Should I Self-Publish My Book?

by Mark Malatesta | Jul 14, 2011

Home » Literary Agent Blog » Should I Self-Publish My Book?

Should I self-publish my book? That’s the question I’m asked by authors, more than any other. So, let me answer it definitively, by saying…

Just because modern technology has made it possible for you to self-publish a book, doesn’t mean you should self-publish a book.

In fact, you probably shouldn’t self-publish a book.

You see…

I could watch TV all day long, but I don’t. I could buy a new motorcycle and go 150+ mph — like I used to when I was young and reckless — but I won’t (I have a friend who lost his leg doing that). And, I could eat lots of junk food… but I don’t want to buy bigger pants (seriously).

You might think that isn’t a fair comparison, but I think it’s spot-on. Instead of asking yourself, “Should I self-publish my book?” ask yourself:

Do I want someone to pay me for the privilege of publishing my books (traditional publishing)… or, do I want to pay someone else for the privilege of getting my books published (self-publishing)?

Because that’s what it boils down to…

CAUTION: If it costs you any money (up front, out of your pocket) to get a copy of your book(s) in your hands, it’s self-publishing.

Now, let me tell you exactly why you probably don’t want to self-publish a book.

* * *

Should I Self-Publish My Book –
10 Reasons to Get a “Traditional” Publisher

1. Advance – Should I Self Publish My Book

Why self-publish a book (pay money out of your pocket) when a traditional publisher will pay for you? Why self-publish a book when someone like Random House will take all the financial risk… and pay you a cash advance for the privilege?

2. Credibility – Should I Self-Publish My Book

Just because you self-publish a book doesn’t mean it’s going to be taken seriously. Just because you self-publish a book doesn’t mean you’re to be viewed as a credible expert. Book buyers in bookstores, consumers, and the media understand that anyone can self-publish a book (get an ISBN number and pay a printer). If you self-publish a book it can actually hurt you (because lots of people are going to think: “Gee, why he did he/she self-publish a book… I guess he/she couldn’t get a real publisher”). If, however, you’re published by a traditional publisher… book buyers, consumers, and the media are more likely to trust that you and your book(s) are legitimate and valuable.

3. Editing – Should I Self-Publish My Book

You might not think you need an editor, but it probably wouldn’t hurt. So, why self-publish a book when you can have a highly-skilled professional in-house editor, making insightful observations and suggestions (things you can’t see alone, because you don’t have the benefit of their experience)?

4. Cover Design – Should I Self-Publish My Book

Ask anyone in publishing and they’ll tell you… covers sell books. If you self-publish a book (unless you’re a professional book cover designer, or hire one), you’re likely going to undermine your content with an inferior cover. When you self-publish a book (and design your own cover), there’s a real good chance you’re going to miss at least one or two important required elements… that will turn off buyers and/or keep you out of bookstores.

5. Reviews – Should I Self-Publish My Book

It’s not fair… but newspapers, magazines, and other media are much more inclined to review books published by traditional publishers (instead of by people who self-publish a book). In fact, many publications now have policies stating that they will not accept self-published books for review. Yes, I know, traditional publishers also produce some books that aren’t great, but their success percentage is much higher than that of people who self-publish a book. Editors and journalists don’t have time to take that many chances. And they don’t.

6. Sales & Marketing – Should I Self-Publish My Book

Just because you can self-publish a book doesn’t mean you can sell it. Unless you’ve spent most of your professional life in book sales (and you have a large sales team working for you), a traditional publisher is going to be more effective getting book buyers to purchase your book (especially in large quantities). They know what to say, how to say it, and when to say it. Timing is everything. If you self-publish a book, you need to be aware of the book-buying “seasons.” If you self-publish a book, you need to be aware of other authors’ book releases. And, if you self-publish a book, you need to know about world events and other industry events that might impact your sales.

