What Self-Publishing Can Not Accomplish

From Galley Cat, the blog of  Jason Boog (Guatemala 2000-02) on October 25, 2012 3:07 PM

Literary agent Janet Reid offered some self-publishing advice on her popular blog, urging aspiring writers to take a realistic view of the indie route.

According to her post, self-published writers need to sell “more than 20,000 copies” to get the attention of traditional publishers these days. These are tough numbers for any kind of author, and set daunting odds new writers. What do you think?

Check it out

Janet concludes:

This post is not to dissuade you from self-publishing. Have at it with all your might. BUT be realistic about what self-publishing is, and what it can accomplish. And more important what it can NOT accomplish.

First among the list for what it can’t is launch a mystery series.  Publishers are not keen on picking up Book #2 if Book #1 sold fewer than a 100 copies. And yes, they look. They look at Bookscan, which is NOT your friend if you self-publish.  But mostly they don’t look. Publishers love debut authors,  cause they’re easier to pitch to retail accounts. It’s easier to launch a career than revitalize one.