by Kariss Lynch, @Kariss_Lynch
If you’ve written your first novel (or fifth or sixth novel), you may be considering the best route to take for publication. When I first entered the industry, I had no idea I had options. Since then, I’ve published traditionally and released Indie. Both publishing methods have pros and cons that should be weighed as you move forward.
Traditional Publishing
PROS
Traditional publishing can set you up for success in many ways. You have the opportunity to connect with industry professionals and form partnerships as they run point on your deadlines, book launch, editing, cover design, etc., while you focus on the writing, story development, and your side of the marketing. A major blessing of traditional publishing is the resources your house has to both market your book and have it in bookstores. It is a joy and a milestone to pull your very own book off the shelf in a Barnes and Noble.
CONS
Everyone has a different publishing experience, and every house operates a little differently. Some publishers require a larger social media following, regardless of the quality of your story. Most houses require authors to have an agent, as well. Working with an agent can be fantastic and an asset in traditional publishing; however, this can feel like another looming step for authors who are just getting started. Finally, you lose most control of your work, and depending on the house, can sometimes have more limited ability to provide feedback on your cover or on title changes or certain edits. Again, this varies for everyone and per house for a variety of reasons.
Some authors prefer to just focus on the writing, while others want complete control of the book they have poured their heart and soul into, and for those authors, I recommend:
Independent Publishing
PROS
You are in total control. That is the major perk of indie publishing. You determine your content, title, cover design, the depth and breadth of edits, your deadline, and your release date. And your release date can change if life gets a little crazy and you just need more time! Once you release, you can control sales, fun giveaways, and the amount of marketing you want. You can also release as many books as you want as quickly as you want, which can generate more readers and more sales.
CONS
You are in total control. This means (unless you hire someone to help with all the steps and details) you find and pay for an editor, cover designer, and any and all marketing. It is more challenging (but not impossible) to have your book in stores. You are also responsible for loading and scheduling your book to publish on any and all platforms, which requires quite a few steps and access to software like Vellum. With this publishing method, with great freedom comes great detail and responsibility for the author.
Hybrid publishing is a third option, and one that should be considered. This could look like signing a one or two book contract with a traditional publisher but including in your contract that you plan to release a Christmas novel or two independently while under contract. This ultimately gives you freedom and benefits the house’s sales, as well.
So what is best for you? Truly there is no wrong answer, and it all depends on your preferences. I’ve seen authors thrive and succeed in every situation. No matter what you choose, keep focusing on quality books. Readers don’t care how you are published. They just want stories to return to and new books to buy. Keep writing, friends. You’ve got this.
When a car almost runs over him in the middle of a snowstorm, ex-Navy SEAL Micah Richards knows he’s hit rock bottom. After the deaths of several of his teammates, Micah is sure of two things: he only hurts those he tries to protect and their deaths are his fault. He has one family left on his list to pay his respects but stranded on the side of a mountain in the middle of the night, Micah has run low on options until Casey Stewart comes careening into his life.
The last thing Casey wants is a man, especially one as charming and handsome as Micah who reminds her of her heartache from high school. And especially not when she has so much on her plate: kids trapped in the middle of bad neighborhood cycles at home and a sister who needs out from under their mother’s roof. But helping is in her nature, and something about Micah makes her want to let him in.
Now in the same city, Micah and Casey just can’t seem to stay away from one another, despite Casey’s best efforts. The more, he gets to know the community, the more he wants to stay. When a local drug dealer goes awry, Casey has only one person to turn to—the one who could hurt her heart the most. Micah must face the demons of his past to fight for his new team and new dream—a woman with the heart of a warrior who fights for others. A woman he would die for.
Kariss Lynch is the author of the Heart of a Warrior series and loves writing romance about characters with big dreams, adventurous hearts, and enduring hope. In her free time, Kariss goes on adventures with her own personal handsome hero, explores the great outdoors, and tries not to plot five stories at once. Connect with her at karisslynch.com, or on Facebook, Instagram, or Goodreads.