tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704943052235281766.post7755836575595902069..comments2024-03-28T10:41:26.999-06:00Comments on Blood-Red Pencil: Morgan Mandel's Basic Guide to Self-Publishing - Day One - Why Self-PublishDanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14471919576687777886noreply@blogger.comBlogger38125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704943052235281766.post-10558364277972992742009-08-26T18:09:11.629-06:002009-08-26T18:09:11.629-06:00People have their opinions and it's not easy t...People have their opinions and it's not easy to change them. What I'm trying to let everyone know is you don't have to follow the pack. You can do what you want. What's right for other people may not be right for you.<br /><br />Or, you can do both. There's nothing wrong with that. I've got two books published by a small press, now this one self-published. I may go with a traditional press on one, but I think I'll try self-publishing my book on Rascal. That should be fun.<br /><br />Morgan MandelMorgan Mandelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10118929301591850918noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704943052235281766.post-42529891691994985912009-08-26T12:58:10.963-06:002009-08-26T12:58:10.963-06:00Great post!
I think I'll try it both ways:
sel...Great post!<br />I think I'll try it both ways:<br />self-publish one, and try the<br />traditional route with the other.<br />Then take it from there.Anita C. McCantshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06173502263172128410noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704943052235281766.post-9486777299470203582009-08-26T12:48:50.901-06:002009-08-26T12:48:50.901-06:00I've self-published, but have found people inc...I've self-published, but have found people incredibly snooty about the project - and that includes agents and publishers too.<br /><br />Maybe they're afraid self-publishing will make them obsolete, or they are generally worried because a minority of self-published books aren't terribly well written?Louise Wisehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04585797594757452007noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704943052235281766.post-45565611471648609702009-08-26T10:40:54.353-06:002009-08-26T10:40:54.353-06:00I do believe the playing field is becoming more an...I do believe the playing field is becoming more and more level, but yes, it's a good idea to get a handle on what you need to do before you jump in.<br /><br />Morgan Mandel<br />http://www.morganmandel.com<br />http://choiceonepublishing.comMorgan Mandelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10118929301591850918noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704943052235281766.post-38402312409929338772009-08-26T04:58:12.567-06:002009-08-26T04:58:12.567-06:00I'm looking forward to this series. Thanks fo...I'm looking forward to this series. Thanks for the info?elaine cantrellhttp://www.elainecantrell.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704943052235281766.post-73984994998269874902009-08-25T19:24:48.990-06:002009-08-25T19:24:48.990-06:00Morgan, I look forward to following this, also. I&...Morgan, I look forward to following this, also. I've been putting my own books out since 2003 and the atmosphere is better for it now than it used to be. I have three out. The one coming out in November I've done differently in a way that gives it a better chance of competing with traditionals. Anyone considering it needs to do a lot of homework. This should be a nice start!LK Hunsakerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10706929624587891992noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704943052235281766.post-34147800078965395362009-08-25T16:44:34.016-06:002009-08-25T16:44:34.016-06:00Once you have a good product, the key is marketing...Once you have a good product, the key is marketing. It's tough finding the right buttons to push, even if you're with a big pub. I've got some friends with traditional publishers who didn't make the sales quota. <br /><br />Sure, I'd be thrilled with a bestseller, but if I can't get that, I still have the small thrills along the way, kind of like that Miley Cyrus song, The Climb. <br /><br />Morgan Mandel<br />http://www.morganmandel.com<br />http://choiceonepublishing.comMorgan Mandelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10118929301591850918noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704943052235281766.post-72171708521543272112009-08-25T14:01:12.601-06:002009-08-25T14:01:12.601-06:00Currently, I'm e-pubbed and small print pubbed...Currently, I'm e-pubbed and small print pubbed with as solid a publisher as you can get in this biz.<br />However, I have two OtherWorld Romance mss that are way out of the box that I'd like to put out there.<br />So, I'll be paying attention.Savanna Kougarhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15698138048388102279noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704943052235281766.post-78907290615857428552009-08-25T04:59:49.956-06:002009-08-25T04:59:49.956-06:00I spent 15 years in self-publishing and I grossed ...I spent 15 years in self-publishing and I grossed around $1.2 million pa in peak years, all from my own front room. But that was in non-fiction business books, selling direct to business owners via conferences. <br /><br />Trying to self-publish fiction in a consumer market is a different game, I've found. Book production and distribution is easy nowadays, but marketing fiction without the apparatus of publishers' reps, etc is a riddle that seems to have evaded everyone so far.