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Hi:
I'm hoping other writers can comment on the paths they are chosing, and why. Here is my dilemna. I've published around 5 novels with small press, but have made less than $1,000 in over six years on all those, combined. Recently, I got a mystery accepted by a traditional publisher. Not a huge advance, but something.
Now, I've got two books out as indies. They are selling much better (I'm not in the 1,000 a month league yet, but at about half that mark on the first book) and I'm trying to decide if I want to just go full-bore indie or if I still want to try to get into the traditional market. I enjoy working with an editor because they invariably make me work harder and perform better than I do when I'm completely on my own, and that is an advantage to traditional publishing. Although I can buy an editor, they don't give you the same "through the wringer" experience as an editor who is working for a publishing company.
So there you have it. Should I continue to try selling through a traditional publisher, knowing I will get validation but not much money, or go for the indie market where I'll have more money but no validation (and lack the push of a strong editor).
How are you deciding?
What have your experiences been?
I'm hoping other writers can comment on the paths they are chosing, and why. Here is my dilemna. I've published around 5 novels with small press, but have made less than $1,000 in over six years on all those, combined. Recently, I got a mystery accepted by a traditional publisher. Not a huge advance, but something.
Now, I've got two books out as indies. They are selling much better (I'm not in the 1,000 a month league yet, but at about half that mark on the first book) and I'm trying to decide if I want to just go full-bore indie or if I still want to try to get into the traditional market. I enjoy working with an editor because they invariably make me work harder and perform better than I do when I'm completely on my own, and that is an advantage to traditional publishing. Although I can buy an editor, they don't give you the same "through the wringer" experience as an editor who is working for a publishing company.
So there you have it. Should I continue to try selling through a traditional publisher, knowing I will get validation but not much money, or go for the indie market where I'll have more money but no validation (and lack the push of a strong editor).
How are you deciding?
What have your experiences been?