You've finished your Manuscript! It's Ready to be Seen by the World! Do you?...

[Dresdenus Prime]

I know it's been discussed in other topics, but we never had a poll to see what other aspiring authors were thinking. Feel free to leave any explanations of why you chose your option. Otherwise I'm just interested to see how it turns out!

[Waxbullet]

At least in theory.  It is almost as hard to get an agent as it is to find a publisher.  So far I, at least, haave been unsuccessful in finding either.

[synobal]

See I feel like self publishing is the way to go myself. You can get a publisher later if you want. That said I think if you're going to self publish you need to hire or get an editor to go over your novel prior to you publishing it. Someone who's job it is to catch mistakes and help clean up an authors work.

Most who self publish though never do that and because of that their work isn't as good as it could be. I think if you're going to self publish get an editor to go over your stuff first it's not something you can skip you want to put out your best work.

[trboturtle]

Before you do anything, read the Business Rusch column on http://kriswrites.com/. Be prepared to do some digging, because there's a lot of stuff you need to know before you decide.....

Craig

[Mishell]

I'm an old-fashioned sort; I won't be self-publishing.  I believe in division of labor (it's what pulled us out of the stone age after all!).  I believe that people train and work hard to become agents, publishers, editors, etc., and that they have specialized skills and knowledge and deserve their pay.  I also don't try to sell my own house, cut my own hair, fix my own car.  I'm just that kind of person.  I want to do what I do best (write) and leave the publicity to publicists, the design to designers, etc.

If a publisher doesn't pick up my book, I'll just assume it's not a good fit for today's marketplace, and write another, and try again.  It's not so important that My Words Get Out There that I am willing to forgo the security of a second and third opinion on their quality.

That said, at some point in the future when I'm flush with cash, I may self-publish some self-help stuff that I don't want to make money on and just want to share with family/friends.  Personal experiences etc., life lessons learned, stuff most people wouldn't care about but would still be nice to have in an attractive package.

[Aminar]

Personally Self Publishing seems like taking the easy way out, it doesn't feel as good nor does it speak to your confidence in you work. 

[LizW65]

I would have voted for the first two, but that wasn't an option.

[meg_evonne]

Let's not assume that not being picked up.means your work isn't good enough.
The mind set to market, the ability to 'sell' yourself and your work, your finances to get face to face at conferences, and other factors play into.this as well.  What I do know is that.deciding to.self publish is a huge step.  You are financially.placing your.own.funds at risk. You are also your only resource--so you will market, distribute, cart books, probably still need to pay workshop fees etc to get your work out.  Is that why you chose to write?

I.ditto.the editor step, but make sure they are professional grade. Editing isn't grammar checker.i

[trboturtle]

I'm an old-fashioned sort; I won't be self-publishing.  I believe in division of labor (it's what pulled us out of the stone age after all!).  I believe that people train and work hard to become agents, publishers, editors, etc., and that they have specialized skills and knowledge and deserve their pay.  I also don't try to sell my own house, cut my own hair, fix my own car.  I'm just that kind of person.  I want to do what I do best (write) and leave the publicity to publicists, the design to designers, etc.

If a publisher doesn't pick up my book, I'll just assume it's not a good fit for today's marketplace, and write another, and try again.  It's not so important that My Words Get Out There that I am willing to forgo the security of a second and third opinion on their quality.

That said, at some point in the future when I'm flush with cash, I may self-publish some self-help stuff that I don't want to make money on and just want to share with family/friends.  Personal experiences etc., life lessons learned, stuff most people wouldn't care about but would still be nice to have in an attractive package.

But the problem is, these days, the division of labor is uneven. Contacts, which use to be strightforward have suddenly become landmines. How would you like paying an agent 15% even after you've ended the business relationship? Or give up ALL oversea rights to your work, or your entire backlist?

If you get a contract, have a lawyer with IP background go over with a fine tooth comb. The money spent will be worth it.

Both agents and publishers are scrambling to make money and its the writer who is getting the short end of the stick. Publishers are underreporting their Ebook sales. Agents are becoming publishers, blurring the line between the two.

Don't be blind on this. This isn't the same field as it was ten yers ago. Be careful.

Craig

[Aminar]

I remember hearing from Pat Rothfuss that there was a sight where individuals that took advantage of authors were reported for other writer's future reference, does anybody know what that might be?

[Starbeam]

I remember hearing from Pat Rothfuss that there was a sight where individuals that took advantage of authors were reported for other writer's future reference, does anybody know what that might be?

There are a few of these.  The two that come to mind are preditors and editors, I'm not sure if that's the url, and the other is writerbeware.

But the problem is, these days, the division of labor is uneven. Contacts, which use to be strightforward have suddenly become landmines. How would you like paying an agent 15% even after you've ended the business relationship? Or give up ALL oversea rights to your work, or your entire backlist?

If you get a contract, have a lawyer with IP background go over with a fine tooth comb. The money spent will be worth it.

Both agents and publishers are scrambling to make money and its the writer who is getting the short end of the stick. Publishers are underreporting their Ebook sales. Agents are becoming publishers, blurring the line between the two.

Don't be blind on this. This isn't the same field as it was ten yers ago. Be careful.

Craig

If you have an agent trying to screw you out of all this, they're not a good one.  The good agents will fight for you to keep all your rights, and they'll make sure the publishers aren't taking them away from you.  I'm not saying don't get an IP lawyer, because that could be a good idea no matter what.  But also check out agents--see who they have as clients and such--anyone can become an agent, and I think I've seen the example given of someone making their cat an agent.

[AdamPepper]

I've been kicking around the publishing industry for about a decade.  I've had two agents and been a bridesmaid, not a bride, at least as far as a mass market deal goes. (I've published in the small press).  It's a tough road.  Self publishing is also a tough road, but for me, it's a lot more rewarding.  I took the plunge in July and self published a novel.  Aminar, I must say, it's not a short cut, and most certainly doesnt evidence a lack of faith in myself or my work.  It's the exact opposite.  I believe in my books and I'm taking it upon myself to make it happen.

[the neurovore of Zur-En-Aargh]

The mainstream publishing industry exists to sell books.  They have practice at it. They have people and established mechanisms in place for doing all the steps that come after writing; editing, cover art, marketing, assembling the physical object and getting it to bookstores, getting it to reviews who will spread the word, &c.  Being made up of human beings, they're not perfect, but odds very much favour them being able to be better at this than you are at figuring out from scratch how to do all of these steps for yourself.

I'd note, with respect to the original questions, that "hire an agent and sign on with a publishing company" is kind of a simplification.  Some editors favour submissions via agent; some agents favour clients who've already got an editor's interest.  Look at who is buying what and who is representing whom in fields similar to yours, go to conventions, talk to authors and editors about the business... do your research, basically.

[Waxbullet]

I agree with you neuro.  It is very hard to find either an editor or an agent.  It is easier to get the other once you have the first, whichever route you take.  I personally have been looking for an agent for children's books for a while, to no avail.  But I continue to strive.