Why is there a problem? Indie Pub vs. Traditional Pub

For those of us authors who are on various lists like Sisters in Crime and Murder Must Advertise and many others, an ongoing rather hostile battle has been going on between the two kind of publishing.

Those who are published by traditional publishers--the New York variety--look down with disdain on the indie published. Indie published can mean anything from self-publishing in the many ways of doing that these days and including various forms of e-publishing. And of course the others strike back with all sorts of arguments which I'm not going to bother to go into.

There is also the independent small publishers who may fall into one of the other categories or not depending upon which side you happen to be on.

The traditional publishers don't feel that those who are self-publishing or with small publishers are getting edited making their book inferior. (Frankly, I've read a lot of New York published books, especially by big name authors, that suffered from lack of editing.) They also proudly announce that they make far more money and have much more prestige. (Probably true except for a few e-pubbed authors who have figured out the secret to promotion.) Oh, and there's also the fact that an e-book doesn't smell like a real book. (I don't sniff my books.)

I think small presses should be looked at by themselves. Of course some small presses are better than others. Most of them now do e-books and trade paperbacks. Most small presses have editors and hire professional book cover designers. I think all my book covers are great and look better than many of the New York publishers' book covers.

No, I don't make much money, but though it would be nice, that's not why I write. I write because I have to write and I'm thankful I have two publishers who are willing to publish my books. I don't want to learn how to do that--even though it's much easier and less costly than it used to be. I do a tremendous amount of promotion for my books--something that most authors do no matter who publishes them unless they are a big name. Oh, there is publicity for the big names, but they didn't have to pay for it or arrange it.

And now to my point, ranting and raving about the differences and which one is better isn't going to change anything. However you're published, be thankful and move on. Write the next book. Plan the promotion. Be writing another book while you're promoting the last one. Not only be grateful to your publisher, but also to your readers.

That's how I feel. What about you?

Marilyn

Comments

J.Q. Rose said…
Interesting you are writing on this topic. I just read an article by James Patterson last night. He says the best way to sell a book is to write a good story. We all get caught up in the promotion, and forget to keep writing to tell a great story. Trad or not, it's all about the best tale you can weave.
Hi, J.Q., it truly is a sore subject to some and they are wasting good writing time arguing about it.

Marilyn
I can't believe the typo in the heading. Will fix that right now!
Cheryl said…
I think it's easy to criticize the little guy. I've been happy with my small publisher and I'm using another for my next book coming out in 2012. We all must do what we think is best for us and our writing.

There was an article in the Wall Street Journal recently about how difficult it is to get picked up by the big guys. Why should good writers have to push aside their dreams solely because their names aren't part of the establishment?

Hope you and your family have a great Christmas, Marilyn.
There have been lots of discussions on several of the lists I'm on about this subject, and some have become quite heated--us against them type. Foolish, I think.

Merry Christmas to you and your family too, Cheryl.

Marilyn
Marilyn,
I agree. There shouldn't be a problem, especially since so many of us cross over from one arena to the other.
Marilyn
Hi, Marilyn L. Yes, I don't really know why so many get their feathers ruffled over this.

Marilyn M.
Jackie King said…
I agree with you Marilyn; we should all support one another. And I think (or like to think) that most of us do. It's foolish to waste our creative energy on such qubbles.
webpromo said…
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ebookauthor said…
We've been battling this question for 15 years, haven't we Marilyn. I love having a small press publisher so I don't have to worry about much but writing. I've always said there should be room for all of us. Maybe the day will come when it isn't even a concern, but it will take a while. Our great grandchildren will wonder what all the fuss was about.
Yep, Ms Anonymous, I know I know you but can't tell by your photo, too small. Yep those of us who have been e-pubbed for years are still amazed at how shocked the big pubs are about what's happening with e-books. I say, it's about time.
LD Masterson said…
This comment has been removed by the author.
LD Masterson said…
Oh fudge. Critical, meaning- changing, mis-type in my previous comment. Trying again:

For me, the line is between self publishing and "being published" - by any size publisher. I just want the satisfaction of knowing a professional publishing house (NY or indie) thought my work was good enough to print. And I really do want to be in print (as oppesed to e-only) because that's always been the dream.

But for everyone else - hey, do what works for you and more power to you.

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