Comments on: Should You Consider Self-Publishing?

By: Seven Steps to Publish Your Book | Dream Culture, Bringing Dreams to Life

Seven Steps to Publish Your Book | Dream Culture, Bringing Dreams to Life — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 13:37:21 +0000

[...] Hyatt : Should You Consider Self-Publishing? - The reason why Thomas Nelson (#1 Christian publisher) launches a self-publishing [...]

By: Joe

Joe — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 14:32:00 +0000

It doesn’t seem to be such an unselfish step as it may sound at first. Why is this step taken now and not ten or fifteen years ago? Then it certainly would have been visionary and a true sign of unselfish assistance to aspiring but frustrated authors. Now, it appears to be rather complying with the pressures of the market. Obviously, if most books that are sold today are self-published, then this is where the money is. And if the current trend continues, this is where publishers need to go if they want to keep making money in the future. Sorry, guys, this step comes to late to be convincing.

By: Michael Hyatt

Michael Hyatt — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 02:48:00 +0000

I have not had any dealing with them. Sorry.

By: polina

polina — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 21:31:00 +0000

Self publishing!!!!!!!!!! I’ve done it in 2005 with Trafford. Since canadian Trafford was transfered to Indian I have NOT received a cent for my book and what’s more, Trafford sells my book everywhere and they allowed Amazon to print and sell my book in kindle edition without even asking for my permission…when I write to Trafford asking for explanation the reply is that I HAVE to contact AMAZON on my own and decide this issue with them. Whenever I ask for a person’s name in Trafford who is in charge of distributing/selling my book I receive no reply at all. Is it a decent publishing House to deal with? Polina Roussou

By: An Interview with Kevin Weiss About Self-Publishing | Michael Hyatt

An Interview with Kevin Weiss About Self-Publishing | Michael Hyatt — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 09:03:07 +0000

[...] worth exploring. You can learn more on the WestBow Press website or read my previous post, “Should You Consider Self-Publishing?” Question: Have you considered self-publishing? What questions do you still have? You can [...]

By: Michael Hyatt

Michael Hyatt — Sun, 23 Oct 2011 12:08:00 +0000

If you are interested in self-publishing, please visit the WestBow Press website and explore your options. Thanks.

By: Diane Newcomb

Diane Newcomb — Sat, 22 Oct 2011 20:03:00 +0000

To Whom It May Concern: I hope in the greatest way I’ll hear back from you. I discoverd you by reading Heaven is for Real, recommended to me by my young step-daughter. Something I’ve not seen written about is grieving for a live child. Mine is my 36 year old daughter. I’m not sure if I’ve lost her to substance abuse, mental illness or both. But I know for sure parents and caretakers in my positition life is a daily unresolved grief. Life becomes a painful ordeal, despite varying degrees of faith. I have the book written in my heart. There is hope and comfort but it must be sought. Please assist me with this. I’m praying several times a day you well. Thank you, Diane Newcomb, 5539 Barrington Park Drive, Lincoln, NE 68516
402-261-3665

By: So What Are You Waiting For? | Michael Hyatt

So What Are You Waiting For? | Michael Hyatt — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 09:03:11 +0000

[...] you can also engage in assisted self-publishing or just do the whole thing yourself. It is simply a matter of your goals and [...]

By: Simple Ideas to Boost Self Esteem in Children - The Friendly Universe

Simple Ideas to Boost Self Esteem in Children - The Friendly Universe — Sun, 11 Sep 2011 22:52:00 +0000

[...] esteem and confidence, please visit http://www.esteempublishingonline.com. Mouse here for Related LinksShould You Consider Self-Publishing? Are you a improving self esteem enthusiast? Join our newsletter, "Mind [...]

