Why You SHOULD Take the Dive....But Remember Your Floaties!

There is a lot of discussions regarding going with self-publishing or trying to get your book published the Traditional way-via a Literary Agent/Publishing House.  This conversation/discussion/disagreement has been going for a good while now.My only problem with these disagreements is the fact that some still think indie authors are sub par, which is completely not true. Sure, there is still some...but then there are some bad writers that get past the almighty gatekeepers and get a book deal the traditional way. Just saying. The door swings both ways.

I am not posting a blog to continue the quarrel. I am merely posting what I think are some darn good reasons you should give it a try. At least stick your toes in the water and get the temperature. But I also want to remind you to put on your " literary floaties", so you don't sink to the bottom. :) There are great ways to get yourself published/seen/heard aside from the traditional channels.

1. BLOG! Post excerpts or shorts that are in your genre and are a good example of your work.People will respond to them if they enjoy them. It is a great way to get feedback from your target market.
2. eBooks- With the dawn of eBooks it is now cheaper than ever to get your ass on Amazon, and a number of other sites. 
3. Printing On Demand- Also a very cheap way to get yourself published. When you find a good POD publisher, the books will have great quality, sometimes better than your average mass market paperback. You can usually purchase your own books at a decent discount from them as well. 
4. More Variety! Believe it or not, you would be doing people a service. I will be the first to admit I love me some supernatural thrillers and sexy vampires...but as things get popular they FLOOD the bookstores with them. Why? Because that is what is HOT right now, that is what is selling. If you've got a different story to tell, then maybe the reason it is getting rejected is because it isn't in a necessarily popular genre currently....but that DOES NOT mean there isn't an audience for it!
5. Goals! If your goal was to get a traditional publishing contract...this isn't for you. If you have said "I want to see my book published"  this is.If you want to see your book published, and cost is no longer stopping you... then do it. Allow yourself to achieve that goal! Don't be afraid to stretch your arms out...and possibly do a belly flop into the pool.
6. No longer the redheaded stepchild! (I love you redheads...I didn't mean it!) Things are quickly changing and traditional publishing is no longer the definitive way to get a book published and be able to call yourself an author. It used to be taboo...like getting your boyfriend of two week's name on your butt cheek. But it isn't anymore. I know quite a few amazing authors that are indie. These folks are helping to shape and change the view of indie authors and more and more readers are picking up their books.

Reasons you should remember your floaties. Now before you go running and dive head first into the pool, there are some things you always check. Make sure there is water in there... nobody standing where you are about to jump, and well...can you swim?

What I mean to say is, while this is an opportune time, there are things you should be sure to do in order to be prepared for that headlong dive into the deep end.

1. Make sure to edit! Edit! Revise! Edit! Get someone else to give it a good edit to ensure there isn't something you missed/major holes or issues. Books with typos, large plot issues, poor description may turn people off from a book that might have a potentially great story.
2. Be Visual: Create a cover for your book. If you aren't too good at it, ask someone, or hire someone to do it for you. You may be spending a little, but even online, a snappy cover will catch someone's attention quicker than an ugly one.
3. Accept criticism: If someone takes the time to reach out to you and give you some honest feedback to your book, or shorts that you post on your blog, read it with an open mind. I have gotten some great critiques on my own works that have definitely helped. 
4. Don't cry if sales are low: This doesn't mean you are no good. Many authors sales come as they build up a backlist of books. Keep at it! The more you write, the more you will improve. Also, be sure your are building a platform...(pst...that blog of yours would come in handy here!)
5. You can't please everyone. Nuff said... if someone happens to post a mean review of your book don't mope over it if you have 20 other great 4 and 5 star reviews. Some people LOVE to complain and many of those types of reviews are purely opinions of that reader. Not every story is for everyone. I have had books that I stopped reading simply because I was NOT enjoying them...they were making my head hurt from errors/inconsistencies, but I didn't go and blast them on the interwebs.  

I think that about does it...does any one else have any literary floaties to add ?