I am currently in the process of writing my updated and expanded version of my nonfiction book, Life Lessons from the Heart, now tentatively titled, From Being Disowned to Self Discovery.
There is a whole other pot of questions with the title. (which I’ll probably write about in a post some day later this week or next)

Initially, I was thinking I would go ahead and go self publishing this expanded version for a few reasons:

1) I could have the book published and out to my readers when I wanted and not have to wait for a publisher to tell me when my book would be released. I believe it is still at least about a year from the time you get a contract signed from when your book may be released if you go with traditional publishing. I like having the time frame in my hands, in my control instead of someone else having that control.

2) I didn’t want to have to take the time to write a query letter AND a book proposal in order to possibly get an agent and then wait to see if a publishing house was interested in my book. With traditional publishing, I need to first write up a query letter. Not too hard but it has to be EXACTLY the way you are told to do it OR else. Then if I get an interest, THEN I’ll need to put together a book proposal. This has been the point where many an author have gotten stuck and stopped their writing dreams in a second.

HOWEVER: (on the other hand)

1) It is really taking me time to write this book anyway. I actually have been working on the non fiction book for quite a while. Once my book would be signed with a publishing house, I could take the time with a bit more ease to finish the book. Does it matter if it takes another year or more if it means I can get a major publishing house to pick up my book?

And…

2) Writing a query letter isn’t too bad or too hard. It can be done. Many have done it before. Right? And the book proposal. Yes, it does take a while to complete and it can be kind of lengthy but I have many of the components already done, I would just need to put it all together. Yes, it would take time, but I could do it. Again, this step has stopped others but it doesn’t have to stop me. Once it got completed I would send it off and be on my way.

SO, what to do. I guess it really is up to me. Right?

Yes, it is up to me. I guess this is a decision each author and writer must make for each book.

I am still not sure what I am going to do. There are good points for each way.

Fellow authors and writers: What can you share with me in regards to self publishing vs. traditional publishing? What has worked for you? And why?

Please share your stories, comments and ideas about each type of publishing.