A Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ user
asked
Rick Riordan:
Do you truly believe it would be hard to self-publish and be just as famous as you are now? What publishing company should I use for my book? Its not mythology, but its style is inspired by you! Take care, Mr. Riordan :)
Rick Riordan
I was first published in 1997, when self-publishing meant something VERY different than it does now, so I have no idea what would've happened. It's also been so long since I broke into publishing that the entire business has changed, so it's difficult for me to give any helpful advice. The advice that remains true is this: write the absolute best book you can. Make it as polished and excellent and finished as it can be. Then and ONLY then try to get it published.
The rest of my advice is my best guess, but I could be wrong! Traditional publishing has advantages. The publisher does your editing, your marketing (sort of), your distribution, your graphic design. They can give you a better chance of getting your book noticed and into bookstores. BUT it's still an incredibly long-shot to get published, then another even longer shot to get noticed, then another long shot to become successful, and even if you manage all that, the publisher and bookseller take most of the profits. Last time I checked stats, only one in ten published books ever makes a profit. If you self-publish, you have do to literally everything, from design to marketing to distribution to editing, but if you manage to succeed (again, a huge long shot) you will get a much larger share of your sales. If you are famous for something else, like you are an influencer with a massive following, you might find self-publishing more doable? If not, you will find it very difficult to get attention all on your own.
I don't say all this to discourage you, but go into it with your eyes open. I started trying to get published when I was twelve years old, in 1977. It took me twenty years before I got my first book published. Even after that, I had to write and publish eight more novels before I wrote Percy Jackson and became a full-time writer. Your path may be different, but the one thing you will absolutely need is determination not to give up. Which publishing company should you solicit? Look at the companies that publish books you enjoy, and the kind of books you want to write. That is the best place to start. Good luck!
The rest of my advice is my best guess, but I could be wrong! Traditional publishing has advantages. The publisher does your editing, your marketing (sort of), your distribution, your graphic design. They can give you a better chance of getting your book noticed and into bookstores. BUT it's still an incredibly long-shot to get published, then another even longer shot to get noticed, then another long shot to become successful, and even if you manage all that, the publisher and bookseller take most of the profits. Last time I checked stats, only one in ten published books ever makes a profit. If you self-publish, you have do to literally everything, from design to marketing to distribution to editing, but if you manage to succeed (again, a huge long shot) you will get a much larger share of your sales. If you are famous for something else, like you are an influencer with a massive following, you might find self-publishing more doable? If not, you will find it very difficult to get attention all on your own.
I don't say all this to discourage you, but go into it with your eyes open. I started trying to get published when I was twelve years old, in 1977. It took me twenty years before I got my first book published. Even after that, I had to write and publish eight more novels before I wrote Percy Jackson and became a full-time writer. Your path may be different, but the one thing you will absolutely need is determination not to give up. Which publishing company should you solicit? Look at the companies that publish books you enjoy, and the kind of books you want to write. That is the best place to start. Good luck!
More Answered Questions
rashmi (catching up)
asked
Rick Riordan:
Hi, Rick! After reading all your books, I’m really inspired to become an author. I’ve seen some people that plan the whole book out and make a chapter outline and others that just keep writing without a plan till the book is over. Which do you reccommend and use? Thanks.
Andrea
asked
Rick Riordan:
Dear Mr. Riordan, This is the second time I've reworded my question. (Before, it was just me talking about how much I love your work, excitement for future projects, and a suggestion for a Norse myth reference book.) If you've seen Marvel's Thor movies, do you like them and their aesthetics? (I particularly loved the way Asgard looked, plus Asgardian fashion and Lady Sif!)
Savannah Marshall
asked
Rick Riordan:
Do you ever do signings or tours at independent bookstores? Also, do you have any advice on how to write in a way that is enjoyable for people of all ages? I work at Beach Town Books in San Clemente, CA and we like to get young adults and children reading. I am always recommending your books to people of all ages and lots of readers say "I didn't know books could be so fun" when I've gotten them to read yours.
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