Patricia Harrelson

This past weekend I did a work shop at the Tuolumne Writers Retreat on Self-Publishing: Pros & Cons. Rather than lecture on the topic, I wanted to give the writers a chance to think about the topic for themselves.  Since I know the decision to self-publish is a very personal one,  I asked participants to write their answers to some questions that would get them thinking about what they wanted from the publishing process. Here are the questions I asked:

1. Briefly describe what would make your book a success in your own eyes. In answering this question, think about:

• Who is your ideal reader?

• What kind of books does he/she buy?

• Where are these books sold?

2. In what ways does the publication of your book tie into your vision of yourself as a writer?

3. How much time are you willing or able to spend getting your book into print?

4. How much money do you have to invest in this project? How much and from whom could you borrow if necessary to complete this project?

5. What obstacles have you already run into in the publication process and/or what obstacles do you foresee in getting your book published.

6. Who do you know who can help you get this book into print? Think wide and far as well as up close and personal. Include long-shots and really iffy options. 

 The group wrote furiously and then we had a lively discussion with every one sharing and comparing their responses. Then I gave them a hand out describing the 4 primary forms of self publishing.  After a brief discussion and some questions about the handout, each participant took a turn naming his or her pros and cons self-publishing.

Why don’t you take some time and write out your responses to these questions and if you want, leave a comment. Tomorrow, I’ll post the list of 5 Forms of Self-Publishing.