By: Donna Shoemaker

Donna Shoemaker — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 06:02:00 +0000

Mark, I just read your comment regarding the cost involved with Thomas Nelson/Westbow. I am ready to publish but need some direction. Tell me, what have you found in your publishing experience to be a positive road into publication. Thank you, Donna Shoemaker (didipops@bellsouth.net)

By: Michael Hyatt

Michael Hyatt — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 11:48:00 +0000

I think it depends on your goal. For me personally, I would want my book available in as many formats as possible. Currently, e-books only represent about 12–18% of the market. This is rising, but why give up the rest of the market?
I would also be cautious about with what you read about WestBow. We have hundreds of satisfied customers. (I know, because we survey them after the fact.) A few vocal opponents are selling their own solutions.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 22:29:00 +0000

I know this article is old, but I’m glad I came upon it. I have gotten numerous calls from a WestBow agent asking about a book I’m writing (although I have not returned his calls). I have read various reviews of WestBow, many of which have not been favorable. However, I did read an ebook called “How to Market and Sell Your eBook” by Sarah Mae, which I found extremely informative and interesting. I’m wondering if you would recommend one over the other – self publishing through WestBow, or self publishing an eBook instead?

By: Szoller

Szoller — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 20:50:00 +0000

Hi, my name is Susan Zoller and I beleive that a have a beautiful, heart-warming strory that I feel spirtually inspired to share with othes that may have lost a child. I lost my 17 year old son Ryan in a devastaing car crash, caused by a teenage drunk driver but before this horific expereice ever took place, my son somehow knew his life would be cut short in order to save the lives of others. Ryan’s amazing, God given insight will totally captivate readers in a beautiful, touching, true story of an Angel on earth. When Ryan died I prayed that I would have an enternal connection with him. My prayers were answered when I was spirtually directed to adopt a little girl from Romania that was conceived when he departed. I adpoted Ryan’s little Angel from the worse imaginable orphanage in the world and I am spirtually convineced that he saved her life. Maria was extremely tramatized when she came to America and could barley walk or talk at three. She has scars all over her body and has suffered tremendously due to cruel kids that have no clue about harsdshps, but should they? Anyway this story has a happy ending, Maria is now 13 and ifted with the most beautiful, classical opera voice. She was the youngest student accepted into the pre opera prgram in Tampa and with God’s guidance, she will continue to sing her song to inspire others.

If I could get a little assitance in writing Ryans’ book, I would be so grateful.

By: Donna Shoemaker

Donna Shoemaker — Sun, 17 Jul 2011 01:14:00 +0000

Donna, this is the issue that so confuses me. I suppose I was under the impression that when a publishing company was interested in one’s manuscript THEY took on all of the responsibility of promoting the book as well as the author. What am I missing here. How did the Harry Potter get off the press so quickly and become such an enormous seller when the author didn’t have enough month to live outside her car. Simply and totally confused.

By: PC

PC — Thu, 04 Nov 2010 22:45:05 +0000

Here’s one more for your list:

“Your friends and family incessantly demand you write a book, but you have too many excuses for not doing so.”

By: Bob Hamp

Bob Hamp — Tue, 02 Nov 2010 22:09:06 +0000

Before I began my first manuscript, I wrote a short essay to myself about the foolishness of throwing a teacup full of water in an ocean. It seems a very difficult time to make a blip on the radar of an information engorged culture. Publishing, co-publishing, self-publishing, Print-on-demand, blogging, Twitter, etc. are all changing the face of content distribution, like a landslide changes local geography. For the individual, these options provide the “solution” of easy access. For the crowd, these venues collectively fling open the door to the avalanche of increasingly indistinguishable “one-of-a-kind” works. This is an observation more than a criticism. I am, however, very curious what the landscape looks like two years from now. In the meantime, kudos to TN and Michael for staying on the cusp of a large wave. Cowabunga!

By: Cathy Ann Sauer

Cathy Ann Sauer — Tue, 02 Nov 2010 21:57:58 +0000

I have four self published children’s books of which I am very proud. However, it’s been an expensive, hard fought lesson about the world of children’s publishing. The joy of creating the books was ebbed out by the Goliath of marketing the books. It is very difficult. I hope your new endeavor supports or at least educates authors about what’s in store… as in “Who’s going to help me bake the bread?”
Great blog BTW.

