It's Official - I Go Both Ways

A while back I did a post about indie vs. traditional publishing, and at that time I surmised I would like to go both ways. Since then, I've published 4 titles for the Amazon Kindle, and have had some decent success (in my opinion). Being self-published means a lot of your own time (and cash as needed) goes into the non-writing aspects of the finished product. You are the only one in charge, and the only one who is going to make it happen.

Once you have finished your story - great! Now it's time for the hard part: editing, formatting (either figuring it out or paying for it), designing (or paying for ) cover art and design, and then letting the world know about your book through your own marketing and promotion. This could entail guest-blogging, interviews, giveaways, buying ad space, getting reviews, social media and so on. You also need to keep records, because now you are running your own business. Setting up all of this is just as time intensive as actually doing it, and then  - oh yeah - you might want to keep writing new stuff, because isn't that why you were doing this in the first place?

I was just offered a contract from a traditional erotica publisher for an anthology. I am beyond thrilled by this. However - it does not mean that I am going to suddenly put all of my cute little eggs into one basket; I still plan to continue self-publishing. However, I am honored to be publishing with this particular company, and hope that I am fortunate enough to get other things published with them in the future. It will be amazing to have their reputation, editing, cover design, distribution and promotion behind me. Plus - I'm not at the point where I can afford print copies of my books, and that would be an option with the anthology.

This whole turn of events for me in the last week has made my abandonment of NaNoWriMo at 26,000-plus words less shattering. I realized with all of the forms and correspondence I needed to attend to, that I was just going to stress myself out too much. On the plus side, I am now 26,000 words closer to being able to present this publisher with a follow-up to what they have from me already! Hurrah!

Believe me, I do get that I will still have to market and promote as much as ever, and that my royalty share will be less, but I also won't be one hundred percent alone in my efforts. For some, one way may be better than the other - but I think they are both valid and have their place. So in that spirit, I am now officially going both ways.


Has anyone else out there self-published, and then been traditionally published or vice-versa? Any feedback on your experiences you'd like to share?