Would I recommend new Authors to self-publish or try to get signed?
This is one of the most popular questions that I'm often asked. I've touched on it briefly on my fb page in the past but I'll get a little deeper here. The answer to this is tricky and it all depends on what you plan to get out of being published. Do you want your work published for the sake of being a published "Author" or do you want to make a career out of this? If you just want to be published and don't fancy doing any of the leg work, by all means shop your work to publishing houses both large and small. One of the major perks in doing so is you get major distribution without having to prove yourself to distributors as an independent Author. Just remember that your publisher will be in CONTROL of your work from your cover, to suggesting changes in your content. If you don't mind doing the leg work and want to maintain control of your baby, then I recommend self-publishing. However, if you choose self-publishing, don't think because you and your family all agree that your book is the hottest thing since Christian Louboutin's that your book will sell out once you publish it. Haa, we all wish it was that easy? Writing the book is half the battle, promoting and getting your name out there takes more work than you probably would ever imagine. When I started in 2007, there was only myspace, no fb or twitter or online distribution through Amazon & Barnes & Noble, etc. It was only paperback distribution and a struggle to get books into the stores. I believed in my project to the point where I traveled all over the East Coast with flyers and books on deck on street corners in the hood to the suburbs to get my name out. I was determined to make a name for myself in this industry and it literally started on the streets. People started wondering who I was, they were going into the bookstores requesting my books and the distributors didn't take long to notice that my work was poppin! It was a double full-time job, I felt like I even had to do it in my sleep. You also have to participate in everything. From book signings to small, medium and large interviews both print, online and offline radio. I did it all so that the name LaShonda DeVaughn would ring bells in every outlet. Now that we have new means of promotion today such as twitter, fb, pinterest etc., it's a little easier. HOWEVER, easier doesn't mean easy. If you want to self publish, make sure that you do all the research, make sure your promo game is tight, different, unique and everchanging. Be sure that your heart is in it because it's hard work. I call this game Rick Ross because "Everyday you're Hustling," literally! So which do I recommend? Definitely self-publishing because I'm no stranger to hard work and I don't mind putting in the hours. Whichever you chose to do, I wish you nothing but success on your literary journey!
