self-published book by an author I have read before. Of course, if I saw some wonderful reviews on sites like this, I would definitely consider a new-to-me author.
I too would probably purchase an e book from an Author I’ve read before. I don’t have an e-reader so I have to read them on my computer.I’m a print girl. 🙂
Carol L.
Lucky4750@aol.com
Hey Beverley,
Here’s my rule for self published novels. I will only buy one if the author has already been published by a traditional or epublisher like Samhain. For instance, I love that authors are taking backlist titles that they have the rights back to and that were out of print and putting them on Amazon. I like that the prices are a little bit lower, and that the author gets a bigger piece of the pie.
I will also buy a newly self published story by an author that I already know and read, for instance Shiloh Walker’s “Beg Me”. Partly because I know and love her writing, but also knew after reading her blog that she had it professionally edited and designed.
However, after reading many self published novels by authors who have only been published using forums like Amazon, Smashwords…I have learned to stay away from them because they don’t seem to be edited and the quality is lacking. I’d rather spend my limited money on books that have real potential.
Great topic!