I stumbled on this self-publishing company called Lulu today (I was actually looking for LaLa.com), and was impressed with the quality and breadth of offerings on the site. With more than a dozen sizes and six binding styles, paper choices and customizable covers, it seems like the end product would be fairly convincing -- perhaps even impressive.
I'll be honest: my knee-jerk reaction is that these sites are scams, taking advantage of people who are vulnerable after getting cut from the big leagues (you know, like the AFL), people who didn't quite have the talent and were indefinitely slush-piled -- and probably for good reasons, too.
But then I got to thinking (which happens on occasion)...who really needs a publisher these days?
First, there is no lack of digital space devoted to the works-in-progress of amateur/struggling/rising-star/promising/unpublished authors (you're in one right now). As content distribution becomes ubiquitous in the digital age, complimented by a seemingly infinite number of channels to self-promote and engage your audience, has the publisher become obsolete?
Also, right here on Gather, we've got hundreds of thousands of users chomping at the bit for a good read, many of whom would be happy to lend an editorial eye to your work. With all of these nimble -- and free -- resources at your fingertips, is it time to look inward when looking for a publisher?
So, Gatheroos, what's your take? As publishers seem to grow increasingly focused on celebrity-"written" memoirs and blockbuster bestsellers, should we eliminate all the middlepersons and go for it on our own? Are we, the public, the true taste-makers and trend-setters -- the collective deciders of quality? Or do we just bury our crappy manuscripts and go back to school for an MBA?
So, the Survey, as promised: Which one of these best describes your opinion on self-publishing? (Comment your answer, and please elaborate!)
a) I would never self-publish. It's for losers looking for a cheap way out.
b) I have self-published, and it's working out just fine, thank you very much.
c) I have self-published, and it was a waste of time and money.
d) I might consider it. Let me get another 50 or 60 rejections and we'll see.
e) Oh, hells yeah. I'd do anything to get my Great American ______ in print!
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Comments: 7
I have heard of Lulu for a long time now. They aren't a scam, for sure.
I can't answer your survey, as asked, because I'm already with a small press.
I'm using CreateSpace through Amazon. It's pretty much the same thing. I went to Lulu first but it kept crashing on me so I went with the other one. The book doesn't look exactly like a professional product but in that case it's probably the best I'll ever get. I mean, you tell an agent you have a 120,000-word coming-of-age story about an American you might as well just take a dump on their desk. I sent out to a whole bunch of agents and none of them would even read a sample of the story. So, OK, I'll go it alone and maybe a few people will actually read it. In the end that's what matters.
1- Lulu.com isn't a scam, I use myself. It is an alternate publishing option that is used by many authors. It is the front-runner, along with CreateSpace, for subsidy publishing. There are pros and cons for Lulu, but overall it isn't a bad self-publishing option.
2- I choose, b) I have self-published, and it's working out just fine, thank you very much.
Self-publishing gives you a lot of control of your book, even if you have to work twice as hard at marketing. It's also a good way to learn the business end of writing.
I started my own publishing company - I guess it's called self-publishing and it's worked out great - I love my work and so why should I depend on anyone else? It may not be for everyone but if your work fits into a particular niche as mine does, then all you need is to do it yourself - but doing it yourself is not going through another company - it's YOU doing it...all the way from picking out the paper, binding and ISBN numbers - all the best. Salud
Ask yourself how many books like the one I've just written have I bought this year? That will give you an idea of how well your book will sell. I write the kind of books that I personally like to read and purchase. Salud
I have a friend who has published a number of books on LuLu, he is well pleased and I have and like the products.
Point of clarification: I'm not saying Lulu is a scam, I was simply sharing the opinion of many writers, which is that self-publishing in general lacks legitimacy. I for one am undetermined (having only tried to sell one book, and had a fairly positive response from agents, but no contract).