After surviving the experience of pitching my first manuscript, I opted out of trying again and instead self-published a later one. My memoir was released early 2022 and I’ve sold more than 3k copies and have over 400 ratings on Amazon. Since then I’ve written two more workbooks which sell well on TikTok shop.
Yet despite this, I’ve been secretly ashamed that I opted out and have considered it an act of cowardice—like I should have endured the pain of more rejection. That I’m not a legitimate author because I don’t have a box of “No-thank-you” letters sitting in my closet.
Thank you for validating my assessment and experience. It’s helpful to hear I’d understood the risks accurately when I didn’t pursue traditional publishing. Now maybe I can release this shame and see it as pragmatism.
Thanks for sharing this. I know so many authors who carry that lingering shame. But your sales are proof that your message is being received. I like that reframe: pragmatism over shame! Always. 💕
After many rejections by traditional publishers, thank goodness She Writes Press was there to publish my books. It was worth the cost of hybrid publishing to make my dream come true.
Seeing you speak at such conferences and reading your book Write on Sisters led me to submitting to SWP. Three books later, I am so grateful to be living my life as a well published author. Thank you for your fierce bravery in standing up to speak for authors’ alternatives, even when the dream merchants kept shooting you down.
You didn't mention another part of traditional publishing - rejection doesn't end with your debut. Publishers can and do reject subsequent manuscripts an author writes as well. Having a trad contract for one book doesn't mean it's smooth sailing from then on. I have writer friends who have been dropped by "their" publisher AND dropped by their agent (yes, the person who is supposed to always be in your corner, until they're not)
Brooke, thank you for sharing what many of us know to be true. After experiencing what goes on behind the curtains of two traditionaI publishers when I co-authored textbooks decades ago, it was an easy decision to choose to become an indie author when I decided to write my signature book. I applaud, support, and value you for sharing your personal experiences to help aspiring authors learn that saying "yes" to ourselves is empowering.
You had me at calling bullshit! I'm so intrigued lately by hybrid publishing. I don't expect to land a traditional publisher with an advance but am not going to pay my hard-earned money up front to a self-publishing company.
I had an agent for over three years, he supported and loved my story but when he finally submitted the manuscript to the big 5 it was rejected. It was best to leave my agent and find a new publishing path for my story. Brooke's courage to start SWP paved a way for many great story's to get out into the world, I am grateful to finally be on this path. Albeit it has been an investment and a hurdle to get this far, it will fulfill a personal promise I made to bring this story to the world. I am deeply grateful and hope my story will touch many beautiful hearts. Thank you :)
This was a great column. It’s making me think about my journey. I’ve previously self-published and been a bestseller but am currently pitching my next book traditionally. Part of this is the self-publishing stigma. The other part is economics. I’m a poor writer and to do self-publishing well takes money.
I’d love to read your insights on this topic, including how you approach finding editors, designers, etc. who can push you and your book in the right direction like a publishing house would.
To echo what Jennifer says here, yes, that range sounds about right. you can self-publish well with no publicity or marketing efforts, but sales won't necessarily follow. The cheapest "good" self-publishing just for services alone may be around $5K because you need cover, interior, editing, epub conversion and all the rest. I know of outlets that will do it for so much less, but it shows.
I think you've answered your own question: to do self-publishing well takes money. I've been on both sides of traditional publishing and have seen a lot of self-published books. The people I know who have done it well, without a hybrid publishing partner, have spent at least $15k on their team (probably close to $20k with marketing included). But the books still sell ten years later.
When SWP, my very first query, offered me a contract to publish this coming Fall, I hung up the Zoom with you and panicked. Where would I find the money? Was it really ready? Should I try to get a traditional book deal? I don't regret not moving forward with the contract ONLY because the thought of it being published it motivated me to make some exciting improvements to the manuscript. Over the past year, I have seen firsthand what you're saying here - agents writing back saying they couldn't put it down, that it is a compelling and important memoir, but ultimately, they didn't think they could sell it. Heartbreaking since it's still not published. Thanks for being a true advocate for authors and a trailblazer. I hope SWP will consider my manuscript again.
We will be happy to reconnect with you, Rachelle. It's a tough world out there—the "we don't think we can sell it" is so very subjective, and dependent on expectations, too. They may need to sell 10K copies to make their numbers work, where our authors can sell 3-5K and feel quite successful.
After surviving the experience of pitching my first manuscript, I opted out of trying again and instead self-published a later one. My memoir was released early 2022 and I’ve sold more than 3k copies and have over 400 ratings on Amazon. Since then I’ve written two more workbooks which sell well on TikTok shop.
Yet despite this, I’ve been secretly ashamed that I opted out and have considered it an act of cowardice—like I should have endured the pain of more rejection. That I’m not a legitimate author because I don’t have a box of “No-thank-you” letters sitting in my closet.
Thank you for validating my assessment and experience. It’s helpful to hear I’d understood the risks accurately when I didn’t pursue traditional publishing. Now maybe I can release this shame and see it as pragmatism.
