Publishing is a Maze

by Kenneth Shelby Armstrong
(Fort Towson, OK 74735)

The Treasures of Life

I am convinced that the greatest books that have ever been written, have never been published. Because of the difficulty in getting agents, publishers, etc. They lie silently somewhere in niches of caves, in dusty attics, and in decaying slush piles. Meanwhile, tripe is published--announced on best seller lists.

I am convinced that the greatest books that have ever been written, were at some time rejected by the most famous of agents, and the greatest of publishers. Only those who persevere will give birth to their babies.

I read more than a hundred books on publishing and eventually faced the fact that the publishing maze would probably never get my book published. I tested my hypothesis and confirmed that the option for traditional publishing was shrinking.

I decided to self publish. I researched self publishers, professional editors, cover designers, distributors, etc. I learned that nearly everyone of the professionals were there to take your money, but give no guarantees.

What I learned by self publishing would have taken me ten years if I decided to pursue following the traditional route. I published my book (THE TREASURES OF LIFE) myself and I have come to some conclusions.

1. Somehow you must find and use a PROFESSIONAL editor. After paying three or four promising editors, I found that they were only "promising." Finally, I found a good one with reasonable rates. He has now retired. Who ever you are, get an editor.

2. A good cover designer is a must. I paid mine well, but they missed the boat. I finally did my own cover. Not recommended.

3. If you rely on your publisher to sell your book, you will be disappointed. If you don't do it, it will not be done. But, don't build a cannon to shoot a gnat.

4. The POD system is typically a MONEY system. They use your money to build their system.

5. Don't use local printers. They are not set up to do books. Use a national printer and publish few copies. Buy 100 copies, and see how easy it is to sell them. After you learn that they have legs, give the remaining copies away and redesign or rewrite, and then print 250 copies.

I must quit. I think I could write a book on this one subject, but would it sell? Better to read less by many writers than a lot from one.

Want to read more? Visit Kenneth Writes.

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