Yesterday my 12-year-old granddaughter, a writer of fantasy fiction, and I had an extended writers' chat about some of these same topics. I have shared the column with her.
Spines says it isn't self-publishing - seems at a glance, though, that it is? I'm an emerging author writing a book-length memoir, and I realize it's vanishingly unlikely that I will find an agent and a publisher, and likely that I will end up self publishing. Even if a hybrid publisher like She Writes Press accepts my book, it's a two-year lead time and I believe a much greater financial outlay for me. I might as well explore publishing with Spines and see what they really offer. What do you think, given my situation?
Fran, if I were in your shoes, I would try to reach out to at least two authors who had been published by the hybrid company you are considering, whether it's Spines or someone else, to learn about the pros and cons of their experience. Don't trust the publisher's marketing material! Self-publishing boils down to an investment in your own book and the launch of your author brand, essentially. It's always a calculated risk. Best of luck with your writing; hold onto the joy!
Thank you! Yes. I won't rush into anything. A friend was published by She Writes and is happy with the way the whole process went, so they are top of mind, but I'm looking forward to doing a lot of research when I'm ready.
Great, thoughtful post.
Yesterday my 12-year-old granddaughter, a writer of fantasy fiction, and I had an extended writers' chat about some of these same topics. I have shared the column with her.
Thank you for this helpful post.
Spines says it isn't self-publishing - seems at a glance, though, that it is? I'm an emerging author writing a book-length memoir, and I realize it's vanishingly unlikely that I will find an agent and a publisher, and likely that I will end up self publishing. Even if a hybrid publisher like She Writes Press accepts my book, it's a two-year lead time and I believe a much greater financial outlay for me. I might as well explore publishing with Spines and see what they really offer. What do you think, given my situation?
Fran, if I were in your shoes, I would try to reach out to at least two authors who had been published by the hybrid company you are considering, whether it's Spines or someone else, to learn about the pros and cons of their experience. Don't trust the publisher's marketing material! Self-publishing boils down to an investment in your own book and the launch of your author brand, essentially. It's always a calculated risk. Best of luck with your writing; hold onto the joy!
Thank you! Yes. I won't rush into anything. A friend was published by She Writes and is happy with the way the whole process went, so they are top of mind, but I'm looking forward to doing a lot of research when I'm ready.