Should I go for an agent? Should I self-publish? Is it more prestigious to have a publishing contract with an independent publisher or traditional publisher versus self-publishing? These questions run through every writer’s mind, and I’m here to tell you what I’ve learned in the past five years as a published author.

In 2014 I told myself, this is it. I’m writing a book from start to finish and I’m going to publish it this time. It took me about three years to write that book. Previously, I had started writing novels but never finished them. I never thought I could publish my work. I didn’t think writing was a viable career option.

When I lost my job at a major food corporation, I began looking at other possibilities. I revisited my creative side. I had always been a writer, but life had gotten in the way and I had pushed my writing aside. I could hear my seventh-grade English teacher’s voice in my head saying, “Your work is good. You should publish it.” So, I thought, it’s time to do something for myself.

When I finished writing my novel, I bought a copy of Writer’s Market. I looked through the massive book to see which publishers I could submit to without having an agent. I also went online and researched. I made a list of the publishers I wanted to send my work to and I put together the requested materials. I sent my manuscript to three publishers and one of them responded with interest.

The publisher liked my work and offered me a contract. They were an independent publisher and the contract was fairly simple. I questioned the legitimacy, but they were listed on several reputable sites, so I decided to move forward. I literally did a happy dance on top of my bed. I was going to be a published author!

When you have a publisher, you have someone to copyright your novel for you, create your cover, and provide you with an ISBN number. They should help make it easier to sell your book, however, you still have to do a TON of marketing. Marketing is over 50% of the job. You cannot be a successful writer without marketing yourself and your books.

Major things to keep in mind if you go with a publisher:

• Understand the difference between a traditional, independent, and vanity publisher.
• If you want a traditional publisher, you first need an agent. Getting an agent can take a long time, so you have to be patient. I spent a year submitting to agents for a different book and I finally asked myself why, when I can self-publish.
• Research their background to be sure they are legit.
• Know your contract well.
• Request free author copies within your contract.
• You will be giving them a portion of the royalties, so you make less money.
• You still have to market yourself, which might include going to events.
• If you have a traditional publisher, you do as they say, when they say it.
• You might be asked to modify your story in a way you aren’t willing to.
• If you have to pay for a ton of services, books, etc., the publisher is most likely a vanity press who is out for quick money and doesn’t actually care about your book or how it does. They will do anything they can to get you to spend more money. Vanity has a price, of course.
• I could be wrong, but if your publisher refuses to speak to you via a phone call, I’d be leery.

If you go the route of self-publishing:

• You get to decide if your story is sufficient or needs more work.
• You will be very busy because you now have to either hire people to set up your book, or you need to buy and learn all of the software. I recommend the latter because you don’t have to pay people in the future to make changes or put together more books.
• You get more money, but you also spend all of the money to get to the point of publication and sales.

I left my publisher and am now republishing my books. I had to have all new covers made, I had to purchase new ISBNs, and I had to buy formatting software. That said, I feel this is the better option for me. I’m in charge of my future. I spend the money I want, and I’m involved in the whole process. My word is the last word. Previously, self-publishing was frowned upon, but now it’s gained more respect and the old ways of publishing are becoming less common.

I would like to add that there is something to be said about going with a publisher when you’re first starting out. The publisher will help you learn the business and that is why I don’t regret going with my prior publisher. I am a better person for what I learned and now I can move forward and do it on my own with confidence.

For more information on T.K., check out her book and her author’s page on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Runway-Dreams-Pricey-Affair-Southern-ebook/dp/B0C7LQ43DR

Or Facebook at: www.facebook.com/TKAmbers