Prismatic Publishing

I wrote about this topic once before on a different blog and thought it was time to address this topic again. I believe the publishing world is changing and as a result, the way people receive information is no longer controlled by the major publishing houses. With the tools that are available today it can literally cost nothing to create content and make it available for others to enjoy.

With that being said the following disclaimer applies to the rest of this post:

This post is not going to deal with the quality of books that are self-published, nor discuss the possiblity or probability of financial success. This is just going to address whether or not one can be considered published by publishing their own book.

I once read a blog post that states “First and foremost, a self-published novel does not a published author make.” I find that statement most disturbing.

I don’t like the term self-publish because it causes so much confusion. I believe there are two different kinds of self-publishing – Print-on-Demand or POD and Independent or Indie Publishing. Both methods allow an individual to have relative control over the production and distribution of their book.

Now, let’s look at some basic definitions:

• publish – to issue (printed or otherwise reproduced textual or graphic material, computer software, etc.) for sale or distribution to the public. (It also needs to made available to the public – meaning people anywhere can purchase your book.)
• self - by one’s own effort
• independent – Not determined or influenced by someone or something else; not contingent

To be published, then, means preparing a work (book) for sale and then made available for distribution to the public.

The act of self-publishing means using your own efforts to prepare a book to issue for sale and then made available distribution to the public.

Therefore, “self-publishing“ ones own book for sale or distribution does a published author make.

Just because your book is now available for sale does not mean that it is the same quality as a book put out by a traditional publishing company. It doesn’t mean that you will be successful as an author. It doesn’t mean that your book will be respected traditional publishers and other industry professionals. It does, however, make you a published author.

There have been several authors who got their start by taking control of their writing careers and self-published their own books. Some of these authors later signed traditional publishing deals. I believe that everyone has the right to have their words read by their fans. I believe that authors should write books for their fans (target market) not a publishing company or agent.

It is your responsibility as an author to make your books as professional as possible. This includes tasks such as professional cover design, formatting and editing. Having your indie published book well-written and appear as professional as possible and your marketing abilities will be key in determining the financial success or your book and the probablility of securing a traditional publishing deal in the future – if you so desire.

I know I have some strong opinions and feelings on this matter but I would love to hear your opinions regarding this topic. I believe the author that writes for their fans should use whatever publishing method that works best, to get his/her work to those fans. I completely support those who take control of their writing career and self/indie-publish.

How do you feel about self/indie-publishing?

How do you perceive those who do publish their own books?