After writing my book, editing and rewriting it, I prepared and submitted query letters and sample manuscripts to nine publishers. Eight months later I had eight rejection letters and one total ignore. Most of the rejection letters were form letters that said nothing about the content of my book. One place was nice enough to comment that the stories should be published, but they couldn't use the material at this time.

One day while surfing the Internet, I came across an ad for iUniverse, a self-publishing, print-on-demand company. They have several options available, with different levels of editing, pricing, etc. I chose the package that fit my budget and ran with it.

I found there were many advantages to self-publishing, along with many drawbacks. On the positive side:

1. I was able to choose my own title and help design my book cover.
2. I receive a higher commission (royalty) than I would get from traditional publishers--20% vs 6-10%--and my company pays quarterly rather than bi-annually.
3. Much shorter time from submission to publication. It took six weeks rather than nine months to two years.
4. I didn't need to sell myself/property to a publisher or agent, so I don't have to share my commissions (royalties) with them.

The disadvantages that I encountered are:

1. The "editing" was only the privilege to self-edit. I really needed to pay a professional editor. After all the rewriting and editing I did, including the help I received from sisters in ANWA, there were many typos left.
2. There are no advances. Of course, you have to be a pretty famous author before those advances are substantial, anyway.
3. You have to be a strong marketer, write your own reviews, and advertise yourself vigorously if you want to sell books and make money.

After all is said and done, I will most likely self-publish again. I was mostly satisfied with the result.

Margaret Turley, President of the Daytimers Chapter, and a member of the Songwriters SIC, published her first book under a pen name for professional reasons. She can be reached at musicnurse@hotmail.com.

Please send email to anwa_lds@yahoo.com if you have any questions.