By: Eisley Jacobs

Eisley Jacobs — Tue, 02 Nov 2010 21:34:37 +0000

Thanks Michael. This is a great timely topic! I will share it through the air waves…

By: kingsdaughters21

kingsdaughters21 — Thu, 30 Sep 2010 09:40:04 +0000

This is a great idea, but I must still I would still prefer to be published by Thomas Nelson. If you don't think my book is worth publishing then I will go back to the drawing board and rework it until it grabs your attention. This way at least I know when it is published by you it is actually a great book. My fear of self publishing is that anything goes, even a bad book can be self published. So just incase you are interested in what I am working on, here is a glimpse, your feedback would be fantastic :) http://kingsdaughters21.blogspot.com/p/hopes-jour…

By: Bill

Bill — Tue, 14 Sep 2010 02:46:06 +0000

What a great idea!! I hope to make use of this in the future.

By: Michael Hyatt

Michael Hyatt — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 10:14:25 +0000

Mike. That is awesome. Congratulations!

By: Mike Bull

Mike Bull — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 03:16:53 +0000

I just published with Westbow Press. My book appeared on amazon yesterday and just now ranked at #3,877 in books. Very happy.

By: Self publishing… for now «

Self publishing… for now « — Sat, 05 Jun 2010 15:10:24 +0000

[...] Nelson, the number one Christian publisher in the world now has a self publishing arm and that Tommy’s CEO openly recognizes the shift occurring in the publishing industry. Today’s publishing is an age of Lulu and easy access to catalogued publication. It is an era of [...]

By: Michael N. Marcus

Michael N. Marcus — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 11:08:54 +0000

Customers of Westbow are NOT self-publishing. They are customers of a vanity publisher.

By: Avram Ohm

Avram Ohm — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 23:06:16 +0000

Matthew 6:24

By: kkcoolj

kkcoolj — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 03:49:30 +0000

It is interesting that Thomas Nelson and others are launching new imprints to attend to the self-publishing model. It is good news for self-publishing authors as the lines/credibility gap gets blurred when major publishers embrace this segment of the market. At the same time, LuLu, Amazon and other services that helped "user generated" content get published in the same form factor makes it increasingly enticing.

I think having a complete picture of all inclusive costs is one of the major hurdles for someone that hasn't gone through the entire process. $999 seems steep to the first time author to pay upfront without knowing if you'll also have to pay for cover design, editing, formatting, etc.

By: Self-Publishing Review — Blog — Thomas Nelson Forms Self-Publishing Partnership With Author Solutions

Mon, 04 Jan 2010 01:01:38 +0000

[...] Other websites and threads of interest to this story are Rachelle Gardner, Literary Agent, who blogged here and has had some great reader feedback, including comments from Michael Hyatt, CEO of Thomas Nelson. You can also read Michael Hyatt’s own recent blog entries on this storyhere. [...]

By: Lynn Dean

Lynn Dean — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 19:25:50 +0000

Another situation where self-publishing may make sense is if your material is of interest to a small, but active, niche market. For example, about 10 years ago I self-published a state history curriculum for homeschoolers. That project would never have been profitable to a traditional publisher, but has sold very well in its niche. A similar example might be a book that appeals to hobbyists–perhaps a manual on how to break horses or a hiker's guide to trails in a particular region. There is no expectation that these books would appeal to a large market, but they can generate interest within a specific readership.

By: Thomas Nelson and Harlequin? « Future Tense

Thomas Nelson and Harlequin? « Future Tense — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 17:54:40 +0000

[...] CEO Michael Hyatt said, “For nearly as long as I have been in the publishing industry, the term “self-publishing” has carried with it a certain stigma. Publishers who specialized in it were branded “vanity presses.” We hope to change that perception with the announcement of WestBow Press, a division of Thomas Nelson.” Read the entire announcement here. [...]