7. Distribution – Should I Self-Publish My Book

When I was a literary agent I had the pleasure of getting agent commission checks (as a matter of fact, I’m still collecting them), thanks to some publishers’ creative distribution (thank you, Peter Workman). I’m not talking Borders and Barnes and Noble, but places like supermarkets; car washes; department stores; wholesale clubs like Costco; and retailers like Bed, Bath & Beyond. If you self-publish a book, you aren’t going to get that kind of placement. Also, if you self-publish a book, what are you going to do if you suddenly get lots of publicity? If you self-publish a book and Oprah starts talking about you… will you have enough copies of your book(s) in print to meet the sudden demand? If you self-publish a book and get that kind of exposure, will you have the money to quickly print tens of thousands (or hundreds of thousands) more copies?

8. Publicity – Should I Self-Publish My Book

Traditional publishers have connections with major media outlets, and they have staff to help coordinate book tours and things like “satellite radio tours.” If you self-publish a book you’ll be all alone. If you self-publish a book, you might not know the best “hooks” to present to the media so you’ll get booked (no pun intended). If you self-publish a book, you might spend all your time trying to get publicity… instead of actually doing interviews, and other things, like (I don’t know) writing more books!

9. Licensing & Merchandising – Should I Self-Publish My Book

If you want to self-publish a book, you might not be aware of licensing and merchandising opportunities (or how to pursue them). In other words, Paramount Pictures might want to option your book for feature film; a famous playwright might want to convert your story into a play; an actor might want to turn your book into a television series; Andrews McMeel might want to use your content to create a calendar; and other traditional publishers around the world might want to produce foreign-language editions of your book(s). I’ve had all of those things happen for my clients as a literary agent, all the result of the licensing departments at traditional publishing houses hustling. And, yes, you would get most (or a significant portion) of the financial proceeds from any such licensing and merchandising deals. If you self-publish a book, these things are a lot less likely to happen.

10. Bestseller List – Should I Self-Publish My Book

You might not know this, but it’s virtually impossible to get on any real bestseller list if you self-publish a book. In most cases, you need at least 50,000 books printed and distributed all at once, during your first printing, to have a chance at making a major bestseller list like the NY Times. If you self-publish a book, you might be able to sell 100 books in one day and become an Amazon bestseller (in your category). Great. Then what?

In my opinion, it’s okay to self-publish… as a last resort. In other words, if you’ve exhausted all efforts to get a literary agent and a traditional publisher (which might mean you’ve also worked with a coach or consultant to drastically increase your chances).

* * *

Should I Self-Publish My Book?

If you self-publish a book after doing the above…

It’s fine.

But why self-publish a book (or even think about it)
before giving yourself a legitimate shot at the big time?

Why settle, before you know what’s really possible for you and your book?

So, why not make getting a traditional publisher (with the help of a literary agent),
your primary goal?

Don’t settle…

And click here to read one more article
about whether you should self-publish a book.

– Mark

Mark Malatesta
Your “Undercover” Agent

P.S. If you’ve already self-published, it’s not too late to get a traditional publisher
(ask me about your specific situation below).

P.P.S. There are a few rare instances when self-publishing is a good idea
(I’ll tell you about those another time).

* * *

Find a Literary Agent

76 Comments

Newer Comments →

Ms.Pearl on November 11, 2015 at 8:55 pm

Wow…..The book is finished not published for the money the Two companies were asking for. Wow.
I need a great literary agent!!! hey thanks for the great information down to the cover.
- Mark Malatesta on November 14, 2015 at 3:51 pm
  
  Hi Ms. Pearl, thank you – again!
  
  I’m posting my response again because your original comment (and my response) were accidentally deleted yesterday… and I want to be sure you got my reply. 🙂
  
  If I can help you with anything else let me know, but I want to make sure you know that I’m a former agent. Today I’m a coach and consultant helping authors get top agents, publishers, and book deals. To that end, I have several websites devoted to helping authors get a top literary agent, publisher, and book deal. You can see a complete list here: http://thebestsellingauthor.com/websites/.
  
