Why I Self-Publish My Literary Fiction

Why I Self-Publish My Literary Fiction Why I Self-Publish My Literary Fiction Self-published books are still largely associated with genre novels, while authors tend to  turn to traditional publishers for literary fiction. We were curious to hear from someone who has been challenging labels and going against industry wisdom to carve her own niche in the publishing world. Indie author Jane Davis  used to be bullied into changing her work just to fit into an easily marketable category. She decided to take matters into her own hands and self-publish her daring, award-winning fiction.  Eimear McBride used the platform provided by her various competition wins to urge publishers to back challenging fiction. McBride had spent 9 years submitting the manuscript for A Girl is a Half-Formed Thing before it was taken up by Galley Press, a small publisher which puts story before profit. For many writers, 9 years would be too long. How Much Does It Cost to Self-Publish a Book in 2019? Read post You’re not the only one!I read about this experience everywhere. Cornelia Funke, who writes a hugely popular fantasy series, had demands from her American publisher who told her ‘We want you to change the first chapter and to turn the ending into an epilogue’. Her answer was, ‘This is a published book. That is the book.’It’s not a question of not wanting to be challenged - far from it. But, with self-publishing, I can choose to collaborate with professionals who understand my visions and values, and who will work to help me make the book the very best it can be. As Joni Rodgers said to me, â€Å"If I go down in flames, I’d rather go down for something I believe in, something I’m proud and happy to have in my body of work.† With self-publishing, I can collaborate with professionals who understand my visions and values. Self-publishing is the mechanism that freed me to be more ambitious in terms of where I wanted to take my fiction. Instead of being dictated to, I am free to write about the issues I’m passionate about and fascinated by - the big subjects. Remove the pressure of trying of to mold something to fit the current market – which agents admit is risk-averse and overly-commercialised – and it grows wings. For authors of literary fiction, creative control isn’t just a plus. Increasingly it’s becoming a must.Jane Davis is the author of six novels. Her latest novel,   An Unknown Woman, won Self-Published Book of the Year, awarded by Writing Magazine and The David St John Charitable Trust. You can find it on Amazon here.Do you think the self-publishing is the better alternative for literary fiction? Have you had similar experiences with publishers? Share your thoughts and experiences - or any question for Jane - in the comments below!