Q&A with Susan Kaye Quinn discussion

My first novel, Life, Liberty, and Pursuit was traditionally published through a small publisher. Open Minds was self-published. The industry is changing, and I believe every book and author has their own path to take. Feel free to ask writing and publishing questions here (also see the For Writers tab on my website)! I will do my best to answer them!

I would love to hear what you thought of the self-publishing route. Did you use a site like lulu?

I went through Createspace (owned by Amazon) for the print book and have my e-book all kinds of places (mostly Amazon, B&N, and Smashwords). The self-pub route is a lot of work, but very rewarding. I love have control of the entire process! But I think people need to think carefully about whether self-pub is right for them, or right for that particular book. Some books have a better shot at self-pub success than others, and it's important to weigh that before jumping in. (I'm also still pursuing traditional publication with other books, notably my middle grade novels.) It's also important to consider whether you're the "independent" type - launching a book is very much like launching a small business.

Sue, was it worth it? The trouble, the having to do everything on your own? I mean you were in charge of literally everything. And if you are pursuing traditional publication with other books, why not with Open Minds? What intrigued you about the self-publication process? *waving*

*waves to Robyn*

I did query Open Minds, and had a lot of agent interest in it. My decision to self pub OM (see the full post here) came down to this:
1) Publisher interest in paranormal was waning, even though paranormal YA novels are still burning up the charts
2) Price control
3) Writing investment diversification

I could see Open Minds getting mired in a downward trend that no one wanted to take a chance on. Even if I succeeded in getting in agent, it could be up to a year before we would know if it sold, and a year or two after that before it hit the shelves. Even I could see that might be problematic. Whereas now, I knew there were people buying this kind of book. So self-pubbing allowed me to get it out quickly. I could have gone through my original small press, but having control over pricing was key to making the book a success.

Was it worth it? Absolutely yes. After one month, I've already made back half of my up-front investment in professional cover and editing. I'm getting lots of critical praise for the book, and most importantly, people are reading my work! I think it was exactly the right thing to do for my writing career.

p.s. I'm still pursuing traditional pub for my middle grade works, because that's still a paper world (I believe) and to have those books be successful, I need the help of the traditional infrastructure.

Amazing Sue. You did a fantastic job. It is the best self=pubbed book I have ever read.

So with my middle grade, I should not think of self-publishing then. Right?

I have several friends with MG books who have self-pubbed, with varying success. I think it's really hard to market MG - you have to target the gatekeepers instead (parents, teachers, librarians). Until kids start bypassing those to buy direct online, the way adults do, self-pubbed MGers will have a hard time.

That being said, I think within 3 years, MG ebooks will be a substantial part of total MG sales.

Personally, I'm holding off on self-pubbing any of my MG works until I think the market is ready for them.

The price control thing is very nice, isn't it? Thanks for answering my questions about it. I think you're right about middle grade. Even though I do know some who have done it. I'll hold off.

I had read your post on why over at your house, but heading over to refresh my memory. Smooches.

Thanks for the great questions! :)

Hey Sue, thanks for having such a great discussion. I'm planning to self-pub my MG adventure/time travel story soon. I look at it as getting in on the ground floor of e-mg books. I agree with you that in a few years we'll see more mg 3-sales.
I'm looking forward to starting my series and find some early adopters. :)

Early MG adopters will certainly be ahead of the game when the MG wave finally does hit! You'll have multiple books out by then, and that is definitely an advantage. You should chat with Anita Miller and D. Robert Pease and Rick Daley about their forays into self-pubbing MG. Good luck!

And in breaking MG e-book news, Amazon acquires Cavendish titles.