By: apostleron

apostleron — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 01:09:47 +0000

Just think about it for a minute. How many times have we gone to a terrible restaurant and rushed back to try another meal? I would say rare to never. Why would we? What we expect is the same slop we got the first time and we are not going to spend our hard earned money on that again. If we went to see a movie by a certain director and it stunk up the theatre we would be very hesitant to ever see another one by the same director. This is why it is crucial for actors and directors to carefully evaluate any script before they agree to participate. The future of their careers depends on it!

We would not want to eat a cake before the timer sounds telling us it is finished. I am not interested in dealing with anything that is half done and neither is the rest of the world. Many times a new writer’s work is just that. It takes time to create something worth reading. The process takes perseverance, practice and passion.

By: apostleron

apostleron — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 01:08:46 +0000

I am very surprised that with the newest surge of self publishing companies out there that nobody has mentioned that one of a literary agent’s top priorities is to protect a writer from being read before their time. In my position I have had the misfortune of reading some self published works that have made this the most obvious purpose in any agent’s career. There are a lot of potentially great authors out there today. People with wonderful imaginations and enlightened souls, but they just are not ready to be read and it is a cold hard fact that they never will be read again by me. When an agent tells us no it is to protect us from damaging our name or our brand. Brand image is the most important thing in publishing and for that matter in just about anything else. If a writer is serious about having a career as an author I highly recommend working at their craft until they get to the point where they can acquire a good agent.

By: apostleron

apostleron — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 01:07:37 +0000

I called literary agents filters. They are just that and the big time publishers know this well. In fact, they count on them to present them with the best of the best. If an agent continually pushes through inferior work he/she will find themselves pushing at closed doors sooner than they would like. You see, they will lose the respect of the publishers who get hundreds of manuscript per week and have little time to read works that just are not up to par.

I understand the temptation that exists within the mind of a would be author to just tear off the bandage fast and submit their manuscript, but I highly recommend holding off submitting anything until the work is as good as it will get. By the way, literary agents and publisher do not want completed manuscripts; they are looking for a book proposal. If you don’t know what that is I strongly recommend that you Google it as soon as your done reading this essay. Please, do not send a complete manuscript. A good agent will generally receive about one hundred of these per week and have little chance to look at them even if they chose to.

By: apostleron

apostleron — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 01:06:11 +0000

Many times it is the literary agent who acts as a filter. A good agent will be totally honest with a writer about their work. The best agents will encourage a want to be author to continue working at their craft. Ten thousand hours is roughly the amount of exercise required to reach the optimal condition in any profession. Persistence is the key. The more we work at the things we are passionate about the better we become at being passionate beings that are ready to be all that we are created to be.

I think the first step in the life of any writer, preacher, teacher or any other professional is to get the Ego right out of their way. Protecting our ego only serves to hinder our growth and halt our progress in the field of choice. Let’s get things straight; we are never the best we can be right out of the gate. Being fantastic at anything takes initiative, persistence and passion. We must understand that we always have more to learn.

By: apostleron

apostleron — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 01:04:57 +0000

Recently there has been a lot of talk about self publishing. Although I do believe it is wonderful to be able to publish what we want when we want, we must be certain that our reasons for publishing are valid and compatible with this means. Why are we publishing? If the answer is because we want to make truck loads of money or become a famous well read author than I am afraid that self publishing is by no means the way to go.

You see, self publishing, vanity publishing or partnership publishing are rarely going to give a writer incredible results as far as money and fame go. However, if the writer really has something important to say; it is a wonderful way to help others. Often as we move away from the traditional route we can really lose track of what it takes to become a well read author.

By: Conflict… « Scita > Scienda

Conflict… « Scita > Scienda — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 09:46:56 +0000

[...] it sharky, this vanity business? Or just the evolution of the industry? People seem pretty happy with Thomas Nelson, overall, which speaks to Mr. Hyatt’s name/brand trust. On the other hand, [...]

