@LAHolloway people can't comprehend that the world isn't just what their little bubble of comfort, creates.

@NapsAndSarcasm On top of "comfortable bubble syndrome" she had a bad case of "assuming shit and acting like I said it" syndrome. 🤣

@LAHolloway @NapsAndSarcasm I'm very close to someone who's methodically preparing to launch a series of books as a self-publisher. I've published myself with traditional outlets. I can tell you that self-publishing, done right, is the only way to go. You keep all the money and get the rewards from the marketing the traditionals now expect you to do for them anyway. Plus the accounting isn't opaque. You have to be very careful with copyediting and design, but reaping what you sow is so worth it

@Prinzhampton @NapsAndSarcasm Pretty much what I said in response to "why self-pub" was "I like the freedom." I write what I want on my schedule. I have final say on the cover and the marketing. Plus, like you said, I keep a larger cut and know exactly what's going on with my sales

@LAHolloway @NapsAndSarcasm Yes, the schedule! With traditionals, it's hurry up and wait. Get us your product NOW and then stew for years (!) while we blame any and every delay on Covid or any other handy excuse. Total control over that vital cover art and layout is also a key not only to self-satisfaction, but also sales. We will also use your space to push our other books, but not any more of yours. All so you can proudly answer the question at a party, "Who's your publisher?"

@Prinzhampton That's legit. When I finished Thief of Joy and knew it was ready, I hit "publish" and it was out in the world hours later. My fellow self-pub authors are the BEST, and we work together to connect new readers to new authors.
You do have to do everything/arrange everything yourself, which isn't possible for everyone, but it's the best fit for me. ♥

@LAHolloway I'm sorry you got your feet muddy discussing these issues elsewhere this morning. Your position is very reasonable: not everyone can devote the time and energy into launching and continuing a series of books themselves, but for those who can, it may be the better option by far. I wish all good things to you and much success with your writing, publishing, and sales.

@Prinzhampton tbh I'm pretty sure "Linda's" problem was something much deeper than whether or not other people choose to self-publish, but I don't know her so I can't comment on her personal life.

That's just been my experience when someone goes off the rails on random subjects like that.

@LAHolloway It could be yet another sad but all too common case of someone's free-floating anxiety needing an outlet and you became the random target. I hate it when that happens, but usually I can get over it in 30 minutes or less. That's always a good sign it was about them, not me.

@Prinzhampton That's exactly what I was thinking too.