The world of “self-publishing” or the world of “self-delusion”?
Posted July 24th, 2010 by Alan GCategories: publishing, self-publishing
Companies that “help you self-publish” an oxymoron if I’ve ever heard one are springing up faster than offers to have millions of dollars placed in your bank account through Nigerian barristers and Chinese business persons. First, let’s get something straight. If an organization requires you to pay in order to get “self-publishing,” you are not self-publishing, unless you placed the ad yourself and are answering your own ad. The average sales for one of the most popular of these outfits, “Lulu” is about three books per book title. Have we reached a level of delusion where we think lots of people would be so interested in what we have to say that we’re willing to fall for these schemes? Everyone does have at least one story to tell, but that doesn’t mean anyone would want to read it. The same was true of those old slide show programs, families would invite neighbors and relatives to watch, then be shocked when the guests were more interested in the snakcs than the images.
I don’t think my meager attempt at suggesting most of these outfits are ripoffs (they are) will have much impact, but consider the fact that talented people pay $50,0000 and more simply to complete an M.F.A. program in writing at colleges and universities. And such programs are selective in the number of candidates they accept. That’s just to LEARN to write well. Usually people in such program have already published something, like a few short stories or poems.
If you see an ad whose sponsor claims they will improve your manuscript to a level that will warrant publishing it, they are lying. They may word their ad in such a way that they won’t risk a lawsuit, but it is B.S., plain and simple. Let me know if you’ve had experiences with such places that did not live up to their promises. I won’t charge you by the word.