Trials and tribulations of the self-published author

Here is the thing; if everyone had access to an agent and traditional publishers, the works we put out would be significantly different. But the self-published author has a large obstacle course in front if him as he tries to perfect not only his craft, but the craft of several others in the process.

There are editors, copy editors, illustrators, cover designers, marketing personnel and public relations people that all take a manuscript and turn it into a marketable book with a marketable author. When we publish ourselves, we have to try and fill all those roles.

So we incorporate people we know that might be interested in providing a voice. But the thing is, there are very very few manuscripts that are simply turnstile; ready to go. Any of our friends and family that think raw doesn't happen are kidding themselves. We are writers first and we tell our story. We ask for the assistance of many people as we attempt to build the career.

An example, my first novel, that was completely self-done. no one else read it, no one else worked on the cover. It was my picture and the cheesy pre-designed covers from the publishing website. It was what it was and that was the first lesson. This time around, I asked for editors, proof-readers. I paid for a cover designer. Steps on a ladder. That is what it takes to go from a self-published author to a highly successful self-published author. Along the way we build relationships and a network of people who can help us continue the transition.

It would be wonderful if the very first time I typed some words into a keyboard, the other end of that was a perfectly written, no need to be edited, brilliant piece of prose that made John Steinbeck weep from his grave at its sheer beauty. And, when that happens, please let me know.

The Art of Fielding, one of the most heralded books of the last decade, a book which saw the author receive the largest upfront money in publishing history (at the time) for a first time author, had the absolute best editor in the business. Don't think for a moment that this made no difference. By all accounts, Chad Harbach is a brilliant writer - and he needed an editor. Harbach had a lot of input into the cover design, but he did not create the design. Harbach worked on that book for nine years. And, over time, all of our titles as self-published authors will get a serious makeover as we establish ourselves. But the truth is, that until an agent or publisher calls us and says "we want your book" we will continue our struggle as a one-man show.

When The Beatles were playing local clubs in Liverpool, they were raw. It took a manager (Brian Epstein) and a manager (George Martin) to take that little local club band into possibly the most influential band in the history of rock music. But there was a time when they were doing it their way. All art goes through this phase.

I have long argued that the problem with writers is that we don't have anywhere to put up our art and build a following. Musicians have clubs at which they can play. Painters have galleries where they can place their art and get viewed.

But we do have a place; self-publishing via Amazon.com and other venues which allow us to get our art out there. Along the way, there will be some editing errors that get missed and that is something we can overcome. With a bit of a following, we can sell just enough books to justify spending a few more dollars on the next project. It's how a career is built.