After finishing writing The Awakened in 2008, I began looking into getting it published. Although not my intention from the start, I figured it was a good idea since I’d put so much effort into this hobby project of mine. What I quickly found out was the process of getting a book published can be just as much effort—perhaps more—than writing the book itself.
Publishers have a very specific process, full of requirements, through which they go to identify the manuscripts they believe will produce successful sales. Not necessarily good writing or good stories, but what they believe they can sell. Due to the ridiculous quantity of manuscripts coming at them from every corner of the globe, very few will even accept a manuscript directly from the author. Instead, they rely on the discerning tastes of trusted individuals—literary agents.
Agents, in turn, are so inundated with manuscript submissions that they too have developed a lengthy acceptance process to help narrow in on the manuscripts that they think can be sold to major publishers. Again, not necessarily good writing or good stories, but what they believe they can sell.
Do you see the trend here?
For the sake of survival, the traditional publishing industry has largely shaped itself into a Return-On-Investment machine, putting the majority of its effort into proven authors with an established fan-base. Meanwhile, with technological advancements in software and accessibility of global markets and distribution via the internet, self-publishing has taken off.
There used to be a stigma associated with self-publishing. Some would argue that there still is. Those who oppose the increasing popularity of self-publishing often point out that there are no requirements, no standards for quality within the process. Anyone can publish a book these days. While this is true to a certain extent, the “quality” produced by major publishers does not guarantee a successful book, or even an enjoyable story. I think this is the reason why traditional publishers are loosing market-share to self-publishers every day.
Self-publishing has been particularly useful in the past for niche markets. Say—for instance—that you are the world’s foremost expert on cleaning toilettes. And one day you decide to document your vast knowledge. You can forget about your dream of getting a major publisher to support your project. However, if you self-publish, I’ll bet that there are at least a few dozen people in this great big world of ours that will find your expertise invaluable.
In this way, consumers are gaining more control. We have more options when it comes to making a book selection, not just the books that a publisher deems worthy. I would not be surprised if the next big trend—perhaps a new genre—comes from the self-publishing world.
As for my book, The Awakened, I’m still hoping that it will get picked up by a major publisher. The traditional publishing route is still the best way to reach the most readers. Maybe if I can build up a big enough fan-base, I can lower the perceived risk that I present to a major publisher.
That’s the idea anyway! Keep checking in; I’ll let you know how it goes.