So if someone DOES self-publish...

They can start by publishing specialized non-fiction, niche fiction, or poetry.

They can make sure they have some kind of distribution system outside the normal one (e.g. the speaker who sells copies of her own book from the back of the hall).

Better be a DAMN good book that people will want to read. Then better work you a$$ off selling it.

Self-publishing

Jewel101 said:

what kinds of things can they do to at least improve their chances?

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First write something outstanding. But if you can do this, you probably have no need to self-publish. If you can't do this, self-publishing probably won't help.

As UJ says, self-publlishing works best with specialized nonfiction, niche fiction, and poetry. . .things that just don't have a large market, anyway.

If mainstream publishers are rejecting you strictly because what you write simply has no large market, then self-publishing may be the way to go. You won't get rich, but if you're willing to travel, and willing to work your butt off, you will make a profit. Though it still may not be worth it, once you add in travel time, work time, etc. Though it might.

On the other hand, if mainstream publishers keep saying no because your work just isn't good enough, self-publishing won't help in any way. And about 9.9 times out of ten, lack of quality is why mainstream publishers reject fiction.

But if you have the right material, the secret is hard work, a willingness to travel, and to keeo investing. You won't make any money self-publishing by just putting the book on a website and expecting buyers to come to you. You have to go to the buyers through book signings, book shows, conventions, trade shows, on and on and on.

Jewel101 said:

what kinds of things can they do to at least improve their chances?

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I would guess you mean improve your chances of being picked up by a publishing house. I do not believe self-publishing will bring you much money. I don't think it will bring you lots of readers either. You are doing all the work and have few ways of getting your book in front of people. As James said you need to find as many ways a possible to get it out there.

I believe a different way to go is to try to get the book recognition in someway. For instance enter contests and other indy publishing outlets. Self publishing is becoming a lot like indy music. More and more people are doing it, and there are associations and organizations poping up that promote self-published work. I would guess your goal to be getting published by a large house or getting an agent. Self-publishing, from what I've seen, might help. It is hard to tell. Is it that people who self-publish are rejected and then edit their work a different way and self publish it? Would they have been picked up by an agent or publishing house anyway? it is hard to tell.

Either way make the work the best it can be. Find as many outlets for it as you can. Find awards, newspapers, reviews or anyone or anything else that will promote it. Set clear goals for what you hope to do with it, and go for it.

Good luck.

As James A. implies, if you're going to be a success at self-publishing you're going to take on a full-time job as bookseller.

I think for a person who wants total control, has a good book that fits a niche market, and who can devote all their time and effort on selling the book without distribution, self-publishing could be a viable solution.