Author: Bill
I’ve been following the tirade over Harlequin’s effort to create a self-publishing division. I don’t understand the fuss and bother. By insisting Harlequin use the term Vanity instead of Self, isn’t the publishing industry really bullying authors into wearing a Scarlet V of shame? Haven’t we matured since the mid-1600’s when John Milton self-published? I can almost hear the grade school chants of “Cry baby titty mouse, laid an egg in Grandma’s house” when the phrase vanity publishing is tossed about.
First of all, let’s set the record straight. Self-publishing is not vanity publishing. Both self-publishers and vanity publishers share one trait, they pay for all of the expenses of publishing a book out-of-pocket. The difference between the two is in the distinction made by intention. Self-publishing is a business–the business is distributing and selling books. Self-publishers should be respected if not for their works, for their courage. How many traditionally published authors can honestly say they have the moxie to do the same?
Vanity press is reserved for those who want to have a book in print, but have no intention of sales and distribution beyond their immediate group of family and friends. What is wrong with that? A book from the heart speaks more to love than vanity.
Better remember who runs things here.
Do you really think that is right to deride an author whose dreams are fulfilled once the printed and bound book is in their hands? I don’t. I don’t know what dictionary the publishing world is looking at when they call these people vain. It’s the equivalent of using a racial slur. It’s ugly and should stop right here and now. Vanity publishing may be an accepted term, but it is time to scour it from the lexicon.
Maybe it is because the publishing competition is so fierce, but with the possible exception of professional wrestling, there seems to me more criticism, chiding, and mean-spirited bickering among writers than in any other industry. Psychologists will tell you that this childish name calling behavior comes from insecurity and fear. Are the mighty publishing houses and best selling authors really afraid of Aunt Martha in Iowa making an attempt at the brass ring without hamstringing her with the scarlet V? She will have plenty of other rivers to cross like distribution, marketing, etc.
Trust the public. The people will decide with their money what they want to read, and who they want to read. If we continue insisting on antiquated terms to protect the high and mighty, maybe we ought to take another look at who’s really vain.
Posted in Book Distribution, Book Production, Book Sales, Publishing, Self-Publishing, Traditional Publishing | 
Tags: Authors, Best Selling Authors, Book Expenses, Books, Brass Ring, Business, Childish Name Calling, Dictionary, Distributing, Fierce Competition, Hamstringing, Harlequin, John Milton, Lexicon, Professional Wrestling, Publishing Houses, Publishing Industry, Racial Slur, Scarlet V, Self-Publishing, Selling, Traditionally Published, Vain, Vanity, Vanity Publishing
Hello Bill. I’m the author of two novels and the webmaster of http://www.be-a-better-writer.com/index.html.
I came across your blog site after reading an article on LinkedIn that I liked. You have a lot of good articles about self publishing, and so I linked to you at the bottom of this page: http://www.be-a-better-writer.com/self-publishing-books.html
I’ve created a permanent link to this page from my web site, and I wonder if you might like to take a look? If you like what you see, and can recommend my site as a place for self-publishing writers to get solid writing advice, I will appreciate a return link. I’m linking to you, regardless, so there are no strings; I’m just someone who could use the extra plug.
Best wishes,
Pearl Luke
I started out self-published in 1995 when I couldn’t get a book deal. I did two novels, a short story collection, and some ebooks. Later, in 2007 I had three anthologies published by other companies to build my platform and cross promote with other writers.
The second novel, renamed Hostage of Lies, and re-edited and published by a New York Publisher, Urban books, on 12-1-09–12 years later– has been picked up by Black Expressions Book Club. Self-publishing has taught me how to be self-employed and independent. I’m a literary agent, an editor, a ghostwriter, and freelance writer. I’ve been doing Internet radio for the past going on eight years. This has helped open doors and promote other writers.
Self-publishing helps you to know how to promote your book if you get a book deal with another publisher.
This is a marathon, not a race.
As usual Bill, you made an excellent point. Self publishers are still considered a poor cousin to traditional publishers. My only complaint on the number of self-published books I’ve been sent to review is that some lack the professionalism of traditional publishing. I’ve seen children’s books that have too advanced of vocabulary for emerging readers, or too childish of topic for middle schoolers and poor artwork or cover design. Bear in mind, some have been wonderful.
This is where the Little Red Hen enters. We can partner to produce books that Random House, Simon and Shuster and the rest wish they’d found in their slush pile. It could be done in less time and cost and hence, more for the writer to use in marketing.
The SP stigma will take a tremendous effort to change even a few percent of the instant bias out there. I wish us all luck.
Hello, Bill,
Thanks for this article. As an author embarking upon the self-publishing journey, it was nice to get the distinction about vanity and self publishing. Why do people care so much about what others are doing? Why don’t they just mind their own business, moving forward on their own path while allowing others to follow on theirs?
Thank you for saying a self-published author has courage. That gives me continued courage to move forward.
Carolyn
http://www.gatesoftheheart.com
According to Publisher’s Weekly, The Mystery Writers of America has removed all Harlequin imprints from its list of approved publishers as a direct result of the company’s decision to align itself with self-publishing.
Your article states that self-publishing is not the same as vanity publishing. What about joint venture? I have a publishing company offering me a JV claiming that after 1000 books are sold it would convert to a traditional publishing contract, as would any further novels. Are some JV’s legitimate? Should I take a closer look at an offer like this? Or are all JV’s just vanity contracts in disguise?
John,
You ask a good question and there isn’t an easy answer. The truth is, it depends. There are plenty of wolves and knaves in the publishing arena. Always keep in mind what your father probably told you, “If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.”
There is an excellent article on the differences between publishing methods published by SFWA (Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America) http://www.sfwa.org/for-authors/writer-beware/vanity/. They do a good job in helping steer authors out of trouble.
Having read several of your posts now, I find your POV refreshing – and rare. It’s amazing, yet not surprising, how traditional publishing is digging in to stave off the future. But there’s no doubt publishing is changing and if they don’t adapt they’ll become relics.
I am a founding member of an organization called LitSisters. We are INDIE-authors, a term we like much better than the long-derided “self-published,” and will be offering loads of information and networking in the coming months to help other writers who want to take control of their destiny. Feel free to check us out at http://www.litsisters.com. We are new and will be adding lots of content in the new year.