More Author Insight: Self-publishing

Do you think the stigma often attached to self-publishing outweighs any benefits or would you consider it under certain circumstances?

"I love anything that gives writers and readers options. A good story is a good story however it finds an audience." - Sara Walsh, author of The Dark Light.

"I’ve never really thought about it. I think my publisher (Greenwillow/HarperCollins) is awesome, and if I could, I'd just be published by them forever. Also, I don't have a lot of business sense, and since basically all aspects of self-publishing rest on the shoulders of the author, I'm not sure it would suit me." - Stefan Bachmann, author of The Peculiar.

"I’m still cautious about self-publishing, although I see its appeal. I’m very grateful for my publisher and their marketing teams and publicity teams." - Robin Bridges, author of The Unfailing Light.

"I would totally consider it. Sure, there is still a stigma, but it also seems a shame to let a great manuscript sit in the drawer simply because the right fit between book and editor was not found. There are all paths to publication, and what matters in the end is having readers connect with the book." - P.J. Hoover, author of Solstice.

"I wouldn’t be where I am without self-publishing. It was just a blog, but putting yourself out there in any form prepares you for what people want and how they react to your writing, good or bad." - Lara Avery, author of Anything But Ordinary.

"I love Penguin and I would never do that to Penguin and I resent you even asking that question. (Ask me later when Penguin can't hear!)" - Adam Gidwitz, author of In a Glass Grimmly.

"I don’t think I would be worried about stigma as much as quality of product, and the value of my time. Personally I prefer to be a writer rather than also take on the job of editor, designer, marketer, and bookseller, but a niche market can sometimes lend itself to self-publishing very well. Editor Cheryl Klein (Arthur A. Levine/Scholastic) and her 'how-to' book Second Sight is a great example." - Sharon Cameron, author of The Dark Unwinding.

"I still have a fairly negative attitude about self-publishing. I'm open to it if it's an established author who is changing course for economic reasons, as many are doing. It bugs me to no end when newspapers review self-published books but don't let the reader know that they are self-published. On the other hand, if it makes a writer feel happy to see her work in book form, then go for it." - Suzanne Selfors, author of The Sweetest Spell.

"I think self-publishing can be a great option in a few specific situations. I would consider it for short stories, for instance, because I personally would like to have the option of buying an author's short stories one at a time, rather than in an anthology (although anthologies can be great, too). Sort of like singles on iTunes!" - Malinda Lo, author of Adaptation. 

"I haven’t ever considered self-publishing for myself before. I can’t say that I won’t ever do this because those kinds of proclamations always come back to bite people in the ass. When it comes down to it, my books are better because of the people within the traditional publishing system who have helped me. And by better, I mean a LOT better. But maybe that’s not how it is for everyone. Maybe some people can create their best story alone, but I can’t." - Julie Cross, author of Tempest.

Come back Tuesday to learn the biggest obstacle is in the authors' writing process!

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