After much thought, I have decided that it’s time for me to stop being a self-publisher.
It hasn’t been an easy decision to make, but I think it’s an important next step in my writing career. As it stands, I am putting too much time, energy and money and getting too little return on it.
This isn’t going to be an immediate change, I’m not pulling my books from Amazon. I will, however, start working on finding a publisher that I can work with. I believe that I can, I think that I have a lot to offer a press. I have two finished books and am working on a third, and I have a small but very enthusiastic following.
I think I have a realistic view of what a publisher can offer me. My books need professional editing. I think that a publisher can offer me a wider platform for marketing–not to do the marketing, but to help me reach a wider audience. There is, quite frankly, a lot of the paperwork and grunt-formatting involved in producing a book that I would gladly let someone else handle.
What am looking for? Well, probably a fairly small press, preferably one that specializes in horror, science fiction, and fantasy. There are quite a number out there. I will look into agents, but I will also be actively looking at publishers directly, and I think I’d prefer one who will deal with unagented writers.
What does this mean to people who follow my work? Well, I would like to have Worms Of Heaven published by a press. I would like to have my first two edited and re-issued. However, I don’t want to make people who already have my first two books buy them again–from what I know of how this process works, Amazon will continue to support the original editions, but not sell any more copies.
The issue of the audiobooks is a little trickier. Brandon has already done the work, the deal that we made was to split royalties. I don’t know if I can sign over audio rights while still respecting our original agreement–and that’s not negotiable. I have no problem cutting a new publisher in on my half of the royalties, but I am not going to cheat Brandon out of his half.
So there are issues to be dealt with. However, I know that I am not the first person to deal with them, and either a publisher will know how to handle a writer who has previously self-published, or that won’t be the right publisher.
I understand that in the short term this decision is going to involve quite a bit of work, but it’s work that I am willing to do. I think it’s time for me to admit that I cannot actually do everything. I still believe that self-publishing is a good option for a lot of people, I just don’t think it’s the best option for me.
mishaburnett 
Sorry to see you leave self publishing but I understand your reasons behind it. It is a lot of work and having good editing will make your books even more salable for you and give a better product for your readers. I am struggling with the editing part myself along with building a platform. Good luck, A.G. Moye
Good luck. It’s a big decision and I hope it works out for you.
I frequently have this thought these days … and it’s balanced by an idea where I go completely into self-publishing. Meaning finding a way to not rely on Amazon for all things sales related. I want to find a way to sell directly to readers. Or go the traditional publisher route. Good luck to you.
Best of luck.
Onwards and upwards! Best of luck, Misha. 🙂
Good luck. 🙂
I’m glad to hear it. I know your books appeal to many readers, they just don’t know it yet.
follow your instincts!
I hope your new path brings you success and happiness!
I think in this case self-publishing is going to work in your favor, because trying to find an agent when you already have a fan following will make you a much more attractive option! I definitely get why you’re trying the traditional publishing route — there’s a lot of paperwork involved in self-publishing, not to mention how nice it must be to have a professional team of people backing you up. Best of luck 🙂 Keep us posted!
Best of luck with this. I look forward to seeing how your journey unfolds. Just tread carefully with indie publishers. I’ve bought books from small presses that clearly had minimum editing done merely to maximise profits. On the other hand, you get small presses that do excellent work, sometimes producing even higher quality books (in terms of the technical aspects, not necessarily quality of writing) than the big six.
Best of luck with everything. I have a feeling you’ll make it. 🙂 Looking forward to following your journey.
Good look Misha! Your writing is superb. I know there is a publisher out there for you. And I hope the two of you meet soon. I really want to know how these this story progresses.
Lots of luck to you!
Good luck. In understand exactly how you feel. Just don’t ever give up, whatever you choose to do 🙂
Best of luck Misha. I hope that you find a publisher that you can work with very soon. Best wishes.
The really horrible and unfortunate thing is that most publishers don’t do professional editing any more. Some writers find that it’s easier to hire an editor themselves. (This is one of the things which has been wrecking the publishing business.) And a lot of publishers have abandoned most marketing, which is another thing wrecking the business. Small presses are sometimes, but not always, better. I hope you can find a *suitable* publisher who will provide you with what you need.