<br /><br />If you've cracked it, you've broken the publishing model. There goes the old ball game. And good riddance to it. I'm keen to learn more... :)Dr John Yeomanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03457052363231077457noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704943052235281766.post-45713905420065186082009-08-25T01:01:21.658-06:002009-08-25T01:01:21.658-06:00In my humble opinion- and I do self-publish- an au...In my humble opinion- and I do self-publish- an author who is outgoing, good at making connections and can sell himself can do okay with POD, sort of like the difference between a singer who can command the stage and another who cannot.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704943052235281766.post-35448547077860834802009-08-24T18:57:18.510-06:002009-08-24T18:57:18.510-06:00Jenny,
That sounds like a great event. That's ...Jenny,<br />That sounds like a great event. That's the whole idea behind self-publishing - offering an alternative. No one should feel obligated to follow the same path as everyone else, just as no one should be forced to take a different path. The whole idea is choice.<br /><br />Morgan Mandel<br />http://www.morganmandel.com<br />http://choiceonepublishing.comMorgan Mandelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10118929301591850918noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704943052235281766.post-22766446218724472852009-08-24T18:09:52.601-06:002009-08-24T18:09:52.601-06:00This is a unique take on the decision to self-pub-...This is a unique take on the decision to self-pub--someone who's already had a book published, but still finds advantages. Anxiously awaiting the next installment!<br /><br />On September 25, at an indie bookstore in NJ, we're having a panel called Alternative Routes to Publishing Your First Novel. The panel will feature three authors, including formerly self pubbed sensation, Maryann McFadden, telling her story--from self published to auction. <br /><br />Area writers and readers, please check out my blog for more info as the date approaches!<br /><br />And thanks, Morgan, for sharing your story.jenny milchmanhttp://www.jennymilchman.com/blognoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704943052235281766.post-89091346980258330422009-08-24T17:57:36.675-06:002009-08-24T17:57:36.675-06:00Wow, knowing one person who sold a million copies ...Wow, knowing one person who sold a million copies is something, but two is really amazing. I can only dream...<br /><br />Morgan Mandel<br />http://morganmandel.blogspot.comMorgan Mandelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10118929301591850918noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704943052235281766.post-3756785430797571562009-08-24T17:14:54.843-06:002009-08-24T17:14:54.843-06:00Great topic, Morgan! I chose to self-publish my fi...Great topic, Morgan! I chose to self-publish my first book and am doing the same with the second. Self-publishing is NOT traditional publishings poor relation. It's an entity unto itself with unlimited possibilities. In fact, I know TWO self-published authors who have each sold over a million copies of their books. So keep the info coming -- a lot of us are going to benefit greatly from it!<br /><br />Dani said, "I'd love to see a legal co-op of self-published authors who are juried into a marketing arrangement for the sole purpose of bringing many titles under one umbrella." What a grand idea! I'd like to explore this possibility (complete with competent editing services offered) for everyone's benefit. This would be one way for self-published authors to have a voice and to gain the publicity that sells books.<br /><br />LindaLinda Lanehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16056682992943171805noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704943052235281766.post-33321007074576898572009-08-24T14:34:24.744-06:002009-08-24T14:34:24.744-06:00I'm really looking forward to reading this ser...I'm really looking forward to reading this series! Thanks for writing it!Pamelahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16493339242559057733noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704943052235281766.post-8048048558714573532009-08-24T14:32:25.504-06:002009-08-24T14:32:25.504-06:00There are many of us out there, as you may notice....There are many of us out there, as you may notice. Self-publishing is really catching on!<br /><br />As Diane says, people notice the poorly written and/or edited books that are self-pubbed. There are many great ones out there.<br /><br />Morgan Mandel<br />http://www.morganmandel.com<br />http://choiceonepublishing.comMorgan Mandelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10118929301591850918noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704943052235281766.post-50367646949362266022009-08-24T12:58:55.916-06:002009-08-24T12:58:55.916-06:00As long as one avoids vanity or subsidy presses, t...As long as one avoids vanity or subsidy presses, there should be no stigman to self-publishing.<br />Readers only know the difference if they pick up a poorly edited book!<br /><br />L. Diane Wolfe “Spunk On A Stick”<br />www.circleoffriendsbooks.blogspot.comL. Diane Wolfehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06425864276166334896noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704943052235281766.post-14905764621792398802009-08-24T11:37:08.535-06:002009-08-24T11:37:08.535-06:00Morgan,
