Why self-publishing is not second best.

You have written your book. Perhaps you have even given it to some people for feedback and made changes. You may even have paid for an editor to look over it for you. Now you want to publish it.

I imagine that the first thing a writer does is try to find an agent to represent them. Very few publishing houses accept unsolicited manuscripts these days, so agents have become the gatekeepers to the publishing world. Unfortunately, like everyone else, agents have their own likes and dislikes, favourite genres, and ideas about what makes a great story. They also need to make money.

So, if you ever get feedback from agents along with that rejection letter, and I would say 90% of the time you just don't hear anything at all, it can be confusing. The manuscript is too long, or too short. It should have a prologue; no-one wants a prologue. I was told that "no-one is reading urban fantasy anymore," and also that my book wasn't actually an urban fantasy. One might think a book isn't funny, while another will say it is hilarious. Agent feedback is subjective.

Currently, agents and publishers, who are always chasing the next Booker prize winner, or #1 bestseller, have narrowed their field even more. Black female writers and protagonists, or transgender storylines, are currently hot property. I'm afraid I don't qualify for either category.

But imagine I found an agent who was interested in my work. I am still not guaranteed a book deal. They may not be able to sell my manuscript on to a publisher. The publisher may buy my book, but for various reasons, never print it. Agents are just one of many hurdles an author has to negotiate.

To misquote a saying, it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a new author to get a book published through the traditional route.

When I self-published my first book, it was a "last chance" scenario. I had tried numerous agents and run out of options on my list. I'd had a very depressing conversation with one agent at the Winchester Writer's Weekend which stopped me writing for almost two weeks. Because of covid, the publishing industry was playing catch-up with their current catalogue and likely not looking to buy anything other than a guaranteed success for at least a year, if not two. I had no other option.

Yet, the more I listen to other authors and people in the publishing industry, the more I realise what a smart decision it was. I am in full control of everything about the book, from the front cover to the content. I can decide how much to sell it for, and how much money I want to make. I am not working to someone else's deadlines. Instead, I can write at my own pace, reducing my stress levels and having the chance to enjoy what I do.

Yes, I have to do my own marketing, but unless you are a well-established author, publishing houses expect you to do most of it anyway, so I would still have to spend time on social media, promoting my books and advertising them.

Indie authors are not the rejects of the publishing world. Many of them made an informed decision to go that route. Some have even moved over to self-publishing after having been accepted by an agent and getting books published the traditional way, because they don't like how their creation is treated.

Unfortunately, because it is relatively easy, anyone can upload a book and try to sell it. I have lost count of the number of dreadful typo's, plot holes, grammar mistakes and incomprehensible sentences I have read. Which is why honest reviews are so important. They help potential customers make an informed choice about whether a book is worth buying. (So, thank you to everyone who has taken the time to post their thoughts on Amazon. I really, really appreciate it!)

It took me a long time to feel worthy of telling people I was an author. Even now, I qualify that with the fact that I am self-published, as if I wasn't good enough to be a "real" writer. Instead, I should be proud of what I have achieved, hold my head up high, and stand with all the other pioneers in this brave new world of publishing.

I am an indie author.

I like the sound of that.