Show me the money...traditional verses self publihing

[TWErvin2]

You are welcome.

I don't mind people questioning or challenging the points put forth...or even veering off topic...such ask talking about "average incomes." I just want to remind people that there were very narrowly focused requirements, and those are essential to the conclusions, and you can't discard them.

Michael, your time in posting and then addressing questions and comments is much appreciated. It gives writers early in their careers useful and well-thoughtout information to base decisions upon. And some authors in varying stages of their career something to consider (or re-consider).

[Mindfire]

I know this thread is mainly about money, but aside from the dollars and cents of the issue, which publishing route will likely get you more of an audience, self/e-publishing or traditional? Given the choice between making a ton of money and having my books be widely known and liked, I'd go for the second.

[MichaelSullivan]

I know this thread is mainly about money, but aside from the dollars and cents of the issue, which publishing route will likely get you more of an audience, self/e-publishing or traditional? Given the choice between making a ton of money and having my books be widely known and liked, I'd go for the second.

There are many "non monetary" benefits to traditional over self-publishing. There is an entire population of readers that I couldn't reach without them. For me...because I won't avail myself of the low price points $0.99 and $2.99. There is no question I reach a larger audience with traditional. For those that do price in the $0.99 to $2.99...they sell more copies than the average traditionally published authors, but there is no way of knowing if those purchases are read or merely collected on impulse.

[T.Allen.Smith]

Michael,

On a slightly unrelated note, I just read an article titled "25 Self-published Authors to Watch".

Your name came in at #6 and in a list of some esteemed/high selling company (Hocking, Locke, Konrath rated just above you).

Link:
http://www.expertmessagegroup.com/se...ished-authors/

Good stuff!

[Zero Angel]

The mathematician part of me is screaming to say "WELL DONE!" with the original post. Excellent points to consider, and written like a lawyer in clearly stating what you are and are not saying. Writing a winning argument with little to no faults is mathematics enough, but then you used NUMBERS too! *gasp*!!

Sorry, but as someone that has to apologize for my day job when I am introduced to people (math instructor), it is nice to see mathematics put to use in a writer's forum!

[kennyc]

It's the Little Things.

[MichaelSullivan]

Michael,

On a slightly unrelated note, I just read an article titled "25 Self-published Authors to Watch".

Your name came in at #6 and in a list of some esteemed/high selling company (Hocking, Locke, Konrath rated just above you).

Link:
25 Self Published Authors To Watch | Expert Message Group

Good stuff!

Thanks so much for the post - I had not seen that before - pretty cool.

[MichaelSullivan]

The mathematician part of me is screaming to say "WELL DONE!" with the original post. Excellent points to consider, and written like a lawyer in clearly stating what you are and are not saying. Writing a winning argument with little to no faults is mathematics enough, but then you used NUMBERS too! *gasp*!!

Sorry, but as someone that has to apologize for my day job when I am introduced to people (math instructor), it is nice to see mathematics put to use in a writer's forum!

The math calculations were actually provided by my wife (who is an ex-Engineer) I'll pas along your complements. Me and math unfortunately don't get along well together - but that's just one of the many reasons why Robin is so good to have around.

[Zero Angel]

The math calculations were actually provided by my wife (who is an ex-Engineer) I'll pas along your complements. Me and math unfortunately don't get along well together - but that's just one of the many reasons why Robin is so good to have around.

Still, you did not denigrate or trivialize the mathematics, so I will count that as a win. Thanks again for the great original post and discussion since then.

[Addison]

Here are the pros and cons I've found by researching traditional versus self publishing.
Traditional pro's:
Advertising is done by professional agents.
The publisher generally already has contract or agreement with certain book stores to get your book on shelves.
Professional artists design cover art and any other illustrations.

Slef-publishing pro's:
All money from sales goes directly to you.
You have a firm, constant hand in marketing and advertising.
You can design the illustrations yourself.

Traditional Cons:
You only get a percent of roytalies, percent varies by publisher.
Parts you like in your book might be edited out to fit publisher's standards.

Self-publishing Cons:
Marketing, Advertising falls hard on your lap.
You must talk to managers/owners of book stores to put your book on shelves if you don't go by e-book.

I'm sure there's more but right now I'm quadruple tasking.