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I gave a little publishing workshop to come creative writing students today. Inevitably the question always comes up - "Wait, you mean I don't have to pay to get my book published?"
I share with them that the only money I've "paid" to be published is the 42 cents to send a contract back in the mail - and that's before the publisher went to e-contracts. I do explain to them the reasons why people should self-publish, but I don't gloss over all the downsides as well.
My biggest concern is to keep these kids - and they are kids for the most part - from getting fleeced by some of the biggest publishing scammers out there. I also told them how awesome my editors are and how they help make me a better writer. I want them not to be so afraid of rejection that they go for the easier route.
Overall, I think it was a success, and more experience I get in this writing gig, the more I can share with them.
I share with them that the only money I've "paid" to be published is the 42 cents to send a contract back in the mail - and that's before the publisher went to e-contracts. I do explain to them the reasons why people should self-publish, but I don't gloss over all the downsides as well.
My biggest concern is to keep these kids - and they are kids for the most part - from getting fleeced by some of the biggest publishing scammers out there. I also told them how awesome my editors are and how they help make me a better writer. I want them not to be so afraid of rejection that they go for the easier route.
Overall, I think it was a success, and more experience I get in this writing gig, the more I can share with them.