When I had the idea to write a book, one big question had to be addressed. Would I approach a publisher or an agent to do all the leg work involved in getting a manuscript accepted? Both of these options seemed like a lot of hard work and time-consuming. You also have to prepare yourself for rejection. It is great to think that your book will be the next bestseller or can't miss read, but a publisher or agent may have other ideas. They are also very busy.
I chose to self-publish.
I did so without any real understanding of what that would involve. When you self-publish, it is your responsibility to get your book noticed. A publisher or agent have their contacts. They know the business. That's what they get paid for. As a self-published author, it is for you to find your audience.
The rewards of self-publishing may seem higher, in that you are not paying a middle man their cut. But if you don't find an audience, then there may be little or no reward for all the work that you put into writing your masterpiece. It can be a long, hard, slog to get noticed.
There is actually a simple reason why I decided to self-publish. Time. I am no longer in the first flush of youth, or second if I am honest. I had a story that I wanted to write. A story that I thought others may find interesting. A memoir of my early years growing up in the 1960s and 70s. In many ways, a dysfunctional time. Not least because of my somewhat dysfunctional father.
I could have tried the traditional publishing route, but the thought of sending out manuscripts and potential rejection didn't appeal to me. Not at my age. I thought I might as well just go for it. With the technology that is available today, it is a lot easier to self-publish than ever before. I went with Amazon. I am currently looking at other options to sell through more outlets. Draft to Digital looks appealing.
My book, Son of My Father, can be found here.
Son of My Father Amazon.co.uk
Or here.
Son of My Father Amazon.com
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