Self-Publishing or Send to Editor?

[jomariem]

I've finished my first YA novel, and now I'm trying to figure out the best way to publish it. I'm considering doing either self-publishing (most likely through Amazon or Lulu Books), or send to a traditional publisher.

The self-publish idea sounds appealing because it seems to be a lot less of a headache than having to write a query letter, wait for a response, and then hunt up another publisher if that editor says no to my query. But I also know that it can be VERY expensive and no guarantee of success; plus, you have to do a lot of your own marketing, which I neither like nor am good at.

Sending to an editor means I won't have to worry about marketing or dishing out astronomical amounts for publishing fees. But it can also take eons to send off a query, then a manuscript if it's requested, and then waiting months more for a response. If anybody's got suggestions for me, I'd really appreciate it. Thanks!

[zoe]

I got tired of trying to go the traditional way after about six months of sending a query letter and checking my emails every few hours.
I wouldn't give up so easily if, in a meanwhile, I wouldn't have read so many articles about the digital format and the sad future of the traditional industry. At one point I realized that by the time I'll succeed breaking into the traditional industry it may be tottering anyway.
So, about a week ago, I went for Amazon Kindle and Smashwords and the challenge of the internet marketing. We'll see :-)

[zionsrodevos]

Once I heard about how self publishing e-books was doing I started reading threads about it and how the industry is changing. That was about ten months ago.

As I read various threads the impression I got was that traditional publishers can have quotas and because of that and other things a book could be not accepted simply because a quota was met or a publisher felt there were too many books out that were similar and so a novel could be rejected based on that even though it could be better than others that were recently published.

I'm not saying mine is better, but when mine is finished I want to to have a chance to reach readers.

Plus I have read that even when a book is published by a traditional publisher if you are considered mid list they don't as much marketing as an author would hope and so the author ends up doing marketing.

This led me to believe that the best route for me is to self publish. Since following how various authors are doing on the kindle boards I've learned that for most authors that self publish for the Kindle it is simply a matter of time until marketing efforts reach readers that will buy a particular book.

All that combined with the fact that I want to start earning money from my novel as soon as it is ready and not two years or more from the time I think it is ready.

My novel is also YA.

If you do go self published I do think getting an editor will increase your chances of success.

[Lily]

I can see you've been doing your homework, Zion, and you're bang on the money.

[jomariem]

Actually, I think I'm going to try sending to a publisher first. While self-publishing may be quicker, you have to be pretty good at marketing, something I neither enjoy nor excel in. I found a publisher that looks pretty good, so I think I'll give that a shot.

[zionsrodevos]

I hope you find acceptance with a good publisher that will market your book in the best way possible.

Marketing has also been one of my major concerns with self publishing since I doubt I know much about it. I have been focusing on this over the past year and think I understand it better. And I would prefer to not have to worry about marketing so that I can focus on writing. So as Lily said I am doing homework to figure out how to market my book and hope I'll be able to even though it certainly isn't something I look forward to doing.

[Lily]

Something else to bear in mind here. The turnover rate for editors is so high, it's feasible to resend a rejected submission at a later date. What one editor didn't like, another might love.

askaliteraryagent.blogspot.com/

[spookwriter]

Patience is a virtue! I started sending out MS back in the 90's when the internet was mostly just a word. My novels were typed on an old upright Underwood typewriter with 2 carbon copies just in case something clicked. Then one had to send out the entire MS (hard copy, naturally) and sit around for a few months waiting for the rejection note. Later I signed with an agent who turned out to be rather inept. If I hadn't worked for a company that had a fast copy machine I would have gone broke on paper alone while she tried to sell to (apparently) the wrong publishers. Then she sold a novel to (GAG) Publish America!!! That was in 2002. But, just a few months ago I signed with a publisher highly recommended by Preditors and Editors! Then I signed with them for a second novel !!! HOOO-HAAA! After almost 20 years. Be patient! Good things come to those who don't chuck it all and turn to drink!

[Lily]

Congratulations on your publishing contracts, Spookwriter. It's always a great feeling! And as you say, perseverance wins the day.