I’m not familiar with the survey discussed regarding self publishing authors, but I recently self published a work of fiction: The Fourth Corner. What a great experience. I agree with others in that I would prefer traditional publishing, as it is not my money at risk. For novice authors without a platform, the work load–selling and marketing–is essentially the same either way, except that you have total control in self publshing.

It is beyond difficult, but just short of impossible, working full time, researching and writing the second novel. and marketing, selling, and distributing the first. All I can say is that it is worh it.

The key for me in the first novel was spending the extra time to gather a good team when it came to production. I believe it made the difference in producing an excellent product. The jacket designer, James Higgins, hit my concept for the cover right on the nose, as did my interior designer, Joy Ronsley. My editor, Michael Carr, was great and the printing company, McNaughton & Gunn very easy to work with and put together a fine product. I can say without hesitation that the goals I’ve set for the first novel were exceeded, thanks to the excellent team, and as a result of having been through the process, I expect the second effort to surpass the first, as there is always room for improvement.

For those condidering self publishing, I highly recommend it. I didn’t even attempt to seek representation, or attempt to sell the novel to an established house or imprint. I researched the industry and determined that self publishing suited me better for a beginning.

My first print run is 3,200 hardcover copies. Each of the first 3,000 is signed and numbered. The Fourth Corner is the first in a trillogy, and those purchasing the first have the opportunity to purchase the identical number of the second and third novels in order to have a matching set. You never know what kind of a secondary market that may create down the road.

To purchase the book, or if you have any questions, I may be reached at the web sites that follow: paulwunders.com; ghpublishing.com; thefourthcorner.info, and thelastapple.com.

Write well and work hard.

Sincerely,

Paul Wunders
Author of The Fourth Corner

It will be hard to wait for your “best seller” to be on store shelves. I will be the first in line to buy it. I love your style, and class. I can tell you write from your heart. I look forward to your first, second, and I know you have a third book to be published. “Does it take courage to write a memoir?” My comment to that is .. it take more than courage, it also takes heart and soul. Thank you for sharing yours with the world. (Thank George for sharing You.)

What a book! A wonderful book! I’ll be buying extras for gifts. I do need info on how to make purchases. Email will do. I’m http://www.deew@att.net

Dee Whalen