By: Why Agents May Be Opposed to Self-Publishing

Why Agents May Be Opposed to Self-Publishing — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:28:49 +0000

[...] a new self-publishing division called Harlequin Horizons with Author Solutions. This is similar to the announcement we made several weeks ago about WestBow Press. This has created quite a stir on the [...]

By: Mike Bull

Mike Bull — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 22:40:11 +0000

Awesome – thank you Mr H

By: Michael Hyatt

Michael Hyatt — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 22:32:28 +0000

I have asked someone in our offices to contact you. Usually, we respond within 24 hours. However, I noted that you are in Australia, so there may be some issue with the time difference.

Thanks for your patience.

By: Mike Bull

Mike Bull — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 22:18:36 +0000

I'm ready to publish and applied online. I can understand that West Bow might be overwhelmed initially, but how long will it take to get a response? I have people asking for my book!

By: October’s Top Ten Posts

October’s Top Ten Posts — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 13:00:15 +0000

[...] Should You Consider Self-Publishing? This is the controversial announcement about WestBow Press, Thomas Nelson’s new self-publishing or subsidy publishing initiative. [...]

By: On Self-Publishing and Book Proposals « Blogging Theologically

On Self-Publishing and Book Proposals « Blogging Theologically — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 10:09:49 +0000

[...] Thomas Nelson CEO Michael Hyatt announced Westbow Press, I was quite surprised. Not because it’s a bad idea, just I didn’t expect a move like [...]

By: Aaron Armstrong

Aaron Armstrong — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 01:23:21 +0000

I've been thinking about Westbow since first reading this announcement. I've got something that might be worth publishing; only problems are I'm more than a little afraid and intimidated by the cost. Lots of saving to do, I guess.

By: Should You Consider Self-Publishing? | BookRetails.Com

Should You Consider Self-Publishing? | BookRetails.Com — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 09:51:26 +0000

[...] See more here: Should You Consider Self-Publishing? [...]

By: His_wife69

His_wife69 — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 10:29:29 +0000

You need to look into some of the research conducted during the Third Reich. ,

By: Christopher Hopper » Hard Work for Authors, and a NEW Imprint from Thomas Nelson

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 02:32:45 +0000

[...] is Thomas Nelson’s announcement of starting their own P.O.D. imprint (Print On Demand), West Bow. Presently, POD’s, or [...]

By: What do writers who want to self-publish need most? « Write with Excellence

What do writers who want to self-publish need most? « Write with Excellence — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 14:11:00 +0000

[...] problem with Thomas Nelson’s entry into the self-publishing game is that there is already no lack of companies out there who are more than willing to take money to [...]

By: Is a new publishing model needed? « Write with Excellence

Is a new publishing model needed? « Write with Excellence — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 12:47:55 +0000

[...] Should You Consider Self-Publishing? (blog by Thomas Nelson’s CEO) [...]

By: Last Attempt at Links « E. M. Rowan’s Field Notes

Last Attempt at Links « E. M. Rowan’s Field Notes — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 05:53:34 +0000

[...] big news last week was “Should you consider self-publishing?” Christian publishing house Thomas Nelson opened a self-publishing imprint called Westbow [...]

By: Thomas Nelson’s Self-Publishing Imprint | GENREALITY

Thomas Nelson’s Self-Publishing Imprint | GENREALITY — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 05:09:21 +0000

[...] Michael Hyatt stated on his blog that there are three reasons why his company decided to do [...]

By: Podcast: SelfPublishingReview.com Henry Baum on Exciting Developments in Self-Publishing | The Creative Penn

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 06:12:30 +0000

[...] Thomas Nelson, a large Christian publisher has just announced Westbow Press, an imprint for self-published authors. In a way, it legitimizes self-publishing as a way into traditional publishing. There is a potential problem with taking referrals from agents/editors which could be abused. [...]