Talli Roland blogs on self-publishing

Talli Roland is one of the many witty 'chicklit' authors delighting readers with her humourous take on modern life, love and relationships. She also has one of the prettiest blogs around: http://talliroland.blogspot.com/

I invited Talli to share her journey from having a publisher to being a self-publisher for a couple of reasons. Firstly, because I am currently making the transition myself, and it is always interesting to read how another writer accomplished it.

Also, although I only met Talli briefly at a RNA gathering in June, and I'm sure she wouldn't remember me from a bar of soap if she passed me in the street, she has been unstintingly generous in her advice on setting up this blog, and the 'blog etiquette' that needs to be followed. She has a really kind heart, and is one of life's encouragers, for which I applaud her.

I asked Talli: Why the move to self-publishing? This is what she replied:

''Hi everyone! I'd like to say a big thank you to Carol for inviting me to post my journey into the wonderful world of self-publishing.

After having two novels published by a traditional small press (The Hating Game and Watching Willlow Watts), I had a decision to make with my third, Build a Man. I could submit it to my publisher, who might publish it. I could submit it to another small publisher directly. I could continue submitting to agents, in hopes of getting a big publisher, or ... I could go it alone.

With my publisher, the majority of my sales were on Amazon - and in e-books. So why couldn't I hire a cover designer and a professional editor and keep all my profits? Any small press struggles with bookshop distribution, and I already had a very good situation. I decided I wouldn't leave one small press for another.

So, that left two decisions: try to get an agent, or go it alone.

Let's say I was lucky enough to get an agent. Would they be able to sell my novel? How long would it take? And if they did sell it, how long would I have to wait until it was published? All things considered, the fastest would probably be a year - if I was super fortunate. In one year, I could write three novels and have them bringing in revenue. Not only that, I've already made from one e-book (The Hating Game) what big publishers might offer me as an advance for two or three books. The financials just didn't add up.

So, that left going it alone as the logical choice for me. I can control my output. I can build up my readership on my own timeline. And I can keep the revenues! I truly believe readers don't care who or what has published a novel, as long as it's an engaging, high quality story. I released Build a Man last December, and after selling almost 20,000 copies, I couldn't be happier with the decision I've made. In fact I plan to continue self-publishing in the foreseeable future, and I've just put out my latest book, Construct A Couple.

Things are changing fast in publishing. It's exciting for everyone, and I can't wait to see what's ahead!''

Talli Roland
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