  Plus…
  
  Don’t miss out on my upcoming Q&A CALLL that I’ll be doing live with authors on Saturday, Nov. 21st. You can listen online and/or ask questions. See how you can participate here at http://thebestsellingauthor.com/radio-show/. Would love to see you there if you can make it.
  
  Also…
  
  If you haven’t already done so, make sure you take advantage of all the resources (no cost) on our main website here: http://thebestsellingauthor.com/membership/. I’m also happy to answer any questions that you have online here: http://thebestsellingauthor.com/ask/. And, if you’re serious and believe we’re a good fit, you can register for an introductory coaching call with me here (there is a fee for that): http://thebestsellingauthor.com/coaching/intro-call/.
  
  Either way, I’m looking forward to learning more about you and your work… and I’ll point you in the right direction.
  
  Have a great weekend!
  
  – Mark
  
  Mark Malatesta
  The Bestselling Author
  http://thebestsellingauthor.com
  Literary Agent Undercover
  https://literary-agents.com
Ann Bates on November 4, 2015 at 7:25 pm

Yes I have a self publisher. Other publishers,wont thet say kgts a great Why they wont publish it was because my Dad was abusive. The publishers are afraid that they and I could be sued I also explained what my Aunt did to me one time. Even though used fake names people will know who Im writing about. I found a self publisher he says can get around all that.
I have not signed a contract WITH THEM YET. If you want me to send you a rough draft Just let me know
Ann Bates
- Mark Malatesta on November 6, 2015 at 1:18 pm
  
  Hi Ann,
  
  I’m able to answer questions online here (no cost), but I can’t give feedback on things like pitch materials, samples pages, websites/blogs, etc. unless someone signs up for a introductory coaching call with me (more information about that below). Otherwise I’d have everyone asking for that and no time for my coaching clients.
  
  If I can help you with anything else let me know, but I want to make sure you know that I’m a former agent. Today I’m a coach and consultant helping authors get top agents, publishers, and book deals. To that end, I have several websites devoted to helping authors get a top literary agent, publisher, and book deal. You can see a complete list here: http://thebestsellingauthor.com/websites/.
  
  Also…
  
  Don’t miss my upcoming case study/success story with Amy Jo Goddard at http://thebestsellingauthor.com/radio-show/ …if you aren’t already familiar with her story. I helped her get offers from five top literary agents which led to a 6-figure book deal with Penguin Books. She’s an inspiration but she also has good advice.
  
  And…
  
  If you haven’t already done so, make sure you take advantage of all the resources (no cost) on our main website here: http://thebestsellingauthor.com/membership/. I’m also happy to answer any questions that you have online here: http://thebestsellingauthor.com/ask/. And, if you’re serious and believe we’re a good fit, you can register for an introductory coaching call with me here (there is a fee for that): http://thebestsellingauthor.com/coaching/intro-call/.
  
  Either way, I’m looking forward to learning more about you and your work… and I’ll point you in the right direction.
  
  Have a great weekend!
  
  – Mark
  
  Mark Malatesta
  The Bestselling Author
  http://thebestsellingauthor.com
  Literary Agent Undercover
  https://literary-agents.com
Bruce E Norris on October 28, 2015 at 12:42 pm

Mr. Malatesta,
Thanks for the info. I have a self-published book (What Lurks Below) and another coming out within the next month. I’d love a traditional publisher, but have been turned down many times. I will keep sending my manuscripts in hopes of something but in the mean time this is what I’ve done. Please advise.

Thanks,
Bruce E Norris
P.s. If you’d like, check out my book on amazon
- Mark Malatesta on October 31, 2015 at 7:58 pm
  
  Hi Bruce,
  
  Great title…
  
  The good news is that you can often get a drastically different response by tweaking or changing your pitch materials (query letter, book proposal, manuscript, etc.).
  
  My favorite example of this is one of my coaching clients who’d pitched her favorite “dream” agent three times over the course of two years. Rejections every time. After I helped her rewrite her query letter, she approached the same agent a fourth time and he requested the full manuscript. So don’t get too discouraged. You might just be a few changes away from getting what you want.
  
