Self-publishing or Self-delusion?
Companies that “help you self-publish” –an oxymoron if I’ve ever heard one are springing up faster than Nigerian barristers. If an organization requires you to pay 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 want to read what we write? Everyone has at least one story to tell, but that doesn’t mean anyone would want to read it. If you can those old slide shows presented via a Kodak Carosel,you might know what it’s like to feel obligated to read.
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. That’s just to LEARN to write well. It doesn’t mean you will.
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.
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