About « The Self-Published American

About

A blog for writers interested in self-publishing. Maintained and written by a self-published author, R.W. Ridley.

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***Portions Edited by Blog Owner – Removed references to publisher name and individual names.

This aritcle however, seemed to be an
insult to the writing world. Yes, there are people who have
misconceptions about what writing a book will do for them AND they will
not bother to pay attention to these six points. I’d like to ‘wring the
neck of this ‘wranter’ for the negative slant on writing and publishing.
It’s not that what he/she says is untrue, it’s the message to ‘give up
already’. Who thinks that whay they write is ‘crappy’?. Not I! Who
wants someone who has never seen their work to slam the door in their
faces saying, DON’T EVEN TRY? Not I! For after reading this, what
person in their ‘write’ mind would consider themselves or their stories
worthy of publication? I do! This ranter needs an attitude adjustment.
Probably been in the trenches for too long and has a cynical axe to
grind.

Most writers write because they feel they must–they believe that they
have something to say. They have something to say and no matter how much
it stinks to the rest of the world, no matter how much effort it takes
in terms of time, money, or energy, it is the expression of who they
are. The schmuks will be schmuks and they will not pay an iota of
attention to these tips. But for the majority of self-published
writers, people who this company apparently serves I say give them their own voice. Encourage and enrich them!
Who cares if everyone in the whole world wants to write books? In fact, let’s celebrate the self-expression that it represents. By the
lines I see at the bookstore when I check out, it doesn’t matter that
there are more writers in the marketplace–plenty of us are still
reading. As always the best-written, best-marketed and most importantly,
books with a message that appeals to the masses will make their way.

I sincerely hope that this type of rubbish never again makes it to the
masses of writers who turn to “Book Publisher” for advice and encouragement.

Comment by Rth Theobald Probst — September 8, 2008 #

Reply
Thank you for reading and commenting. My goal was not to discourage people from writing or publishing. My goal (with a little tough love) was to tell people to publish for the right reasons, because they love to write and want to share their work with the public. I am the biggest proponent of self-publishing you will ever meet. I’ve been rejected by every major traditional publisher you can think of. Self-publishing has given me opportunities beyond all my expectations.

I wish you luck.

Comment by R.W. Ridley — September 8, 2008 #

Reply
I am very happy to see a site like this. I (after too many years of delays) have self published my first book. An inspirational poetry book called:
A Journey: Of Life, Love and Laughter. It has works by my late Fiancee Kim who passed away a few years ago and myself. It came out this past March. I still have to get some sort of marketing system done for it. But getting it done and out there was a very emotional event for me. If you read this and you question yourself if you should ever get your work published. Do it. It is by far one of the best feelings ever. And if you ever think that a self published author does not amount to anything. You might want to think about Edgar Allen Poe, Mark Twain, Stephen King, H.P. Lovecraft and many others who are legebds now, but all started the same way.

Comment by Ron Diberto — September 12, 2008 #

Reply