Navigating the Publishing Maze: Unraveling the Options for New Authors!

Published by MM Ryan on 11/1/2023

Back when I started writing, anyone considering themselves a serious writer needed to secure a contract with an established publisher in exchange for some type of advance—no matter how small. 

If no publisher was interested, it meant you weren’t ready, your work wasn’t ready, and if you persisted in your dream of being a published author, you needed to get ready!

What did it take to get ready? Writing courses, running to conferences, tracking down names of agents, stalking industry professionals, Anything to get someone to take you and your work seriously. 

What happened to your work in the meantime? It sat until you could get a deal with a publisher or an agent who was interested enough to try to get that deal for you. 

This was a frustrating dynamic for me because the premise was that if my work didn’t make money for a publisher and agent, it was worthless. I enjoyed writing and knew I’d written a good story, but there seemed to be no place for writers who simply wanted to write, publish their work, and move on to the next project.

I admire commercially successful authors, but I didn’t want to compete. 

I then stumbled on ‘self-publishing’ companies that, for 6-10K, would solve all my problems. It sounded good, but I didn’t have that kind of money. I soon became turned off by how aggressive these companies were: once they get your name and email, they’re relentless.

Fortunately, there were many writers like me, as the traditional publishing market shrank, and the e-book market and independent publishing emerged. This has been a good path for me as it allowed me to control the production of my books. The publishing is easy and inexpensive, however, the books can remain as obscure as if hidden in your closet if they're not marketed well. 

For those of us who want our books to reach as many interested readers as possible, the marketing effort is a bottomless pit of constant work. 

The good news is for writers in this new world, who are ready to place their work into the marketplace, there are a myriad of options.

First, there's the option I tried initially: traditional publishing. It involves querying literary agents or publishing houses directly. If you're lucky enough to get an offer, the publisher will provide you with editing, design, publicity, and distribution services. It can be a long and difficult process, filled with rejection, but it does offer your work prestige and wide distribution.

Alternatively, you can self (independently)-publish your book. This is my path, and thanks to the internet and print-on-demand technology, it's easier than ever. Self-publishing requires you to take on all aspects of production, and you retain full creative control. You release your book on your own timetable and receive a larger royalty per book sold. Getting those books sold, however, can be a challenge.

Another option is hybrid publishing. If you're looking for something in between traditional and self-publishing. These companies offer professional services like editing and marketing while still giving authors more control over their work. This is the option I’m considering now that I have three novels on the market and am working on my fourth.

Lastly, there’s the power of online platforms like Wattpad or Medium. These platforms provide writers with a ready-made audience and allow them to share their stories with readers from around the globe.

So whether you choose traditional publishing, self-publishing, hybrid publishing, or online platforms - the choice is yours! The important thing is that your words find their way into the hands (or screens) of eager readers who will appreciate your talent as an author. Happy publishing!