Self-Publishing Con?

[mudpuppy]

Hi, guys, I have a silly question to ask.

A friend of mine came across an ad in the local paper saying "We will publish you book!" She saids I should give it a shot. I'm not so sure about it, especially after reading some of the posts on Writers Beware. I want a second opinion on this: I am I overreacting or am rigth on about this being a scam?

P.S. My friend did not mean anything harm by the suggestion, she just thinks self-publishing might be a better method for my book. I'm a bit unsure about the self-publishing process. I have nothing aganist those that have done it (I have several self-published books on my TR pile); it's just I don't think my book will find much sucess from it.

[Nathan Bransford]

There's no replacement for doing your research. Learn the important players, learn the business, learn from other success stories, learn learn learn!

Here's one place to start in terms of whether to self-publish: http://blog.nathanbransford.com/2010/03 ... tions.html

[Mira]

I agree with Nathan! I also think that an Ad in a local paper is abit of a "red flag" situation for me. Usually an independent press would be abit more selective.

Also, self-publishing is not the same as going with a small press. Self-publishing is more of a do-it-yourself kind of thing, where you publish to Kindle or the Nook or something like that. I would definitely do more research about this before you put your art into the world - you want to consider all your options - there are alot of them!

Also, you might browse through some of the self-publishing threads here. Alot of folks here are pioneering some new ways to put their work out there.

[Quill]

What does the ad say?

[mudpuppy]

What does the ad say?

It saids that "we will publish your book!" And to contact them for more information.

Thanks for the link, Mr.Bransford, but I still think I'm going to pass on self-publishing my books. I guess I'm still hoping that maybe someday I will write something that will get an agent's attention.

[mudpuppy]

What does the ad say?

Thanks for the link, Mr.Bransford, but I still think I'm going to pass on self-publishing my books. I guess I'm still hoping that maybe someday I will write something that will get an agent's attention.

I hate to double post, but I would like to add that my book is a picture book and I have heard that those do not well when you self-publish them.

http://www.underdown.org/self-publish.htm

[SylviaB]

I have to agree with everyone here. This sounds fishy. I'm no expert, but wouldn't you want to publish with a discerning company? This sounds like the old, "writing contest" scam - send them your poem and $15 and you're guaranteed to get published in a book. The hitch is that everyone gets published. Proceed with caution.

[MissPineapple]

I think there are undoubtedly some dodgy self -publishers out there but there are some really reputable ones out there too. If you think self publishing is the way to go with your book you should do some research and see what you think of the business before you give them the money. A reputable self-publisher will not post adverts like the one the OP saw, and will be all too happy to help and answer questions.