Okay, so apparently I don’t know how HubPages works and my actual posting did not get published. The problem now is that I have no idea how to make it work. See, this is why writers shouldn’t be required to do anything on a computer other than WRITE.
Anyway, if you’d like to read what I wrote, here it is.
“Once upon a time, the path to becoming a published author was a one-way street. Your manuscript was either picked up by one of the big companies in the industry, or your chances of being published were slim at best. Today, options for writers and aspiring authors of all ages, from all walks of life, are endless. Resources are available to anyone and everyone who has ever dreamed of writing and publishing a book.
I’m going to stop right there, because I know what a lot of people are thinking. So thanks to the self-publishing industry, anyone can publish a book, no matter the quality. It’s true. Independent authors and publishers still have a difficult time getting the big time sellers and critics to take them seriously. Several professionals and readers will automatically presume that if a book is independently published, then it’s poorly-written, not good enough for the big publishing houses, ergo, not worth reading or even considering. For several writers, self-publishing is a last resort – something they’ll consider only if absolutely no one else will take their manuscript.
After I decided that I wanted to pursue publishing back in 2012, I realized that I knew almost next to nothing about the process. I went to the library, invested in the 2013 Writer’s Market, and consulted everyone I knew who either had or knew someone who had published a book. I was advised by several friends and family members to try to find an agent. I knew the process was going to be a long one. Agents receive thousands of query letters a week, and very few of those queries result in requests for full or even partial manuscripts.
After a few months of trying (and failing) to find an agent, I decided I had two options. I could pursue a contract with a traditional publishing house without an agent, which would have meant more months of waiting and almost inevitable rejection, or I could take matters into my own hands and get to work immediately. I ultimately decided to pursue independent publishing after consulting with a fellow author.
My decision was not solely based on my desire to see my book published quickly, although that was definitely a plus. I liked the idea of retaining all the rights to my work. I also liked the idea that I had complete control over my book and what happened to it. I put so much time and effort and love into my book, who better to publish and promote it? Unlike a big company who only cares about how much money a book can bring in, independent authors and publishers care about the integrity and well-being of their work.
Furthermore, the independent community is a wonderful place to connect with authors who are willing to share not only their passion, but their support and guidance. For every newly published independent, there are several professionals who know the steps, who’ve been through the entire process, and who can become not only tremendous allies, but also wonderful friends.
I’m incredibly proud of the work I’ve done as an independent author. My journey as a publisher is one I never really expected to take, but I am so thankful for the experience. It’s given me the opportunity to learn, to grow, and to really appreciate the work not only that I’ve done, but the work of storytellers and authors and poets all over the world.”
A Platform of Sorts 