Writers Group.

I attended my writers group on Tuesday night.  Our speaker was a self published author.   He had some interesting things to say about being self published.   The first thing to note is the gentleman has four books all self published,  He explain what he did wrong and how he learned to do things a better way.    Then he proceeded to explain how the self publishing business isn’t the taboo it used to be. 

Did you know that with the online, platform, ebooks, Facebook, twitter and other social networks sites going on that agents are not marketing books the way that they used to do.  

In my research of how to approach an agent, I read blog after blog that the writer must have a platform in place with a large readership before they consider a manuscript.  That is the first consideration, now it seems we, the author, need to have an almost perfect manuscript before even submitting. 

Is this because an editor can take away from the profits? The next point is the author needs to be able to market their own work through professional websites and platforms.  I also hear that a lot of publishing houses that used to only cater to the agents is beginning to publish books for the self publisher. 

(whether this is true or not only time will tell.) 

There are a number of companies that do marketing, publishing, editing and designing trailers, to place on utube, and so forth for the self publishing author.  Just be careful when dealing with them, they may practice shady deals.  Always check with your lawyer first.

If all this is true, why do we need an agent?  Is getting an agent the ultimate in becoming a writer?  This is something to be considered. 

Whether all this is true or not is the opinion of each individual.  I believe there are many ways to write, produce, promote, and market and a hole slew of things regarding the genre of writing.   It depends on what your goals are.  

Doing your research is vital no matter what way you choose.  But being the best writer is the first priority of it all.  You still have the chance to become what you desire at any age.  

Attending a writers group can guide you in how best to approach your endeavors.  The group can be supportive and helpful, and rich in resources.  My writers group is one of the best decisions I have made.  Look for one today, you can find them online, at your local Libraries and recreation centers.  Or simply put an ad out in a local paper.  It’s a start.  

What is your opinion on being self published?  What happened to you and what have you learned?  Share, laugh, accept, grow and bond with other women.   Take care.