self publish or not to?

[Stephanie]

I read almost all commentary on Goodreads. I suggest that everyone do more research, choose a company. Of course then you have to write, check, recheck. Nothing is easy. Let Amazon, Createspace and others yell at each other. Find a company that stays out of the line of fire. I find it unfortunate that traditional bookstores will soon be a thing of the past. I blame all this on Pac Man. Who would have thought. My days of wandering around Barnes & Nobles is quickly coming to a close. If they want to stay in business they should stop over ordering. As far as a big star's name, "Yes, publishers will wait on their doorstep to get them, but think about it are the 'stars' writers, wanna be's or are they given a carte blanch ghost rider? Politicians didn't grow up to become writers, they run for office, lose the election then write or tell their story. Like I care, probably didn't vote for him anyway. His resume doesn't mention writer or upcoming author. It says, 'I was Mayor, saved the town money, now I'll salvage the state, I'm running for governor.' Writers are those of us who share a common thread. We like to write. I'm not interested in running for office, but it is a shame that traditional publishers' greed is blatant when it comes to 'brand name' writers. Those people don't qualify to be called authors. They're politicians, ball players, Hollywood film stars, etc. etc. So do what you do best, research, think, write and do it over and over.
You're authors, some published, some not. You'll get there. Do yourself a favor and see how many times some really good authors were turned down, turned away, until one day, one really good reader says, "Hey this was a good book. How come I never knew about it? I rest my case. Now would someone give me their opinion on who they feel the best self pub is out there or should we all get together, join forces and start our own company? Thanks for letting me vent. Stephanie
angelsay@ptd.net

[Robert]

Stephanie - a person can be a great writer, but if their life's dullsville or they have no interesting experiences or even an active imagination, it does them little good unless they can write a biography about someone who's accomplished or lived an adventure. Real bores get to be ghostwriters.

[Stephanie]

Robert- thanks for response. Ghostwriters ARE bores. The kind you can't see but sell themselves as 'good' writers. No bio, no adventure, nothing accomplished. And most of all NO imagination (active). And live a very dull, less than interesting life. No life experience at all. Thanks again for input.

[Sue]

I only know one ghost writer but she is quite interesting and vivid.

[Stephanie]

Sue-interesting-mmm One question if I may. If this person whom is 'vivid' and 'interesting', of which I do not doubt. Why a ghost writer? Afraid? No confidence? Possibly monetary problems. If this person is vivid and interesting, I wonder why she doesn't put hand to pen herself and take a shot at her own vivid imagination. Known many ghost writers that did it for money. A great service to those who have a story but don't know how to put pen to paper. I believe you would have to be interesting and vivid to make someone else's story vivid and interesting. Nothing against ghost writers, but can't use it in your bio if you should have one However, you are precluded (almost all cases) from mentioning specifics. Why doesn't she tell her story re: ghostwriting, would make a very inviting read.