Goodreads asked Karen Nappa:

What’s your advice for aspiring writers?

Karen Nappa Don’t self-publish! We know some people have been successful by doing so, but as a beginning author you benefit from a publisher’s network and experience. When we submitted our manuscript for Trapped to Blushing Books and we got accepted their letter said, ‘welcome to the family’ and it really feels that way. Not only are the staff, the editors and the cover artist we work with wonderful and supportive, but also the other authors in their ‘stable’ have been welcoming and helpful.
Do your research and submit to a publisher that has similar work published. This will not just increase your chance of being accepted, it will also make sure your book will reach readers, who will like your kind of books.

About the only circumstances, I could see where self-publishing will be more successful is if you already have a following. Self-promotion is a lot of work and it’s much easier with a publisher behind you. Sure, you don’t have to share the royalties, but you still have expenses for cover art and editing and paying distributors whatever they charge. We’re happy to let the publisher deal with that end of the stick and make the rest of the writing experience easier.

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