A touch of reality for self-published authors

[Shelagh Watkins]

In the world of self-publishing, authors tend to have unrealistic expectations so it comes as a refreshing change to read about the financial difficulties facing self-published authors written by someone with experience in banking.

I found this "Handling Your Finances – Lessons from an Author in Transition by Lynnette Khalfani" very informative and helpful:

http://reviews.aalbc.com/handling_your_finances.htm

If you ever thought that receiving an advance for a three book deal would solve all your financial problems -- think again!

[Dennis Kelley]

Thanks for this article. It is very interesting to read about the financial aspects of this business as Ii am just getting ready to release my first book. I would love to hear what others experiences have been going the self-published route. I chose not to go POD on the advice of my publishing coach and it seems that may be a good choice to start. The area I am still uncertain of what to expect are the marketing costs associated with getting a book noticed. Any experience on that would be great.

[George Wilder Jr.]

When I wrote and published my first book, I literally thought the money would to roll in off the money truck. Everyone was telling me that I was finally on my way. Somehow I really wanted to believe them. But I was leary. Because life in general, had never been kind to me. At that time time I really wanted to believe that my ship had finally arrived. I came to realization, that I could publish ten books and never be able to afford a hamburger. But with or without the big bucks, I love what I do. I will always write. I think I get better with every book. I admit I'm a little naive when it comes to the workings of the publishing industry. I'm still learning all the time. Meanwhile, I continue to do what I love. Write.

[Candy Adderley Dawe]

wow!
ive just finished reading the article and it sure doesnt pull any punches! Im a self published author and I can clearly identify with some of the things that she had been going through, but that still doesnt stop me, it's like a fire in my stomach that i cant put out no matter how hard i try...and beleive me i have tried. Most sites I went on said youd be lucky if you sold three books as a self published author so when I sold my first 300 all by word of mouth and hard work, I thought I was on cloud nine. My local bookstore which is part of a national chain have started to stock my books as well and ive got a few newspapers and radio interviews lined up all becuase i wont take no for an answer.
If youre passionate about something you wont...im even taking a writer's break this autumn to work on my fourth novel and to make a few school's appearance. I am never going to give up until i get what im after...and that is doing what i love and being paid for it..
so no i dont mind being a self published author now or later..
i know my hard work will pay off eventually
for me and all of you

[Ametha Williams]

Candy,
I love your spirit. I have just self published two books of poetry and I am now on the road to promoting them. Because my funds are low I have resorted to posting free press releases on the internet which has paid off (my book can be googled just by typing in my name or the name of the book). I have had very little success locally though, the local newspaper won't do a piece on my book (because it is not considered news worthy) so I am thinking about putting adds in the local papers just to get people talking about my book. Your enthusiasm keeps me motivated not to give up. Thank you for such an enjoyable and eye-opening comment!
Ametha Williams