Self-publishing: Why not?

The publishing industry has changed at least as much as any other has in the past five years. While traditional publishing contracts are far less lucrative as they once were, self-publishing has come a long way, baby.

No longer the vanity press, ugly stepchild option for misfit writers, self-publishing has legs.

Many published authors - people who have actually received royalty checks - have chosen the DIY route. Some self-published books later garner contracts from traditional houses - though perhaps not all that you've heard about.

A few forward-thinking agents are playing along.

I've decided to dive in, too. I had a great experience with my first book - a regional hiking guide, published by Menasha Ridge Press - but other manuscripts have languished. Yes, in part, I'm diving in out of frustration. But in spite of Harold Underdown's cautions, I believe it's time.

I hope you do too. Dumb Things We Say to Dogs is now available... and oh, you better believe I'll welcome your thoughts on it!