How Do YOU Measure Success?
I read. A lot. As a writer, it's essential. As a business woman it's pertinent.
One thing I've been studying is this eBook trend, especially in self-publishing. I've read lots of success stories. One about a Miss Amanda Hocking. She sold 420,000 copies of her books last year. FOUR HUNDRED TWENTY THOUSAND! Okay, yes, I'm sure she's the exception to the rule. But then I read about Victorine Lieske who sold 27,000 books in January and made over $7,000 in that month alone.
Now, I don't know about you, but I could certainly deal with a $7,000 paycheck each month. I'd take it every other month for that matter. Heck, I'd take it every quarter. Because, quite frankly, that's more money than I'm making with my novel sitting on my hard drive collecting virtual dust.
I've heard lots of bad things about self publishing. But the amazing thing is that all the "bad stuff" all the stuff that says self-publishing has no merit, has always come from agents, editors and publishing houses. "Self-pubbing is for losers. People who couldn't make it in the real publishing industry."
I guess I would beg to differ. I mean, Amanda Hocking sure doesn't look like a loser to me. In fact, she's the one laughing. All the way to the bank.
Don't get me wrong here, I'm not bad-mouthing the publishing industry, or agents or editors. I just wonder what their opposition is.
When I'm reminded of all the people who've been successful in this world, I realize none of their success ever came to them through conventional methods. They thought outside the box and broke the mold.
So what do you think? Does this eBook/self-publishing thing have merit? Do you look down at authors who've chosen this route? Do you wish you had the money in Amanda Hocking's bank account?
One thing I've been studying is this eBook trend, especially in self-publishing. I've read lots of success stories. One about a Miss Amanda Hocking. She sold 420,000 copies of her books last year. FOUR HUNDRED TWENTY THOUSAND! Okay, yes, I'm sure she's the exception to the rule. But then I read about Victorine Lieske who sold 27,000 books in January and made over $7,000 in that month alone.
Now, I don't know about you, but I could certainly deal with a $7,000 paycheck each month. I'd take it every other month for that matter. Heck, I'd take it every quarter. Because, quite frankly, that's more money than I'm making with my novel sitting on my hard drive collecting virtual dust.
I've heard lots of bad things about self publishing. But the amazing thing is that all the "bad stuff" all the stuff that says self-publishing has no merit, has always come from agents, editors and publishing houses. "Self-pubbing is for losers. People who couldn't make it in the real publishing industry."
I guess I would beg to differ. I mean, Amanda Hocking sure doesn't look like a loser to me. In fact, she's the one laughing. All the way to the bank.
Don't get me wrong here, I'm not bad-mouthing the publishing industry, or agents or editors. I just wonder what their opposition is.
When I'm reminded of all the people who've been successful in this world, I realize none of their success ever came to them through conventional methods. They thought outside the box and broke the mold.
So what do you think? Does this eBook/self-publishing thing have merit? Do you look down at authors who've chosen this route? Do you wish you had the money in Amanda Hocking's bank account?
Comments
Self-publishing is a LOT of work, and I admire people that go that route and succeed. It's not something I'd be comfortable doing exactly for one of my novels, but I have to admit it's tempting when you hear about these success stories. Very tempting. ;)
Just like with regular publishing the few that are extremely successful are few and far between. I haven't read Amanda's stuff but it helps that she's got great titles and covers and a whole bunch out in the series!
If I felt fully confident in a book, I wouldn't be against it.
but then there are the GOOD books, the ones that get overlooked somehow (maybe it was timing, who knows) and end up being a charming self-pubbed book. and there truly is no harm in that. i say good for them for making their own success!
I think it's a growing industry as well and that more and more authors will go with this method. Epublishing is making it even easier to get into. Also, haters gonna hate no matter what, so might as well do what you feel is best for you.
After a couple of months she has two other PTSA presidents sending me messages. I have a full, with three book proposal, sitting at a publishing house for another few months. If it comes back with a rejection I'll consider my options. I've never considered self-publishing until now. I parted ways with my agent a month or two ago, so I'm thinking; do I find a new agent, submit to publishing houses or small press, or self-publish. Oh, my head hurts now. LOL