Gulp and Whee

I've taken the plunge and decided to publish Zinovy's Journey myself. The title of this post expresses my emotions as I make this grave decision, but Jeff Gerke, who has agreed to do a comprehensive critique for me as a first step, has promised me it will be a fun experience.

It's going to be a steep learning curve, but I'm convinced self-publishing is the way to go.

Here's what pushed me over the edge. Some dear writer-friend out there in bloggerland put me onto this article. I'm sorry I can't remember who, but thank you. It's by Dean Wesley Smith on the advantages of self-publishing in today's world. He so convinced me this is the way to go that if a traditional publisher approached me now wanting to publish my manuscript I think I'd say "No thank you."

Self publishing certainly isn't for everyone. There are drawbacks in terms of steep learning curves for the author, higher costs, and limits to market exposure. But in the right situation, I'm convinced it's the right way to go, and I think I'm in the right situation.

Because. . .

I want more control of the process and the product than I'd get with a traditional publisher.

I am not expecting to become a millionaire, or even to recoup my expenditures. I want to keep the cost down for my readers so everyone who wants to can buy the book. And, very importantly, my husband has agreed to back me financially.

As for market exposure, that's going to be up to the Powers that Be, just like every other uncontrollable aspect of this writing project has been. I do have a unique and interesting advertising idea that I'll share later on, but going this route will at least allow me to get the book into the hands of the friends who keep asking, "When can I read it?", and I'm hoping they will do some advertising for me if they like it.

Going this route is a lot faster as well. If all goes as planned (and when does it ever?), the book could be in print by late spring or early summer next year. That's about a quarter of the time it would take to jump through all the hoops with a traditional publisher.

From time to time I'll post about my procedures and progress. Sign up on Feedblitz if you're interested, because I still haven't developed the discipline I need to post regularly. Feedblitz will alert you whenever I get around to doing it.

Thanks for your interest, and your prayers.