  Also…
  
  It’s never too late for a previously published author to get a literary agent, traditional publisher, and book deal… but it can be tricky. Read this article which talks about that, and a few other things you might find interesting and helpful: https://literary-agents.com/its-not-what-you-say/.
  
  If I can help you with anything else let me know, but I want to make sure you know that I’m a former agent. Today I’m a coach and consultant helping authors get top agents, publishers, and book deals. To that end, I have several websites devoted to helping authors get a top literary agent, publisher, and book deal. You can see a complete list here: http://thebestsellingauthor.com/websites/.
  
  And…
  
  If you haven’t already done so, make sure you take advantage of all the resources (no cost) on our main website here: http://thebestsellingauthor.com/membership/. I’m also happy to answer any questions that you have online here: http://thebestsellingauthor.com/ask/. And, if you’re serious and believe we’re a good fit, you can register for an introductory coaching call with me here (there is a fee for that): http://thebestsellingauthor.com/coaching/intro-call/.
  
  Either way, I’m looking forward to learning more about you and your work. And I’ll keep pointing you in the right direction.
  
  All my best,
  
  – Mark
  
  Mark Malatesta
  The Bestselling Author
  http://thebestsellingauthor.com
  Literary Agent Undercover
  https://literary-agents.com
Sam Bwaya on September 28, 2015 at 10:40 am

Mark, you give the impression that getting an agent is as easy as getting something from the shelf in the store next door. I am from Uganda. I have written a book that I believe would have an international appeal. I have written to almost every Literary Agent in the USA and UK whose address I could get. Most do not even respond. I understand Agents don’t like working with overseas writers. It is frustrating. How I wish I could get just one requesting to look at the manuscript!!

Sam
- Mark Malatesta on October 5, 2015 at 8:50 pm
  
  Hi Sam, I’ve learned over the years that helping authors believe in themselves more is half the battle. Now, to your comment. Most agents will consider any book if it has appeal for the American market. You might just need to improve your pitch materials.
  
  If I can help you with anything let me know, but I want to make sure you know that I’m a former agent. Today I’m a coach and consultant helping authors get top agents, publishers, and book deals. To that end, I have several websites devoted to helping authors get a top literary agent, publisher, and book deal. You can see a complete list here: http://thebestsellingauthor.com/websites/.
  
  Also…
  
  If you haven’t already done so, make sure you take advantage of all the resources (no cost) on our main website here: http://thebestsellingauthor.com/membership/. I’m also happy to answer any questions that you have online here: http://thebestsellingauthor.com/ask/. And, if you’re serious and believe we’re a good fit, you can register for an introductory coaching call with me here (there is a fee for that): http://thebestsellingauthor.com/coaching/intro-call/.
  
  Either way, I’m looking forward to learning more about you and your work.
  
  And I’ll point you in the right direction.
  
  Have a great night!
  
  – Mark
  
  Mark Malatesta
  The Bestselling Author
  http://thebestsellingauthor.com
  Literary Agent Undercover
  https://literary-agents.com
  - Lorraine Pestell on December 25, 2015 at 3:51 pm
    
    Hi Sam and Mark,
    
    Wow! This is so frustrating. There is a whole wide world out there…
    
    Why do readers from the USA need to be treated with such kid gloves in 2015? I have had a wonderful reception from those American readers who can see past the lack of “zees” and references to places, lifestyles and customs beyond their normal horizons.
    
    This is exactly why authors who don’t fit the formula need to self-publish!
    
    Thanks,
    
    Lorraine
    - Mark Malatesta on December 31, 2015 at 9:00 am
      
      Hi Lorraine (and Sam),
      
      I just wrote this for another author and thought you might find it helpful as well…
      
      Much of the time, writers (and people in general) are so focused on their narrow perspective and point of view that they aren’t very inclusive in their writing. Their writing has limited appeal because they present the world they’re exploring in a way that will only be of interest to a limited audience. This is particularly true when it comes to all “special interest” writers. Sometimes it’s color or culture. Other times it’s religion or politics or sexual preference, etc.
      
