So I’ve noticed an interesting pattern ever since I started telling people about my book. Almost every time I’ve mentioned it, without fail, people go straight to “omg you should totally self publish! Have you tried Amazon??”
It’s become so bad and I’ve repeated myself so many times now that I have a scripted response engraved in my brain: “No, I want to wait for the perfect publisher, one who will put my book in Barnes and Noble so I can see it there and feel a sense of accomplishment.” They usually keep arguing for the Amazon route; I then respond that “Self-publishing is definitely my plan B 🙂 ”
It’s not. I won’t allow myself to consider it simply because I want to stick to my original goals. I’ve always dreamed of having a real publisher and a real book in my real hands, not some text sitting out there in the digital abyss. Plus, I want to support my brick-and-mortar local bookstore, thankyouverymuch.
Don’t get me wrong; I totally understand why other writers would choose that path and I applaud them for it. I’m just kinda stubborn and set in my ways. I have a vision and I want to stick to it, regardless of how much longer it may take or how many no’s I have to hear. ONE of them has to be a yes? Right?
I’m not gonna lie; I’ve been seduced by the idea of having my book out there right now for the world to read, especially when everyone and their mother (literally) is telling me I should self-publish. But the more I hear I should do it, the more I want to stand my ground. Maybe it’s foolish? I don’t know, but I won’t give up on the traditional publishing houses until each and every one out there has given up on me.
… Then maybe I’ll look into it 🙂
Sarah Long Writes 
16 responses to “No, I Do Not Want To Self-Publish On Amazon. Thank You For Your Concern.”
Never give up.
Thank you! We have to keep fighting the good fight 🙂
Same. Here. Not the Amazon part, but definitely the “You’re writing a book? Have you heard of ____ self-publisher?”
And I agree wholeheartedly with your stance.
Thank you!! I’m glad I’m not the only one in the same boat 🙂
I agree, there’s something, final? or professional? I’m not sure, it’s a hard to desire to name. There’s something more tangible and symbolic in the success of having a book traditionally published and sitting on bookshelves.
I know exactly what you mean! It feels so much more legitimate to have a traditional publisher, at least in my mind lol
Total agreement here. I’m still at the beginning stages of my book, but when I get ready to publish I am doing it the old fashioned way! Best of luck to you. Keep that positive energy, it works wonders. And if things are looking sketchy, you can always say a quick prayer to my grandma (always works for me)
Thanks!! Good luck on your new book!! The beginning stages are my favorite part 🙂
[…] Sarah Long: “No I do not want to self-publish on Amazon. Thank you for your concern” […]
I love this post. I nominated you for an award – not sure if you accept these things or not, but it’s there if you’d like it. No offense taken if it’s not your thing, but your blog is fantastic and I just wanted to throw your name round a bit. Cheers.
Aww oh my gosh I’m so honored!! Thank you so much!! You just made my day… no… my week 🙂
I am just finishing process of having my memoir professionally edited (quite expensive, by the way). I was convinced, the way you are that traditional publishing was the way for me to go. I started researching agents and publishers. I’m a member of the Writer’s Market. I’m serious.
Then I read a book about the changing nature of the publishing industry given the reality of the e-publishing phenomenon. The closing of Borders was a harbinger of a trend away from print and toward electronic formats. There are 6 or 7 major publishing houses now and countless small, independents. Breaking in is harder than ever and, if you want to make any money at all on your book, royalties are pennies on the dollar. I was surprised by all that I learned.
I, too, want my book in bookstores. I want to pick it up and flip through it. I want to sign it. I want my mom to read it–my mom who doesn’t even own a computer or e-reader of any sort. The idea of self-marketing scares me and sort of repulses me. I’m not that kind of person who is good at saying, “Hey, buy my book! It’s the best thing out there!”
But I did my homework and found out that I can e-publish and create paperback versions of my book through Amazon. Maybe I can have the best of both worlds. If my book does really well there, agents or publishers may take note and seek me out. While my thin skin may not be able to handle piles of rejections that take months to trickle in, I could handle an email from an agent wanting to pick me up! 🙂
Every author has to do what they feel is best. I just wanted to share with you what I’ve been finding out, especially since we feel the same about wanting real books in real stores. I plan on producing enough paperbacks so I can stock my local small bookstore and a few local libraries with copies of my book. I just want it out there.
Lorna
Thank you so much for providing some more insight into self-publishing. I’ve actually been learning more about it, especially since attending the Writer’s Digest Conference last weekend, and am starting to seriously consider it. I guess I have to decide if I’m willing to invest in my book myself or wait for someone else to do it. But thank you again for the insight, I hope your book is out there everywhere soon!!
Thanks and good luck to you. I never knew that writing the book was the EASY part! 😉
Yeah same! I keep telling people that and they look at me like I’m crazy haha
[…] time to start the process of self-publishing my book. I know I’ve made abundantly clear in previous posts my preference for taking the traditional route toward making my awesomest book ever an […]