Michael’s Comments (group member since Dec 27, 2011)

Michael’s comments from the Editio Self-Publishing group.

Welcome Sumi.

@Joanna - you are welcome...I think too often authors think that traditional publishing will absolve them of marketing, a mentality that if adopted will generally result in a failed release.

@Joanna - well if it makes you feel any better...It's not just self-publishers that have to master self-promotion aspects. In today's world - all authors, regardless of publication route need to do the heavy lifting.

Hello all,
I've been a member of this group for a a while but realized I've not introduced myself so here goes.

I'm Michael J. Sullivan and I'm a kind of self-publishing evangelist, as it transformed my writing career. For those that don't know me I write fantasy and my Riyria Revelations series:



Was originally self-published before I sold it (six-figure contract with Hachette Book group) and they re-released it.



I've made a couple of notable self-published lists including, The Most Successful Self-Published Sci-Fi and Fantasy Authors as well as Self-Publishing Success Stories (for authors who have sold more than 70,000 books through self-publishing.

I'm hoping to learn and share what has worked with me with others here.

P.S. I'm going to be hosing an author Q&A from October 8 - 15 and one of the major areas will be devoted to self-publishing and book marketing. Please feel free to join the group at any time and ask questions, although I'll only be answering them during the official open dates.

Here is the group's link

I'm Michael J. Sullivan and I'm a kind of self-publishing evangelist, as it transformed my writing career. For those that don't know me I write fantasy and my Riyria Revelations series has been produced both through self-publishing and also picked up by a big-six.

I've made a couple of notable self-published lists including, The Most Successful Self-Published Sci-Fi and Fantasy Authors as well as Self-Publishing Success Stories (for authors who have sold more than 70,000 books through self-publishing.

I'm going to be hosting an author Q&A from October 8 - 15 and one of the major areas will be devoted to self-publishing and book marketing. Please feel free to join the group at any time and ask questions, although I'll only be answering them during the official open dates.

Here is the group's link

My self-published books:


My traditionally published books:

Thanks guys - We are starting to get up there in data - please send any writer friends you know that way.

As you know, the publishing industry is in great flux and traditional publishing paradigms are breaking down. The recently released Taleist Survey looked at self-published authors but ignored those published traditionally (both through big-six and small press) and also didn't take into consideration "hybrid" authors who have feet in on both sides of the door.
Also, they did not release their raw data, making it impossible to do any analysis.

In order to get a better picture about the CURRENT publishing landscape, as well as what paths writers are pursuing I've created a survey and need writers (both aspiring and published) to help bring some clarity to today's publishing climate.


The survey is designed so that you can skip sections that don't apply to you (for instance if you are not yet published). As a way of saying thanks, I'll provide my analysis AND raw data to all those who participate (minus any identifying information – such as email address).

I already have more than 400 authors contributing, but need even more. Talelist had 1,000 and I would like to try and match that number.

Regardless of whether you have published, or are working to publish, I want to hear from you. You can take the survey here.


Michael Sullivan
Author of The Riyria Revelations