On Self-publishing

[This week we begin a series on self-publishing, the outgrowth of interviews I've been doing with authors who have taken a variety of routes toward self-publishing. Cindy La Ferle and other authors have shared details from their publishing experiences in interviews as well as excerpts from their books, both of which I will be publishing over several summer issues. Because of the growing number of choices in self-publishing and the growing number of venues for promoting special projects, I believe you'll find reading the interviews and the excerpts helpful in thinking about getting your special projects out into the world. --ed.]

Newspaper columnist and self-published author Cindy La Ferle sent me this short essay on self-publishing. The writing originally appeared in Francine Silverman's Book Promotion Newsletter, a free electronic informational publication many of you may be interested in signing up to receive. It certainly sets the tone for our series.

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Self Publishing: Shaking the Shame Out of It
By Cindy La Ferle

Joining my professional writers' group recently, a new writer wanted to know how many in the membership had published their own books. Did any of us feel that self-publishing still had a "stigma?" And did readers still consider it vain and immodest?

Good questions, all. Membership in our statewide organization is contingent upon professional credentials – and self-published material doesn't qualify. The new writer had a terrific portfolio, but had been toying with the idea of self-publishing a novel. He was tired of rejection, yet also wanted creative freedom to package his book as he saw fit. But he didn't want to appear desperate. Nobody wants to appear desperate.

Those of us who do self-publish are initially reluctant to . . .

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