      Inclusive writing means making the main focus of a book the theme(s) that any person (or a lot of people) can relate to). In other words, there are some books written by black authors (for example) that are only (or primarily) going to be read by black authors (instead of a mainstream audience) because they dive so deep into the black experience. Same thing goes with Christian authors. Whenever I’m coaching a Christian author, the first question I ask is what’s your goal? Do you want to convert non-believers with your work or preach to the choir?
      
      I don’t have any agenda with authors except to help them see the range of options and opportunities that come with the full spectrum of different ways to approach their writing. There’s no right or wrong with this, the way I see it. But the more clear someone is on what they’re doing, and how it’s going to come across, the easier it is to get the desired response from literary agents, publishers, and readers.
      
      I hope this helps.
      
      If you want help with anything else, you can post questions for me online here: http://thebestsellingauthor.com/ask/. And you can register for an introductory coaching call with me here: http://thebestsellingauthor.com/coaching/intro-call/. I’m looking forward to learning more about you and your work.
      
      – Mark
      
      Mark Malatesta
      The Bestselling Author
      http://thebestsellingauthor.com
      Literary Agent Undercover
      https://literary-agents.com
William Stoever on August 31, 2015 at 11:55 am

Self-published “Hitchhike the World – Book 1” on Createspace/ Amazon (google my name or book title). Covered America, Europe, Africa. Sales disappointing: selling only a few copies each month.
Now finishing Book 2 – covers Middle East and Asia. Would like to find a traditional publisher –> hope to improve sales.
- Mark Malatesta on October 5, 2015 at 7:53 pm
  
  Hi William, for some reason your comment/question went to my spam folder and I wasn’t notified about it… so my apologies for the delay getting back to you. I hope you try to get an agent for the new book, and it’s not too late to get one for the first book as well.
  
  Most vanity presses will let you out of their contract easily (or for a small fee) because they make all (or, virtually all) their money on the money authors pay them to publish. You can wait to get out of it though, and query agents now.
  
  It’s never too late for a previously published author to get a literary agent, traditional publisher, and book deal… but it can be tricky. Read this article which talks about that, and a few other things you might find interesting and helpful: https://literary-agents.com/its-not-what-you-say/.
  
  Also…
  
  If you haven’t already done so, make sure you take advantage of all the resources (no cost) on our main website here: http://thebestsellingauthor.com/membership/. I’m also happy to answer any questions that you have online here: http://thebestsellingauthor.com/ask/. And, if you’re serious and believe we’re a good fit, you can register for an introductory coaching call with me here (there is a fee for that): http://thebestsellingauthor.com/coaching/intro-call/.
  
  One way or another, I’m looking forward to learning more about you and your work.
  
  Have a good night!
  
  – Mark
  
  Mark Malatesta
  The Bestselling Author
  http://thebestsellingauthor.com
  Literary Agent Undercover
  https://literary-agents.com
Everett on July 20, 2015 at 10:00 am

I have self published music and had some success with it but I don’t think I’d bother to self publish a book.
William Hardy Schnorbach on July 18, 2015 at 11:21 pm

That’s why I’m reading your stuff. I know how hard it was. My glass is still half full though. I’ve written 2 more manuscripts in the interim.
- Mark Malatesta on July 22, 2015 at 9:53 pm
  
  Amen, sir. Glad you’ve stuck with it. Mark
Esther on March 20, 2015 at 6:06 pm

Mark,

Before I became interested in your help, I did look into different publishers about two years ago; mainly the ‘vanity’ publishers, or companies, pretending..as you stated..to help. I learned just by listening and understanding some of these places. Frankly, I was surprised that some people feel it is ‘okay’ to go with such a publisher. Not me..a traditional publisher is what I believe to be true. Thanks for sharing that info with me!
- Mark Malatesta on March 22, 2015 at 10:51 am
  
