Is This the Break That Self-Publishing Needs to Gain Respectability?

As discussed in other articles, the term self-publishing historically has had a stigma surrounding this method of publishing. When used as a pejorative, a self-published author meant anyone whose work was not good enough to get published by a traditional publishing house. More recently, self publishing has tried to gain respectability as being an alternative way of publishing, rather than a loser's way of publishing. On March 3rd, 2010, Lulu announced that author John Edgar Wideman would be publishing his latest work through them. Although Lulu does not consider themselves as a self or vanity publisher, (rather a "marketplace guided by a vision of empowerment and accessibility", lulu.com), in all sense and purposes, they are there to help authors self-publish their books, and therefore are part of the expanded definition of self-publishing.

While Lulu's announcement may not sound like a big event, it is notable because John Edgar Wideman is not your typical self-publisher. Mr. Wideman is the first individual to win the Pen/Faulkner Award for Fiction twice. He also won the Rea Award for the Short Story and the James Fenimore Cooper Prize for Best Historical Fiction. He received a National Book Critics Circle nomination and was a finalist for the National Book Award, as well as being a recipient of a MacArthur genius grant. Powerhouse traditional publishers Houghton Mifflin, Henry Holt, Avon and Harcourt published his over 20 previous works. Definitely, as a very well respected, well known and popular author, Mr. Wideman does not paint the picture of someone who would self-publish his works.

Yet this time, Mr. Wideman turned down the advance offered from a traditional publisher and decided to self-publish his work with Lulu. Why would a top author decide to give up their large advance and do that? Is this some indication that self-publishing is taking a major turn for the better in terms of being recognized as being a respected way to publish? Why would someone like Mr. Wideman make such a choice?

Mr. Wideman provided his reasoning in a Lulu press release and his reasoning should wake up traditional publishing to the fact that the publishing industry is truly evolving. In fact, the publishing industry is not just evolving, but in Mr. Wideman's words, mutating.

"Lulu seems to represent a very live possibility as the publishing industry mutates. I like the idea of being in charge. I have more control over what happens to my book. And I have more control over whom I reach. I have a very personal distaste for the blockbuster syndrome. The blockbuster syndrome is a feature of our social landscape that has gotten out of hand. Unless you become a blockbuster, your book disappears quickly. It becomes not only publish or perish, but sell or perish."

There will always be traditional publishers. However, given Mr. Wideman's reasoning, they need to be aware that as the industry mutates, more and more alternatives will be available for good and even great authors to get their works published. These authors will be taking advantage of the alternatives available in order to keep more control over their own works. Mr. Wideman has now put traditional publishers on notice. It will be interesting to see how traditional publishing houses respond.

Candace C. Davenport is a retired attorney and published author whose love of writing led to co-founding a small independent publishing company, Our Little Books. Our Little Books ( http://www.ourlittlebooks.com ) is dedicated to publishing inspirational, educational and fun little books for pocket or purse. Candace encourages all people to find their inner muse and become published authors with their own little book, either for pleasure or for their business. Sign up for a free report on how Becoming a Published Author Will Improve Your Credibility and Make You an Expert in Your Field at http://www.ourlittlebooks.com/free-report/. Enjoy!

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