Just Self-Publish?

Have you ever heard a writer after the first draft say, “Oh, I’ll just self-publish this book.”  It’s not a good idea to publish one’s first draft, and I think that is where many writers seem to make a mistake.  I think it must be the freeing feeling of holidays or something in the air, but I’ve heard this idea a few times in the last few days….

Please, did I miss something?  I am sure it is not April 1st, but maybe I cringe because I’ve grown beyond thinking that my draft, at least my first or second drafts are good enough to send out to the world.  I also have gone beyond thinking my third draft is great.  I might say it’s good, but then I have an editor or three who will tell me that it might still need some work.

I think it boils down to this: if you are pressed for time, you think only of the dollar signs.  Instead, if you understand that anything you publish needs to be good, then you don’t worry about this money thing (well, you do, but it’s not the end of the world if what comes in isn’t a lot).  Money does not come that fast if you self-publish something that is not well written. Why you write is not about money — or rather it isn’t about making millions of dollars with your first book you write.

So for today, I’ll just say this, just self-publish your good work… it’s a great thing, as long as it’s done well, and you know what you are getting into.  This holds true, too, if you publish online or offline, or if you publish in a more traditional way or self-publish.  Otherwise, don’t just self-publish.