Love this Fola! So gutted I wasn't able to make the launch in the end. Glad it went well–as I had no doubt it would. :)
Can I just challenge one thing in your post. You said, "I can only claim my own worth, whereas being chosen by a publisher gives you a bit more kudos since someone else has seen value in your work." I totally get what you mean, but I also see it the other way around. The publishers in the past were THE gatekeepers; the only ones who got to 'chose' who was an author or not. But now with self-publishing, 'WE' are the gatekeepers, so we decide–and it doesn't matter how many books you sell. The fact you have written a book, makes you an author. It's liberating!
That's not that publishers are 'bad.' There are so many benefits to both. It's simply an option that we didn't have years ago.
By the way, glad you got in touch with ALLi. They are awesome!
Thanks Richard, it would have been good to have you there, I really valued your input. You'll have to come to the next one!
Yes, do challenge me! I do see your point, and you are right, it is liberating to publish your own work. There is just a little part of me that feels like I'm patting myself on the back, because I don't have that objective, 'professional' perspective on my work. It's a small hang-up - I don't feel that bad about it, as I have my own reasons for publishing. No matter what, I am proud that I have put my thoughts and message out in the world.
Love this Fola! So gutted I wasn't able to make the launch in the end. Glad it went well–as I had no doubt it would. :)
Can I just challenge one thing in your post. You said, "I can only claim my own worth, whereas being chosen by a publisher gives you a bit more kudos since someone else has seen value in your work." I totally get what you mean, but I also see it the other way around. The publishers in the past were THE gatekeepers; the only ones who got to 'chose' who was an author or not. But now with self-publishing, 'WE' are the gatekeepers, so we decide–and it doesn't matter how many books you sell. The fact you have written a book, makes you an author. It's liberating!
That's not that publishers are 'bad.' There are so many benefits to both. It's simply an option that we didn't have years ago.
By the way, glad you got in touch with ALLi. They are awesome!
Thanks Richard, it would have been good to have you there, I really valued your input. You'll have to come to the next one!
Yes, do challenge me! I do see your point, and you are right, it is liberating to publish your own work. There is just a little part of me that feels like I'm patting myself on the back, because I don't have that objective, 'professional' perspective on my work. It's a small hang-up - I don't feel that bad about it, as I have my own reasons for publishing. No matter what, I am proud that I have put my thoughts and message out in the world.