Self-Publishing: A Guest Post by Diane Stresing

As I've tweeted, bleated, ballyhooed, mentioned oh-so-casually, and at times lamented, I wrote and published a collection of essays earlier this year. Self-published, mind you.
 
Why? Well, who’s the patron saint of lost causes? Maybe that’s who you should ask.
 
I’m only half-joking.
 
Self-publishing is pretty darned easy compared to a lot of things (brain surgery, or getting a Suzanne Collins-sized publishing contract) but turning your self-published book into a bona fide money-maker is no picnic. That said, would I do it again? You can bet on it. Really. I have plans.
 
I also plan to continue to peddle some of my manuscripts to traditional publishing houses. See, I like to hedge my bets. The publishing industry has changed more than almost anything in the past 20 years, and I don’t have a crystal ball. I have several manuscripts I think worthy of publication, though – and while I’d love to see a big fat contract with my name on it, I’d also like to see my stories in print sooner rather than later.
 
If you’re investigating your options regarding self-publishing, I highly recommend spending a few (or more) hours reading thoughtful pieces about your options, because they vary wildly in terms of technology, financial investment, and process – all of which affect the final product.
 
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Diane Stresing worked with a traditional publisher to get her first book,  60 Hikes within 60 Miles of Cleveland , into print. Her second title, Dumb Things We Say to Dogs, was published in 2014.  You can reach Diane via Twitter or through her Dumb Facebook page.