  Hi Esther, I’m glad you enjoyed the article. So many people get sucked into the wrong things because it can all be quite confusing. That’s why I wrote the article! Have a great day and see you again soon. Mark
Tanya Jonda on March 8, 2015 at 2:55 pm

Thank you, thank you, thank you! I have written (and re-written) four children’s books (with more in the works). I have been debating the self-publishing option for a while, and am being strongly pursued by a company very eager to collect $1K to do so. Thanks to your article, I’m going to nix the idea and move forward with pursuing an agent and traditional publishing.
- Mark Malatesta on March 9, 2015 at 5:52 am
  
  Hi Tanya, that’s great news… and congratulations on getting all four books done. I’m glad you’re going to give yourself a chance with the traditional publishers. Everyone deserves that. You never know what might happen. Good luck and let me know if I can help in any way. Mark
Mary Ellen Schulz on March 6, 2015 at 7:41 am

Hi Mark,
Though I have not exhausted submitting to “all” agents/publishers, to date my book remains unpublished…(ok, ok, so I’ve submitted to approximately 15). There’s A Mouse In My Mashed Potatoes, my 350-word picture book (which I believe) could be a GEM in schools here and abroad. What should be my focus—publishers OR agents? The story has potential for sequels, same mouse (In The Girl’s Bathroom, Under The Bleachers, etc.), but where do I focus submissions? Thank you, Mary
- Mark Malatesta on March 7, 2015 at 11:51 am
  
  Hi Mary Ellen, literary agents… 100%. Check out this article series on one of my websites: https://literary-agents.com/guide-to-literary-agents/what-is-a-literary-agent/. Hope it helps! Mark
Robert Snyder (Bob) on March 5, 2015 at 10:02 am

I made the mistake of self-publishing because I got frustrated trying to get an agent. There are some editing errors I found after it got published. The few that have seen it have enjoyed it and I have some nice comments on Amazon, skipping my uncle with the same name of course. Can I get a traditional publisher and how do I accomplish it now?
I intend to use your 1-on-1 session but for a new novel I have written. I don’t want to use that time for this one. Thank you.
- Mark Malatesta on March 8, 2015 at 3:30 pm
  
  hi Bob, you can certainly find a publisher for a previously self-published book. Every case is different though. Sometimes you should mention that it’s been self-published. Other times you shouldn’t, or at least not right away. It’s also important how you talk about it. The goal is to put yourself in a power position and make everything look like it can be successful. And lots of times authors say things in their pitch about self-publish that don’t help their cause. Bottom line, send out those queries. Mark
jaytilya.watkins@facebook.com on October 27, 2014 at 11:13 am

I was told by a self publishing company that if your book gets published by a traditional publisher that you have to sign over your book rights and you have to pay those advances they give you back later on. Is this true?
- Mark Malatesta on October 28, 2014 at 8:56 am
  
  Hi Jaytilya, I’ve never heard of an instance where an author had to pay an advance back to a publisher, unless the advance was received before the book was written… and then the author never finished writing the book. Regarding your other question, yes, you do give a publisher your rights… but in a good way. They need the rights to print, publish, distribute, and sell your book. But you’re still involved in the process. It’s still your book. Make sense? Mark
Dian Stirn Groh on October 26, 2014 at 7:17 pm

Do you advise on children’s books as well as novels? I want to write a children’s illustrated non-fiction book about my home town. The theme will include ancient history, Native Americans and early settlement from a child of the 60’s point of view and play it forward to the present.
- Mark Malatesta on October 27, 2014 at 6:50 am
  
  Hi Dian, yes… I do. Picture Book. Middle Grade. And Young Adult. I worked with all these categories when I was an agent. Have a great Monday and let me know if I can help. Mark
kimberly burks on October 25, 2014 at 10:08 pm

SO if I should not self-publish what should I do? what direction should I go because I am almost done with three books.
- Mark Malatesta on October 26, 2014 at 8:54 am
  
