What I’ve Learned: Secret #18: Publishing and Time

The publishing world has changed dramatically within the last years. Twenty or more years ago, authors searched for the right agent to represent their work to the right publisher. Many publishers were and still are closed to authors submissions. If you self-published back then, it was expensive and very difficult to distribute your book. Self-publishing was considered a black mark on an author’s reputation as if your work wasn’t good enough and you resorted to a vanity press.

The world has changed for the better. Not all GREAT books are published by traditional authors and represented by agents. Amazon has become the great equalizer giving opportunities to more authors to sell their work and reach the world.

New writers often ask me should I try for a publisher and/or an agent too or self-publish?

I say it depends.  There are definitely advantages to being traditionally published. But if a person is older or feel they are running out of time, I do recommend self-publishing. Why?

Many traditional publishers take about two years to publish a book both in ebook and print. That is the time from acceptance to being available to the reading public. Not all but many. Plus there’s the time to shop the book around which could take a few months to several years before acceptance by a publisher. I’m not joking about the years part. In romance, there are many publishers that accept simultaneous submissions, while in science fiction, you can only submit to one publisher at a time. It is different according to book type and publisher. Getting an agent may or may not shorten this process, as they are the ones to shop your book and they can do simultaneous submissions to several publishers. Getting an agent can take considerable time too.

Most people don’t get a publisher and/or agent right away!  Even among the smaller publishing houses, there is the time spent sending and waiting for an acceptance. Then having the contract examined by a contract or entertainment lawyer. Checking about anything you’re unsure in it. Then the publisher has to arrange the editing which means you will be reviewing the comments and changes by the editor and then doing it again and perhaps again. There are more pieces I won’t go into here. But the publisher is busy making the book.  The ebook might come out in 6 months or more in the internet ebook stores including Amazon. It might take another 10 months or more to see the book in print if that is agreed in your contract.  These are all averages and are different with every publisher.

What I’m saying here is if you have a condition that may shorten your life and you dearly want your book out, then self-publish. If you are older and feel you only have a few years left, self-publish. I want people to realize their dreams.

On Saturday, I will talk about self-publishing.

If you have the time, traditional publishing and/or publishing with the small or midsize publishers are so worth it.

-Susan

Susan Hanniford Crowley, Amazon Kindle Bestselling Author of Vampire Romance

www.susanhannifordcrowley.com

Where love burns eternal and whispers in the dark!

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