Just Jot It January #23–Self-Publish?
Posted by lindamartinandersen on January 23, 2016
![jjj-2016[1]](https://lindamartinandersen.files.wordpress.com/2016/01/jjj-20161.jpg?w=348&h=345)
“A Writer’s Playground”–A place to find wordplay, writing, and monthly calendar activities for kids and those young at heart.”
“Just Jot It January #23–Self Publish?” by Linda Martin Andersen
I accepted a challenge for January: Just jot a note and submit. I can’t participate every remaining day this month, but I will join in when I can.
I decided to create a theme to write about: I chose “celebrate.”
Today, I Celebrate Choices in Publishing.
I try to remember to “never say never.” When I first began writing for publication, I didn’t say I would never self publish. I said I didn’t plan to self publish. Will I one day? I don’t know, although I am considering it for some projects. Presently, I’m taking a series of three CreateSpace workshops at my local public library. It’s free! Today concludes the course. It’s been very beneficial. The instructor has lots of experience and explains steps clearly, plus the handouts are great.
If you are interested in learning more about publishing or free workshops, check with your local public library.
Writing Prompts:
- Who will you share your writing or illustrating with? Only yourself? Family? Submit to magazines? Post on social media? Submit to contests? Submit to agents or editors?
- When was the first time you saw something you wrote or illustrated on display? How did it make you feel?
- Have you ever created a story or illustration you were very proud of and the teacher did not choose to display it? How did that make you feel? How did you handle it?
- What are your plans/goals for projects you’re working on at this time? What other publication choices could you consider?
Visit http://lindaghill.com/2016/01/23/just-jot-it-january-23rd-oddeven-socs/ to read and comment on other participants’ posts.
http://lindaghill.com/2015/12/31/just-jot-it-january-2016-rules/ for details about Just Jot It January.
Thank you for visiting “A Writer’s Playground.” Come again soon and bring a friend. Please leave a comment. I’d love to hear what you’re celebrating today. Remember that children 13 and under need an adult to comment for them. For more fun, sign up to follow my blog. Thank you!
A Writer's Playground 
annabellefranklinauthor said
CreateSpace is great, but not easy if you have to work it out for yourself. A workshop is an excellent idea.
lindamartinandersen said
Annabelle,
Thanks for your comments. I did learn quite a bit from watching the instructor lead us through. I wasn’t able to complete the course today after all. The library was closed due to inclement weather. I’m not sure when or if it will be rescheduled. This instructor offers one-on-one assistance for pay if writers want to hire her. I have that thought stored away, just in case I need it one day.
Joan Y. Edwards said
Dear Linda,
Using the words never, always, and won’t ever are words we might eat later!
It is a good idea to keep an open path to possibilities and q change in beliefs and needs.
Thanks for writing this post.
Never give up
Joan
lindamartinandersen said
Joan,
No, it’s not good to have to eat words. Not a diet plan I’d welcome. Thanks for the reminder to keep ourselves open to possibilities and change. Flexibility and openness aren’t just for physical exercise are they?
Carol Baldwin said
Every writer or artist wants an audience. I think the problem with self-publishing is that too many newbies short change the process. They want an audience so bad, they are too quick to hit “publish.” But I guess it all depends on your goals for your writing. Never say never; good idea.
sarahsbookreflections said
That’s a good point, Carol. That’s why I had two different professional edits. Other things to remember about self-publishing are having to do most of the marketing yourself. If you’re lucky and chose a company that will help with the marketing, you’re more likely to sell most or all of your books. And make sure you consult with a tax attorney, since it’s your responsibility to collect and pay for the sales taxes you state imposes. Make sure you know whether your state wants you to tax out-of-state and out-of-country purchases.
lindamartinandersen said
Sarah,
I admire you for doing what feels right for you. I know you have had your work edited by professionals before publishing. Hold your head high. I would image you do have lots of responsibilities when you self publish. Figuring taxes is enough to make anyone nervous. Wishing you much success with your novel and your writing career. Thanks for joining in on this topic, Sarah.
lindamartinandersen said
Carol,
I am open to more options than I was earlier in my career. I see some authors who have been published with a traditional publisher doing some self-publishing too. I respect them for doing what feels right in each circumstance. I will keep writing and make publishing decisions when the time is right. Wishing us all the best on our author/illustrator journeys.
Tracy Campbell said
Oh boy, Linda, this is an exciting post. So glad you have a library that offers a Createspace workshop. We’re not that fortunate here in Canada. Yes, it’ has been exciting to see my art and how-to- paint articles published in over 10 well-known publications. Like you, I said I would prefer not to self-publish, but the landscape has changed for the better for authors and I’ll be self-publishing. 😊
lindamartinandersen said
Tracy Campbell,
Anyway you publish excites me! You are one creative lady! I look forward to seeing those adult coloring books coming soon.
LindaGHill said
Free workshops are great! I wish we had more around where I live.
lindamartinandersen said
Thankful for them. If you speak to the reference librarians you might can influence them to offer some programs of interest. I hope you find some free ones other places too.
LindaGHill said
I shall try that, thanks, Linda!
lindamartinandersen said
I hope the librarians will feel compelled to meet your interests.