[sarahdalton]

I've not always agreed with his blog posts before, but quite liked this one.

Sometimes I do feel a bit like there are too many cheerleaders. I usually end up ignoring those kinds of blogs. Sometimes I feel like there's way too much discussion on both sides, and it's generally because people know how much attention you can get by talking about self-publishing. But this time, I read it to the very end and found myself agreeing, not with everything, but most points.

 

[sarahdalton]

There's already an air of critiquing, especially on this board. We often share book covers and blurbs, find beta readers, give advice on where we might be going wrong.

 

[sarahdalton]

I'm finding the comments a bit more jarring than the post. I took the post to mean putting your best foot forward, and treating self-publishing like a business, which is something I strive for myself. But, I am finding some of the comments more difficult to stomach, specifically the ones suggesting that everyone needs a developmental edit, rather than copy edit and proofread.

Is it really so difficult to imagine, despite the many hats self-publishers wear, that we can't wear the hat of editor? Don't get me wrong, I'm usually of the opinion that it's not a good idea to publish a book that no one else had read. I'm a big believer in betas, editors and proofreaders, but when it comes to spending thousands of dollars/pounds on developmental edits, and rewriting books over and over... I just don't think it's always needed.

There, I said it. I confessed it.

I also think I got a different meaning from Chuck's piece. I read it thinking that he was encouraging more of a Kboards atmosphere, rather than discouraging it. We ARE critical here. If someone asks for help, we tell them what's wrong. It's not just a cheerleading place, it's a point of contact for authors to meet and improve. Yeah there are inspirational posts, but the vast majority are really sensible. Maybe there's more trade publishing bashing than I'm aware of. I don't really read those threads. Still, there are always differing opinions, and differing attitudes. There are many people on either side. It's a discussion board.

Just my two cents as always.

 

[sarahdalton]

The follow up made me a bit uncomfortable. I've just read it.

I still agree with being the best we can be as authors. But lets face it, 'our best' is subjective, and still capable of being rubbish. I for one will not be telling another author their book is crap (unless they ask my opinion) because it's none of my business. But readers have the review option, and the option to get a refund. Plus the sample on Amazon.

Ugh. This entire argument is making me weary now. I regret clicking and ultimately getting involved. There's no right answer to this debate. There really isn't.

And with that, it's time to work on my book. I have a business to run. We all do.

 

[sarahdalton]

I'm late to this thread and while I've read with interest the various views, I don't intend to jump into it.

But I have been watching, on Twitter and elsewhere, potshots being taken at this board and some threads here. I never really understood it and I still don't.

So I wanted to say that I really love you all. Smart and funny and opinionated and contrary and everything else.

I'm nobody in particular but I've never felt anything but welcomed here, and everyone has gone out of their way to help when I needed it.

So, I hope the Cafe overall doesn't let the snark get under our (metaphorical) skin. This is a useful place with good people. Even the ones I never agree with

Darn it you made me twitter search! I've now officially lost respect for a couple more writers!

This is getting silly now. Healthy debate is one thing, this is descending into something else altogether. I don't even... Sigh.