Submit or not submit? That is the question
Yesterday, someone asked if I would be releasing my new book in paperback. Well, not just someone, my ex-partner, Joyce. She's an old-fashioned type of girl and would prefer to read a book, not a screen (her words not mine – can sense I am treading a tightrope here!) My wife, Jess is exactly the same. In fact, she will go as far as to sniff a new book. She loves the smell of the fresh ink on the paper (I like aviation fuel, but that's another story). And I know she isn't the only one who does this.
Anyway, yet again I digress. It has always been my intention to publish straight to Kindle. This decision came about after attending a writers' gathering in Wigtown. The advice given there was to self-publish online, and if your sales are good enough, the publishers will come to you.
As I am new to the game, I listen to all the advice I'm given (I don't necessarily take it). This particular piece seemed to make a lot of sense. Add to that I'm a bit of a control freak, and you can see why. I want to choose my content. I want to design my own book cover. I want to decide where and when I market. And the most important (I am married to a Scot after all!), I want as much money out of the sales, as I can get.
Recently, I was persuaded by an author friend, to submit my manuscript to a couple of publishers. One has given me a sound ignoring, and the other a polite rejection letter. So does this mean my book is no good? I don't think so, and neither do the people who have read my manuscript (no, I didn't just give it to Aunty Ethel and Granny). Even good ole JK had a few rejections for young Potter before she hit the jackpot.
What we have is a typical Catch 22 situation. Because so many are taking the self-publishing route, it is even harder to get a publisher. Publishers are less willing to take a risk on an unknown author than ever before. And who can blame them? They have to invest in their authors, with no guarantee of a return. On the other hand, if they sign someone who has a proven track record, they already know the potential. And, because it is harder than ever to get a publisher, more people are being driven to self-publish. A never-ending spiral.
So now it is back to plan A, which is satisfying the control freak.
That was the long answer. The short answer is, no. It won't be in paperback anytime soon. Not unless a publisher out there is listening.....
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