Self-published Novels - good idea or no?

[Brazen]

Just out of interest, has anyone here read any self-published novels? I haven't.

[Ed Anger]

Just out of interest, has anyone here read any self-published novels? I haven't.

Every now and then my cursor hovers over the 99 cent buy now button, but then I read the description and wander off.

[merithyn]

I've read a few from friends or friends of friends. The stories were mostly decent, but they were badly in need of a good editor. Nothing annoys me more than the common, new writer habits of using adverbs and over-explaining things, which tended to be rife throughout the books that I've read.

This book doesn't have a lot of that, mostly because I kind of beat it into my friend's head that that stuff is the mark of a rank amateur and/or a really crap novel, and he actually listened on that one.

[Syt]

Just out of interest, has anyone here read any self-published novels? I haven't.

As said above, one, maybe. But it was already picked up by a publisher and lying on the shelf in my local bookstore when I became aware of it. The name/author also helped.

[CountDeMoney]

Just out of interest, has anyone here read any self-published novels? I haven't.

A coworker's son once had a small collection of short stories self-published.  Quality of writing aside, it wasn't a bad production.

I can see where the value of self-publishing can come in handy;  it's something tangible to submit to others, or for writing contests, etc.  But I think those exceptions aside, the biggest plus for self-publishing is for the writer.  It's a sense of accomplishment, as someone already remarked.

[Gups]

Just out of interest, has anyone here read any self-published novels? I haven't.

I read one which, in retrospect was probably self-published. A fictional (obv) diary or Mairy Antionette. I got it because I had a few days in Vesailles and it had a few five star reviews (probably from the author's mates). It wasn't badly written but it was deadly dull. I gave up half way through before she had even go to Versailles. So that was a couple of quid and three reading days downs the swannee.

[merithyn]

Oh! And I also have Buddha Rhubbarb's chap book, which he self-published.

It's probably the best of the printed self-published books that I've gotten.

[Malthus]

Just out of interest, has anyone here read any self-published novels? I haven't.

Yup, many years ago in high school. A high school history teacher self-published a novel, and would lend a copy to any student who wanted to read it.

I borrowed a copy and read it. It wasn't bad ... it was an adventure novel, set in Victorian era London, all about a dapper gentleman who ran a spy ring with the help of a collection of young girls he rescued from a life of sex slavery and lodged in a school which he ran for wayward young ladies. These girls all worshipped him, and he used them to carry out spy missions.

I thanked him and gave it back, and to my utter lack of surprise a couple of years later he was fired for inappropriate behaviour with female students.

[Darth Wagtaros]

Just out of interest, has anyone here read any self-published novels? I haven't.

Yeah. I got one at Borders once.  Thought it had a lot of errors in it and was shoddily edited.  Then I noticed the back where it was self published and it all became clear.  I get the cheap sci fi books off Amazon, some of them self published. Same deal. Hit or miss on quality.

[garbon]

Just out of interest, has anyone here read any self-published novels? I haven't.

I read one that a roommate from college published. Was dreadful but since all the proceeds were donated to a cancer society, wasn't entirely pointless.

[Jacob]

If you write a good novel and work your ass off, maybe you can make a go of self-publishing. Even so, that's a rough row to hoe. If GaijinDuMoscu comes by, we can ask him... he was flogging his novel a little while ago.

I've published a few short stories and they haven't gotten anywhere. Maybe they suck, but even if they don't I haven't put the work into trying to take them anywhere... and it's a lot of work. If you're the kind of person who regularly tweets things that are interesting or write fascinating blog posts on a consistent basis you may have a go at it; or if you're one of the leading personalities on a huge message board. Other than that, I think it's low odds.

That said, of course I occasionally tend my own daydream of self-publishing and succeeding, but given the fact that I've never read anything self-published myself it's probably pretty unlikely. Should I ever write an actual novel, I expect I'll try to take it the traditional route and take my lumps that way.

[Ed Anger]

I'll give my amatuer marketing take:


Hit every book forum that allows you to post an advertisement post. Mobileread did, at least last time I checked. Give away a goodly chunk to try to ensnare people. Or even give it away with a request for a donation if they like it on your website.

You want to build the brand(YOU, the author). Build up a fan base,even a smallish one,  then start charging 3 bucks for it.

[Razgovory]

See, that's why this guy is richer then the rest of us.

[mongers]

I'll give my amatuer marketing take:


Hit every book forum that allows you to post an advertisement post. Mobileread did, at least last time I checked. Give away a goodly chunk to try to ensnare people. Or even give it away with a request for a donation if they like it on your website.

You want to build the brand(YOU, the author). Build up a fan base,even a smallish one,  then start charging 3 bucks for it.

Very good advice.

But depressing, as leaving aside the writing, it seems a per-requiste is you're a gifted marketeer.

[garbon]

But depressing, as leaving aside the writing, it seems a per-requiste is you're a gifted marketeer.

I don't think that's depressing. The internet has made self-promotion so much easier.