3 ms·

Given the online channels and on-demand-print, why would anyone release via a record label or book publisher? What's the advantage? Is it professional represent

• geerlingguy 10y ago
  I think some of the traditional reasons are editing support, marketing support, and the idea of being on real-world bookstore shelves. For the first two, it's just a matter of whether you want to/can put in the time to hire out your own editor, do your own marketing, etc. For the last, it comes down to vanity. For tech books especially (but for many other types as well), the world has moved on beyond brick-and-mortar book sales, and the audience you cut off by excluding bookstore relationships is very small. Every time I've done a rational comparison of 'should I keep self-publishing or should I go to a publisher?' I find that for money (not that we're talking 'quit-your-job' levels for 98% of writers), for stress management, and for personal brand building, there is no upside to using a publisher.
  • cm3 10y ago
    Agreed, having good editors is highly valuable.
• dilemma 10y ago
  Marketing and distribution can increase sales hundred fold. A committed editor can also significantly improve the quality of the work (an editor that doesn't care or doesn't get it can have negative impact, though).