Publish e-book while querying?

[JonnaLynn]

Is there an assumed protocol regarding simultaneously posting an ebook and sending a query letter to publishers/literary agents?
I have queried a small press, but wonder if I can go ahead and post an ebook while I wait for a response from them.
Thank you for your help on this.
JonnaLynn

[Nathan Bransford]

Is there an assumed protocol regarding simultaneously posting an ebook and sending a query letter to publishers/literary agents?
I have queried a small press, but wonder if I can go ahead and post an ebook while I wait for a response from them.
Thank you for your help on this.
JonnaLynn

I'm not sure I think that's a good idea. Self-publishing shouldn't be undertaken lightly - I don't think it's good to just put it out there to see what happens, because once it is out there a publisher/agent are going to judge it by its results. And if you haven't thrown yourself into it those results may not be what you want them to be. I tend to think that while you are pursuing traditional publication, focus on that. If you later decide to self-publish that option is always available.