From Pre-Published to Published Pt. 2: Publication

From Pre-Published to Published Part 2: Publication

The previous post was a discussion about launching an author’s platform. Next I want to address the ultimate goal: publication. On the surface this seems like a simple goal, especially when taking the self-publication route. However, there are drawbacks where cost is concerned.

To produce a quality novel requires editing even when traditionally published. When self-publishing, editing and other elements of a book – such as cover art – are costly. This begs the question: if I am starting the platform inexpensively how do I pay for editing?

Answer: crowdfunding.

Crowdfunding, for those not familiar with the term, is a way of raising money for creative projects in order to launch them. To read more in depth about how this works see Kickstarter or Indiegogo among others. There are also tips about which other people have blogged which are good resources such as Lee Moyer’s post-Kickstarter campaign insights (very helpful).

Other authors have successfully completed crowdfunding campaigns, one such being Michael J. Sullivan for Hollow World. For a look at an ongoing campaign check out Daniel Adorno’s for his book: The Blade Heir on Prefundia. I must admit that I am intrigued by the possibilities and have begun seriously considering this option in order to bring my own series to publication. Yet crowdfunding is no walk in the park as noted by M. K. Hobson’s observations on a successfully completed campaign. Crowdfunding is daunting to consider and requires lots of work throughout the length of the project (and after) – but the rewards are the funds needed to accomplish the goal of publication.

I’m increasingly willing to take the plunge on this concept. Why? Regarding cover art, I have neither the skill nor the time to learn it. But the reader might ask, “Why not do your own editing if you are a writer?” It’s a fair question. The answer is that no matter how much editing a writer does another pair of eyes are good – and necessary – to have in order to produce a piece of novel-length fiction that is both structurally sound and as error-free as possible.

My conclusion tends to be if I’m willing to build an author platform then I must do what I can to push the WIP into publication.

What are your thoughts on crowdfunding? Have you ever tried it? What service do you prefer and why? Please leave comments with your opinions and certainly sign-up to follow my blog through email.

Thanks for reading,

PHS