Already a member?
Welcome to Brazen Careerist!
Emily Ma is using Brazen Careerist to share ideas. Join now to become a member and start networking with Emily Ma and other professionals just like you. Learn more.
Brazen careerist
Where ambitious young professionals connect and grow
Email
Print
I’m dedicating this post to answering the questions posted previously, about whether or not I’ve fully considered the implications of self-publishing.
Self-publishing for money means running a business. Are you capable of running a business?
I think I mentioned it before, but I’m equally drawn to the business side as I am to actually writing. It’s why I feel the self-publishing model is a good fit for me. My writing is good, but it’s hardly over-the-top spectacular compared to the large pool of writers out there. Combine it with sound business practices and the willingness to take risks, however, and I could have something very special.
Can you edit my own work?
I have many weaknesses as a writer. My two greatest flaws are: tense consistency and trimming the fat. The reason these flaws are so prominent is because I write the way I talk. Basically word for word - when I started taking writing more seriously in high school, people told me, “I can really hear your voice in everything you write” (which seemed like a compliment at the time. Since then, I’ve looked back at some of those pieces and reached the conclusion I sounded (sound?0 like an idiot most of the time!) My point is: no matter how well I polish my work, I’ll ultimately need to hire out the editing. I’m okay with this; editing can be bought. But finding a style that’s distinctly yours, that’s your own voice, can’t be.
Do you have the knowledge to instruct the self-publishing company to produce the type of book you envision? Do you know how to publicize your book? Do you know how to market and merchandise your book? Do you know how to effectively distribute your book?
No, but what does it matter? Lack of knowledge isn’t a reason not to try something. It’s not even the reason why so many people fail. People fail because they’re unwilling to commit, they’re afraid to put everything out there. I went to Argentina barely able to speak Spanish and only knowing where I’d be for the first night. I bartended for the first time about a week ago, only knowing how to make about six drinks: Pepsi, Diet Pepsi, Sierra Mist… you get the point. And to be clear: I’m not a “fast learner” by any stretch of the imagination. I am light-years ahead, however, of all those people who refuse to make an attempt.
Do you have the time required to run a self-publishing company? Do you have the thousands of dollars required to do so, and are you prepared to lose it?
Two things I know about myself: I can find ways to make time, and I can always make money. So am I prepared to lose everything I invest in this project? Absolutely - it wouldn’t even be the first time. That’s the beauty of minimalism - beyond certain comforts, I learned I don’t need things. When you take the constraints of fear and money, well, just about anything seems possible.
For more timely, relevant, and engaging articles,
subscribe to Brazen Careerist.
- A New Kind of Business Mover and Shaker
- The Anti-Stalker’s Guide for Converting Online Contact into Real World Collaboration
- Continuing Education: Extending Learning Beyond Your Campus Years
- How To Find a Writing Partner Who Can Help You Achieve Your Goals and Make More Money
- Why You Might Be Better Off Without a Job After College
Comments
01.21.09
For a summer I worked for a fairly well established couple who did business communications consulting. They hired me to help them promote their book, which they self-published. In my short time I learned one thing: self promotion seemed to basically be the kiss of death. Reason being is that the best way to get PR for a book is to get professional reviews, and more than half of the review agencies I looked into would not consider self-published books.
The reason they self published (they told me) was that they couldn't find a publisher. It's really hard - it took JK Rowling years before she found a publisher for Harry Potter. My strong advice would be to steer away from self publishing.
Got Something To Say?
Got Something To Say?
Not a Member? Brazen Careerist is a career management tool for next-generation professionals. Set up a free account today to comment on this post and start sharing your ideas. Learn more.
Login to view your networks!
 |
 |
|
 |
 |