I was published by a small, niche publish...Morgan,<br /><br />I was published by a small, niche publisher and decided instead to self-publish my series after total dissatisfaction with my publisher.<br /><br />I am now self-publishing my Brenda Strange supernatural series with my own imprint, Black Car Publishing using Lulu.com<br /><br />There really is a digital revolution going on and more and more authors are opting to self-publish. <br /><br />I plan to follow your self-publishing exploits. I also am blogging about self-publishing at my blog, The Henderson Files.<br /><br />Patty G. HendersonPatty G. Hendersonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17243681105512640095noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704943052235281766.post-78840000359329865982009-08-24T10:55:04.582-06:002009-08-24T10:55:04.582-06:00I'm glad so many people are showing an interes...I'm glad so many people are showing an interest in my self-pub series. <br /><br />If I can be of help to any of you, that would be great.<br /><br />I'm not a total expert on the subject, but I managed to get the job done. I'm happy with the finished product and that's what counts. That leaves hope for others who are unsure of themselves.<br /><br />Morgan Mandel<br />http://www.morganmandel.com<br />http://choiceonepublishing.comMorgan Mandelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10118929301591850918noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704943052235281766.post-54502638457429832772009-08-24T10:52:05.784-06:002009-08-24T10:52:05.784-06:00A large print edition of Killer Career is a possib...A large print edition of Killer Career is a possibility also, but since the printing charge is by the page, it would cost more to produce. That means it would cost more for the reader to purchase also. <br /><br />Morgan MandelMorgan Mandelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10118929301591850918noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704943052235281766.post-85066366072896391592009-08-24T10:44:07.519-06:002009-08-24T10:44:07.519-06:00Great intro to the series. I think a whole bunch o...Great intro to the series. I think a whole bunch of us are really looking forward to learning some of the ins and outs of this self-pubbing business. Thanks so much for taking the time to help us.Maryannwriteshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09479027709233807149noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704943052235281766.post-20020912420066908692009-08-24T10:30:10.409-06:002009-08-24T10:30:10.409-06:00A friend of mine is working on self-publishing his...A friend of mine is working on self-publishing his book - I'm definitely gonna send him over here to read this!Dana Fredstihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12802936840624512415noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704943052235281766.post-27357722958167688222009-08-24T10:24:04.423-06:002009-08-24T10:24:04.423-06:00Thanks, Morgan. I'm reading your series with ...Thanks, Morgan. I'm reading your series with interest. I just self-pubbed a middle-grade fantasy since it didn't strike a note with agents. However, it's a darned good book, so I did it myself.<br /><br />I self-pubbed a previous book, which would never make it because it was a slim book of short stories of a memoirish flavor, but most tall tales based on stuff my father claimed to have happened when he was a kid in West Texas in the Depression Era. <br /><br />It's mostly humorous and I've done fairly well with it, especially in Large Print editions. I mistakenly queried it as a kids' book, but found that my real audience were older folks who grew up in a rural environment. They love the Large Print section.Cellophane Queenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08166797508899835493noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704943052235281766.post-78650880060206156762009-08-24T10:19:24.187-06:002009-08-24T10:19:24.187-06:00I shall definitely be following this series. Thank...I shall definitely be following this series. Thank you. Sounds like you're going to give us some really useful information.Sheila Deethhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13465615546936319164noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704943052235281766.post-73171425332772334332009-08-24T09:20:23.861-06:002009-08-24T09:20:23.861-06:00I'm glad to see such an encouraging response t...I'm glad to see such an encouraging response to self-publishing. I feel it's a method whose time has come. <br /><br />Thanks, Debra and Austin. I'm glad you enjoyed Killer Career.<br /><br />I hope I can help a few others who are on the fence about self-publishing. It is lots more work, but if you're game, it's worth a try. <br /><br />And, I'm happy to say I've gotten Killer Career into Barnes & Noble brick and mortar stores. I couldn't do that with my two prior small press books. (You'll learn more about this in a post later this week) <br /><br />It's a start in the right direction.<br /><br />Morgan Mandel<br />http://www.morganmandel.com<br />http://choiceonepublishing.comMorgan Mandelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10118929301591850918noreply@blogger.com