Want to Get Published? Self-Publish? What You Need to Know.
Today’s post is kind of long — but if you’re considering writing a book, want to get published, or are wondering about self-publishing, you’re going to want to have a read.
First, a story.
As a young adult, I worked for years on a novel. I loved that novel. So much, in fact, that I used my summer break during University to attend a creative writing course at a prestigious local college where I could workshop the manuscript.
The course included a series of panel discussions and Q&A sessions with authors, publishers, and other people in the creative writing community. During one of the Q&As, a person in the audience raised their hand.
“What do you think about those people who pay to have their books made?” The person asked, their voice dripping with disdain. “You know, the writers who PAY to have their books published and are stuck selling their own books themselves?”
Keep in mind, this was in the early 2000s. The word “blog” still referred to a “web log.” Amazon was not a thing. Print-on-demand was definitely not a thing. Self-publishing (though possible) was very different. Not only were your options limited, self-publishing was treated like a joke.
My young self took note: “got it, self-publishing = not legit.”
At the same time, I also absorbed another — more truthful — message: getting published is very, very hard.
I took this message to heart. So much so that I left the workshop deciding to not bother trying to get my novel or short story published at all. Despite some encouragement from the lovely author I worked with, I felt unprepared to push against the odds that were clearly stacked against me.
Does that feel like a defeat? Do you want to root for my young self, and encourage her to submit her novel despite the fear of rejection?
Well, some twenty-ish years later, here’s my take on things:
It might surprise you to know that I think I did the right thing by NOT trying to get my book published.
This is one thing that hasn’t changed over the past 20 years: getting a book published, particularly from a major publishing house, is rare.
It can indeed be accomplished. (Just look at my client Molly Galbraith, for example. I worked closely with her on her book concept, proposal, and manuscript and her book was published by Harper Horizon in 2020. Or my client John Berardi, whom I helped with early manuscript drafts, and whose book was published in 2019.)
But getting published involves a lot of effort, which might not pay off. For some folks, it can absolutely be worth doing. But it’s not for everybody.
On the other hand, self-publishing has bloomed and blossomed in a way nobody on that panel ever saw coming.
Self-publishing is not only valid, it can be a highly lucrative and rewarding endeavour — particularly for non-fiction books.
Sure, getting the mass distribution that a traditional publisher can offer is pretty cool. But what if I told you that you could produce something that is high quality, valuable to readers, that gets read, that makes an impact, that furthers your brand, business, career, and credibility, and is sold around the world… without anyone else giving you permission to do it?
Well, that’s what self-publishing offers.
These days, anyone can write a book and publish it on Amazon. (Not to mention a host of other websites available to you, including your own.)
You don’t have to buy a whole bunch of books and have them sitting in your house; with print-on-demand services your book can be printed and shipped wherever and whenever someone orders it.
Furthermore, if you publish your book well (meaning your book is great, properly edited, designed, etc.) most people who buy it won’t even realize it was self-published unless you tell them. Why? Because the majority of people are not nerds about this stuff like me and do not look at the publisher details. They don’t look for the credibility of a publisher’s logo; they look at the fact that you wrote a book.
And yet, so many people DON’T want to self-publish, because they don’t even realize that it’s an option, or just how valid and valuable it can be.
So, what does this mean for you? Two things:
First, If you are very committed to the idea of traditional publishing, it may be possible.
Especially if you have a massive following or celeb-level status. Or, if you're an expert in a niche industry and are seeking a trade publisher. (And if you would like some consultation on this, let me know, I can help).
But secondly, and more importantly, it means that you should not disregard the idea of self-publishing.
Because it may indeed be the most effective path for you to achieve your goals.
Having said all that, I don’t recommend self-publishing to just anyone.
Self-publishing still requires a significant investment of time, and often, money. You should know what you’re getting into before writing a book of any kind.
If you’re interested in publishing my Storytelling Mastery Summit is a good place to start. It’s being held over Zoom on January 14.
At the Summit, you’ll meet and interact with some storytelling masters of varying specialties, including:
Kat Vellos (a prolific self-publisher)
Janae Marie Kroc (who’s told her story through other channels, including an award-winning documentary)
Molly Galbraith (published author and industry leader)
Enrika Greathouse (who tells stories using a variety of mediums, and has worked with the legendary Seth Godin.)
Steve Mesler (Olympic Gold medalist who's used storytelling to develop his personal and professional brand and build a game-changing non-profit.)
And me. :) Author of two self-published books, with another on the way.
This event is almost sold out! If you want to join, book now to secure your spot: camilledeputter.com/summit
Finally, if you want to write a book, I may be able to help. I'm currently booking for 2023 (yes, you read that correctly), so if this is something you're thinking about, let's chat well in advance.
Meanwhile, no matter which form you choose, please know that I believe in you, your stories, and your ability to have a positive impact in the world.
If you have any questions about thought leadership, brand marketing, or storytelling in general, drop me a line. I love hearing from my readers and always aim to help bring your thoughts and ideas into the world.