Inferiority Complex
The world is divided into the Us and Them mentality. It always has been and I suppose that it always will be, but it's perpetual existence doesn't make it any the less frustrating when you feel like you're being thrust into it when you didn't ask to be.
What am I talking about, and what does this have to do with writing? In this instance, I mean the debate between traditional publishing and self-publishing. I'm talking about how those involved in traditional (which can mean print or digital) publishing world have the tendency to look down their noses at those who self-publish. Or feel we need to be "schooled" because of it.
In their defense, because let it never be said that I don't try to be fair minded, there are a lot of self-published authors out there who created a stereotype that the rest of us have to live with. And everyone does have the right to their opinion.
Still, it frustrates me to feel like I'm put in the category of being either greedy, lazy, impatient or egotistical. That I chose to self publish because I wasn't willing to put up with the pounds of rejection that usually come before success in the world of traditional publishing, or that I just want lots of money.
There are many writers out there who fit that mold, but I don't think you should ever paint an entire group with one brush. There are many skilled authors out there choosing self-publishing for a variety of legitimate reasons.
I know that I carefully weighed pros and cons with each decision. I'm choosing to do both. Some books are submitted for consideration to publishing houses, while others I'm choosing to self-publish. I make the decision based on the book, and on a long lists of reasons each way.
Much like in my last post, where the acts of some might diminish us all, I will say that I hope those who do self-publish do so for the same good reasons and not the stereotyped ones, so that we might climb out from under the stigma. Write good stories. Edit. Consider your choices carefully, and choose the path that best suits you and your book.
Ultimately, this post is only to say to the world – or at least anyone who is reading this – that we all judge books by their covers, but let us not judge all writers and authors the same way!
