Self-published or Traditional, We're All in This Together!

Believe it or not, there are people out there who think self-published people and books are not as significant as traditionally published. That is ignorant and rude. An author is an author, regardless of how they've become such. Granted, authors under a publisher may have more opportunities for promotion or inclusion in big name bookstores. However, that does not mean one book or author is better than another. Authors who are not under the name of a publisher have enough disadvantages against them already, so, please, give them a chance. 

But I digress. That is not the point of this article. While there is a slight competition in the book industry, because, let's face it, there's competition in everything even if we try not to let there be, authors are not in the business to prove they're the best. If they are, or if they are in it for the money, they're in the wrong profession and have gotten an ill conceived notion about the rewards of writing books. Okay. I know you're saying that, yes, there are some authors out there who advance in the profession quickly and gain the title of "bestselling" or "most popular", etc, and you're right. However, that does not come easily, and there are no guarantees. It's a waiting game for most.

And even those whom do make it that far, do not become rich beyond their wildest imaginations. It is possible they could be more well-off than others, allowing them to write full-time, or, at least, most of the time, but writing is not money-laundering. I've spoken to a few well-known bestselling authors (No. I will not give names.) who have assured me that the idea that they "sit around drinking champagne while bathing in their cash" is laughable. 

Yet, they continue to write. Why? Because they love it. They are passionate about the concept of story telling, and they can't get enough. That is the real reason to become a writer. Which is why there is no difference between self-published or traditionally published authors. Those under a publisher may have learned more than others, but that is a matter of experience; it comes with time. 

There has been so much negativity in the community lately, I feel like I need to remind everyone (trad. authors, self-pub. authors, models *hint hint*, designers, editors, etc) that we are all in this together. Not to quote High School Musical too much, but "once we know who we are, we're all stars, and we see that..." W.E. A.L.L. I.N. T.H.I.S. T.O.G.E.T.H.E.R.

It's Not Cheap To Be A Writer

It happens all too often that life gets in the way of everything else, and that has happened here. I apologize for taking so long to write another post. I've been running around like a chicken with its head cut off the last week, or so. 

Picking up where we left off with the last post, today, we are going to talk about money and how expensive it really is to be a writer. A lot of people believe it to be a free career, because "all it takes is a computer and your brain". That's so wrong that it's hard not to cringe when I hear people speak like that. Being a writer is about so much more than the actual writing. While that's a huge part of it, there's also promoting and attending events and expenses needed to accomplish writing a book. You may need a notebook for your ideas, index cards for your edits, pens and paper if you write by hand, printer supplies, a computer, a Microsoft Office subscription, and then you need editors, cover designers, formatters, and many more services to complete the process. This all costs money, and while some of it sounds like somewhat cheap supplies, it adds up very quickly. 

Now, take into consideration that most writers barely hit $20-$50 in royalties per month (best sellers make more, of course, but it still counts for them, too), and most writers are working 'in the red'. And a lot of people ask, "Well, if you're not making any money from it, then why are you doing it?" NEVER, EVER ask this of a writer. We are not in it for the money, and to insinuate that we are is a slap in the face to us, even if you don't intend it to be. It's like asking a mother why she has children if they don't bring in any money... 

It's an insulting question.

We write because we love telling a story; we write because we have the talent for it; we write because it's who we are on the inside. It is the very essence of our soul. We don't just write; we are writers. 

However, we are grateful for any and all sales we get and are just as excited for pay-day as any other worker. Readers validate our hard work and keep us writing. So if you are a true reader/fan of authors, keep buying books from reputable retailers, posting reviews or sending messages to authors in appreciation of their work, and spreading the word among your friends and family about their books. Keep reading, we'll keep writing, editors will keep editing, and publishers will keep publishing. The book industry is dependent on you, the reader.

We wouldn't survive, or even have a purpose, without Y O U.

Because of this, I say thank you ... on my behalf, and on the behalf of all the other amazing writers in the world, both self-published and traditional. 

And that brings up the next upcoming topic on this blog: 

Self-published or Traditional, We're All in This Together!

Get That Light Off Me

Many people don't realize just how much authors are "in the spotlight". Even self-published authors, like myself, can be put on the spot a lot. Example: everyone watching what you post on your Facebook page. While a lot of writers may not have problems with this, for someone with a fear of too much attention, it can be just as nerve-wrecking as standing up to a microphone to give a speech!

Granted, it's nothing like big name authors who may get noticed on the street and stopped for an autograph or a picture. But, to me, it's just as scary ... and, also, means just as much. Just the fact that anyone even bothers to talk to me about my books is amazing. I never thought I'd be where I am now with my writing, and branching out to include myself in the communities makes me feel blessed, but nervous all at once.

Next year, I'm going to start attending signings. HOpefully, that will help me with my insecruities. The first one will probably cause me to drink, and I'm hoping I don't come off as rude or anything to the readers. I'm absolutely terrified!

But I know it's part of the job, and I do want to meet all the wonderful readers I can. So wish me luck!

Thanks for reading, and I hope to see you tomorrow. Topic: Money