Still, the blog post was well written and I agreed with it. Let’s work together instead of expending all our energy battling one another. Good concept.
Imagine my surprise when I went on over to the ACFW’s website and found out there is no place for a self-published author like myself. I can join. That is true. But the only thing I can really partake in is handing over my money.
Here I had been planning on joining to learn to be a better writer. Isn’t that what we all desire? Is to become better at our craft?
I’m feeling snubbed and I don’t particularly like it. I guess I thought what qualified me as a writer is the fruit of my work. I never realized that you have to have a stamp of approval by a certain group, publisher or literary agency before you can actually be a writer. Wow am I naïve!
I chose to self-publish. I had other choices. I could have published with a small but reputable traditional publisher. I chose not to.
So, my question for those of you whose entire worth as a writer is based on acceptance to such a group as the ACFW by way of a traditional publishing house contract is, why?
Why do you want to be traditionally published by a Christian Publishing powerhouse? Is it because you can get the message of Christ out to the masses? Is it because you will have the means to support your family?
Well, it can’t be the money. A friend of mine was recently offered a five thousand dollar advance for one her titles. Wow, right? I mean, that is so cool. If she accepts the deal, she’ll get a check for five thousand less her agent fees. It is going to take a year to a year and a half for her book to be released by this traditional publisher. Then, she is going to need to earn back the advance before she sees another dollar from her hard work. Odds are, it will take years before she sees any more profit from this book, if ever.
Okay, so it must be the author wants to get the gospel message out to the masses, right? You are using your gifts to glorify Christ in the best way you know how. Okay, take a trip to Amazon and look at the prices of most traditionally published e-books. Now, take a look at the rankings. Make sure you are looking at new up and coming talented authors who just got their five thousand dollar advance. Where are they in the rankings? That should give you a pretty good idea of how many e-books are flying out the door, right? I guess that negates reaching the masses.
Now I am at a loss. What exactly makes a traditionally published author an author and me not one? I mean, my message of salvation and hope has now reached well over 60,000 people. Until Forever has an average reviewer ranking of 4.6 out of 5 stars. Forever Blessed has an average reviewer ranking of 4.5 out of 5 stars. So, it can’t be reader approval. Is it because my e-books are priced at only $2.99 and $3.99 respectively? Well, I suppose my prices are lower, but I justify that because how many more readers have the opportunity to hear the gospel while they are being entertained.
In my mind, exposure would be one good reason to go with a publisher. They do have the means to get a title in more places. Although, from what I am hearing, the author is now supposed to do most of their own marketing. I guess there are more questions than answers.
Here is my humble opinion. The business of self-publishing is growing by leaps and bounds. Forward thinkers will benefit greatly from this progress. Those who feel compelled to live by the old rules will wish they had taken advantage of the opportunity while they had the chance. I will continue to use reader response and the amount deposited in my checking account as my validation. I am thankful I can be about the Father’s business without feeling the need to impress those who have placed themselves in lofty places.
Darlene Shortridge, Author, Speaker, Singer
www.darleneshortridge.com
