Posts
Indie:
- Pros:
- You control the quality of everything from each word to the cover. It's all your decision and if it doesn't fit your vision, you don't have to do it.
- Cons:
- You control the quality. Yup here we go again! See, here's the thing... Having a good editor is priceless. I truly believe if you don't have your book edited, you shouldn't put it out there. There are things you just can't see because you are too close to it. Great beta readers are important, but you need a healthy line edit and of course copy editing as well to make it perfect - or as close as you can get it. It's so important that I can't stress this enough. You have to rely on others to help you out. A great cover artist is important too. You have final say - and that's awesome! But you have to take your time and approach it like a business and DO IT RIGHT.
Traditional:
- Pros:
- You are dealing with a known quantity. You can go to B&N and see their work for yourself. You can rely on the professionals and know that you are in good hands.
- Cons:
- You usually don't have much of a say (if any) in things like cover art and design. Sometimes even marketing. I know of authors who've had issues with the ages their publishers have suggested on both ends of the spectrum (too young and too adult).
Confused yet? Next week is round 4: Audience.
Hmmm...you point out the pros and cons rather plainly. It does seem like a Tilter-Whirl, doesn't it? Can't wait to see how you analyze audience.
ReplyDeleteIt's so often true that a Pro can also be a Con - having total control is definitely both!
ReplyDeleteBoxing Kangaroos! Wait... was there a question?
ReplyDeleteYou can rely on the professionals and know that you are in good hands.
That sounds great, but I know a few authors who believed this before their first publication, but not so much after.
Quality is a very subjective thing, and I'm not saying that to make excuses for poor copyediting or storytelling. I mean that your idea of quality and someone else's idea may be different, and when it comes to your novel, no one is more invested than you in making it top-notch.
It would be nice if it was all clear cut, but I love that you are sharing this all so lucidly! It's a confusing time, but the opportunities are great too. So happy you are jumping into this!
ReplyDeleteLoving this series (and the photo of the battling kangaroos is awesome, too)! I'm sticking with trying the traditional route right now, and quality is one of the biggest reasons. I don't have money to pay a proper editor and I don't trust myself to do a thorough enough job. Same deal with the cover image (I'm not particularly great with visual art).
ReplyDeleteYes, all the control is both great and not-great!
ReplyDeleteTo me, this is one of the best parts of being Indie... especially when it comes to covers~ <3
ReplyDeleteCovers are one major reason I'm tempted to go Indie next time I have a book ready - and quality is a reason I'm tempted to try and get published traditionally. I guess it will depend on the novel, but I definitely will get a professional editor either way!
ReplyDeleteThis one definitely sounded more pro Indie than the last one. Can't wait for Audience. Very illuminating series. Keep them coming!
ReplyDeleteMany small presses include the author in choosing a cover design. Mine did.
ReplyDeletelove, love, love this series, Lisa! Can't wait for the next one.
ReplyDeleteNutschell
www.thewritingnut.com
Quality is the main reason why I hold back from doing it myself. However, now there are a lot of great freelance editors and cover artists who are jumping into the game as well.
ReplyDeleteYes, looking forward to more in this series too. I like how you are breaking it down.
ReplyDeleteSo, wait - do the kangaroos mean we need to find a publisher in Australia for quality? Kidding. You make great points.
ReplyDeleteDef. pros can be our cons. I look at my kids and their greatest strengths are also their greatest faults. :)
ReplyDelete