  Hi Kimberly, get a top literary agent to help you get a traditional publisher that will pay you instead of you paying them. Click here to read this fr*ee guide that will walk you through it. Then get 1-on-1 support from me personally by posting another question(s) here or, if you can, schedule an introductory coaching call with me here: http://thebestsellingauthor.com/coaching/intro-call/. Either way, I’m happy to help. Mark
Christopher Nassar on July 21, 2014 at 1:21 am

In my opinion, one should never self-publish. It is an admission of failure and defeat. Better to simply lock away the manuscript and forget about it.
- Literary Agents on July 24, 2014 at 11:11 pm
  
  Hi Christopher, I’m ok with self-publishing as a last resort. Any audience is better than none. The problem is that most authors give up on getting a literary agent and a traditional publisher WAY too soon. Here’s to doing it right and going big. Mark
rich hamilton on May 22, 2014 at 5:48 am

i never thought i was zany.when i was drafted into the military i met people and we would talk about growing up.i would tell stories and nobody believed any of them but at lunch i would get bigger and bigger crowds of people listening to my stories.i finally got paranoid and clammed up.i started making up stories to entertain my nieces.they liked them.i figured i would write a book to entertain other kids so i wrote “jessica the littlest trex” i self published it.someone reviewed it and liked it
- Literary Agents on May 22, 2014 at 1:06 pm
  
  Hi Rich, sounds like you have a vivid imagination, so I’m glad you’re putting it to good use as a writer… and getting your work out there. Have a great day and thanks for posting. Mark
Ed on April 12, 2014 at 5:29 pm

Mark, I self-published simply because traditional publishing is so glacially slow, and the topics I covered were (& continue to be) of immediate impact. I’ve built up a following through radio interviews, moving into print articles, and I’m ready to turn over the book (2nd edition, already) to someone who will run with me and the book. How does a powerful personality with a major message move in that way?
- Literary Agents on April 12, 2014 at 7:59 pm
  
  Hi Ed, at least you got the book out there. Regarding your question, it depends. What exactly are hoping that someone will do with you and/or for you? Mark
Susan Jordan on February 11, 2014 at 3:28 pm

I wrote my first book and wanted to see it in print, so I submitted it to Virtual Bookworm (the company describes itself as a “clearing house for writers”), the manuscript was reviewed by three editors and it was published last October. Yes, I paid for them to print it, a reasonable fee compared to others. Since I’m over 70, it seemed worth it. I’ve written a second book and would like to try for a traditional publisher. Should I include mention of my first book in my query letter? | Should I Self-Publish My Book?
- Mark Malatesta, Literary Agent Undercover on February 25, 2014 at 9:35 am
  
  Hi Susan, the general rule is that mentioning it can help you if you’ve sold many thousands of copies. Otherwise, it won’t help… and it could actually hurt. Mark | Should I Self-Publish My Book?
brian holliday on September 17, 2013 at 5:43 am

Mark,
Beatrix Potter; John Grimsham, D. H. Lawrence, Rudyard Kipling, Edgar Allan Poe, Robert James Waller (Bridges of Maddison County) and Stephen King – (The Plant) – self published.

Billy Mills / Nicholas Sparks (Wokini) Self Published 1995 Random House value publishing. Then 1999 published by Hay House.

I think the stigma of self publishing is worth the risk; look above writers, you’re in good company. Repeated rejections may just be bad timing not bad writing but how will you ever know?
Bogdan on July 5, 2012 at 12:50 am

You are right Mark!
I totally agree with what you said but I some cases its better to self-publish your book.
- Mark Malatesta, Literary Agent Undercover on July 5, 2012 at 11:20 am
  
  Hi Alexander… thanks for dropping by and saying hello. Yes, self-publishing is a GREAT option. I simply believe that it’s almost always a great option… only AFTER you’ve tried to get a traditional book publisher and not been able to do so. By the way, I checked out your website. Let me know a little bit about your mission when you have a moment, if you’d like. Literary Agent Undercover is less than a year old and it’s nice to “meet” new people in the book publishing space and see what they’re up to. Hope you had a good 4th of July. Warm wishes. Mark