More Thoughts on Self-Publishing

I’m a little behind on this, I apologize. I’ve been in an editing coma for about four weeks, but I am finally poking my head out so I can give my two cents worth on this topic – shall anyone even care. A few weeks back, Jodi Picoult said in an article, and I quote “DO NOT SELF PUBLISH.” Well, clearly Jodi would not be impressed with me. I don’t really get it. A lot of self-published authors fired back, and I salute you friends. To me when I read it, I saw this, “DO NOT FOLLOW YOUR DREAMS. DO NOT WORK HARD TO ACHIEVE YOUR GOALS. GO FLY A KITE YOU IDIOT.”
Photo Credit: The Creative PennWhen self-publishing first started, it had the bad rep. That rep still follows, but I like to think it has lessened. There are some utterly fantastic authors out there whose query letters get lost in the shuffle. I’m just confused as what Jodi thinks those who make it their goal to be published should do if they never get a response. What if we put ourselves through writing workshops (check) (editing workshops (check) online seminars about writing, editing, publishing, etc (check)? All that for nothing? I don’t like hearing that people think indie authors are taking an easy route, or don’t work as hard. I’ve always said I feel like they work harder. And a big thing – we are investing our own money into our story and publishing. We don’t have anyone to hide behind or can blame our editor or publisher for making us change or vision or characters. It is a tiring process, costly, and then someone wants to look down their nose at me and tell me I’ve made the wrong choices?
I named my publishing company Marching Ink, partly based on my pen Samantha March, but also it is what I believe. We’re marching forward into a new era. You may not agree with it, but let’s think – some people didn’t agree airplanes or automobiles were a great idea when they first came around. A lot of people were wary when cell phones came out. Facebook was a foreign language when that sprouted up. Women’s rights – hello! But instead of being afraid and criticizing those who aren’t, let’s try to have an open mind. Let’s say “good job” to those we have put in the hours and tears when it comes to their writing. The article didn’t have any follow-up question or response from Jodi on why she doesn’t want anyone to self-publish, so I’m not sure exactly what her thoughts are, but I’m disappointed that some aspiring writers might see that article and become too scared to self-publish. I’m all about making your own opportunities, and there have been so many self-publishing success stories, I like to think mine included. My advice for writers? If you want to be an author, be an author. Do your homework, work hard, but most importantly- don’t give up, and don’t let anyone convince you to throw in the towel.