Thanks for sharing this. I know so many authors who carry that lingering shame. But your sales are proof that your message is being received. I like that reframe: pragmatism over shame! Always. 💕
You ARE a legitimate author!
"To me, the real dream is saying yes to yourself on your own terms. Open your own doors. Don’t wait for impossible." YES!!!!!!
After many rejections by traditional publishers, thank goodness She Writes Press was there to publish my books. It was worth the cost of hybrid publishing to make my dream come true.
♥️
Fucking brilliant! Thank you for not only writing this - but for being the real deal as both a publisher and a woman. Thank you.
Seeing you speak at such conferences and reading your book Write on Sisters led me to submitting to SWP. Three books later, I am so grateful to be living my life as a well published author. Thank you for your fierce bravery in standing up to speak for authors’ alternatives, even when the dream merchants kept shooting you down.
I’m grateful too!
"To me, the real dream is saying yes to yourself on your own terms." Love this. So true.
You didn't mention another part of traditional publishing - rejection doesn't end with your debut. Publishers can and do reject subsequent manuscripts an author writes as well. Having a trad contract for one book doesn't mean it's smooth sailing from then on. I have writer friends who have been dropped by "their" publisher AND dropped by their agent (yes, the person who is supposed to always be in your corner, until they're not)
Yeah that’s a tough one too. Rejection on the heels of being “in” will sometimes sting worse.
Terrific post! Thank you!!
Brooke, thank you for sharing what many of us know to be true. After experiencing what goes on behind the curtains of two traditionaI publishers when I co-authored textbooks decades ago, it was an easy decision to choose to become an indie author when I decided to write my signature book. I applaud, support, and value you for sharing your personal experiences to help aspiring authors learn that saying "yes" to ourselves is empowering.
This post is so grounded and honest and yet inspiring and hopeful as well. A great read too.
You had me at calling bullshit! I'm so intrigued lately by hybrid publishing. I don't expect to land a traditional publisher with an advance but am not going to pay my hard-earned money up front to a self-publishing company.
I had an agent for over three years, he supported and loved my story but when he finally submitted the manuscript to the big 5 it was rejected. It was best to leave my agent and find a new publishing path for my story. Brooke's courage to start SWP paved a way for many great story's to get out into the world, I am grateful to finally be on this path. Albeit it has been an investment and a hurdle to get this far, it will fulfill a personal promise I made to bring this story to the world. I am deeply grateful and hope my story will touch many beautiful hearts. Thank you :)
Thanks for sharing your story, Sandra. It's a familiar one, and I love the fulfillment of a promise as a driver. ❤️
This was a great column. It’s making me think about my journey. I’ve previously self-published and been a bestseller but am currently pitching my next book traditionally. Part of this is the self-publishing stigma. The other part is economics. I’m a poor writer and to do self-publishing well takes money.
I’d love to read your insights on this topic, including how you approach finding editors, designers, etc. who can push you and your book in the right direction like a publishing house would.
To echo what Jennifer says here, yes, that range sounds about right. you can self-publish well with no publicity or marketing efforts, but sales won't necessarily follow. The cheapest "good" self-publishing just for services alone may be around $5K because you need cover, interior, editing, epub conversion and all the rest. I know of outlets that will do it for so much less, but it shows.
Makes a lot of sense. I’m going to consider this and the hybrid option moving forward, too. Starting my research today. Thank you!
I think you've answered your own question: to do self-publishing well takes money. I've been on both sides of traditional publishing and have seen a lot of self-published books. The people I know who have done it well, without a hybrid publishing partner, have spent at least $15k on their team (probably close to $20k with marketing included). But the books still sell ten years later.
Wow. Insane numbers but a great point. Seems the ROI works out in this case.
And that's just one book. The specific title I was thinking of is here. Still selling.
https://a.co/d/agVzud7
Sorry, it's only 8 years old. I was thinking of 2014 when the project started. I was the editor and project manager.
Enlightening, as always. Love the way you put down your thoughts.
When SWP, my very first query, offered me a contract to publish this coming Fall, I hung up the Zoom with you and panicked. Where would I find the money? Was it really ready? Should I try to get a traditional book deal? I don't regret not moving forward with the contract ONLY because the thought of it being published it motivated me to make some exciting improvements to the manuscript. Over the past year, I have seen firsthand what you're saying here - agents writing back saying they couldn't put it down, that it is a compelling and important memoir, but ultimately, they didn't think they could sell it. Heartbreaking since it's still not published. Thanks for being a true advocate for authors and a trailblazer. I hope SWP will consider my manuscript again.
We will be happy to reconnect with you, Rachelle. It's a tough world out there—the "we don't think we can sell it" is so very subjective, and dependent on expectations, too. They may need to sell 10K copies to make their numbers work, where our authors can sell 3-5K and feel quite successful.
Welcome friends, to the growing edge of change.
I know a published writer who has had agents, advances, and moderate success. But their last book was remaindered before the book tour.
Luckily they were able to market it on their own. Picture two pallets of books stored in the garage over 10 years.
So I today gotta shout,
Hurrah for book coaching!
It has helped usher that author’s next volume through the rites of self-publishing.