Should I Self-Publish or Submit Book to New York Publishers?

Feb. 24, 2017

Dear Cathy:

I know I have a great book and it’s finished so should I self-publish or submit it to the big New York publishers? New Author, New Jersey

Dear New Author:

You can write a letter or get an agent and submit your book to the New York Publishers, however, the chance of getting your book picked up to be published by New York publishers is very slim. 

Today because of the economy, these companies are publishing books for family members, friends and others that they have a relationship with. So don’t spend the next few years of your life submitting letters to these publishing companies.

Instead go ahead and self-publish or submit your book to other smaller publishing companies as long as they are not print-on-demand companies. If you self-publish and have a good book, the New York Publishers can still pick up your book after you mail them a copy, however, just remember upfront that if these New York publishers pick up your book, because of the contract you sign, it gives them the right to do whatever they want with the book include shelving it in 6 months.

If you really want to write a book and keep it out there for the rest of your life, then your best bet would be “self-publishing.”

You can find out more about writing query letters and submitting books to book publishers or self-publishing by reading "How To Write A Book: The Complete Guide To Writing and Selling Your Own Paperback or E-book" -- available as an e-book or paperback.