A major reason many self-publish is control of the publishing process. Another strong reason is the long, hard experience of rejection from traditional publishing houses. Sometimes I think writers profess the former when the truth is more likely the latter. Rejection is painful.

A lot of writers fuss about the arrogance of traditional publishing, or the unjustified ignorance of debut and novice authors by traditional publishers, as if traditional only likes certain types of personalities. These complaints ring hollow to me.

Traditional presses want a book that generates serious money. In other words, they buy and sell to make a profit. The items being bartered just happen to be books.

But they don’t give new authors a chance. . . or so many say.

If you hire someone to fill a vacancy in your business, you seek experience. If you are a small enterprise, you might need someone more niche experienced, or you will accept someone with fewer years in the business. If you have a strong brand and a larger enterprise, you can be more selective. You have the power to choose those most seasoned, most awarded, and most talented.

Writing and publishing are no different.

Sure there is the occasional Marilyn Monroe moment of discovery, where a New York press or agent stumbles across a newbie who demonstrates strong potential. But the odds are very similar to winning the lottery.

Your goal as a writer is to write . . . write a lot. If you have traditional aspirations, then put your work where it can be seen by traditional professionals. Enter contests until you place or win. Apply for writing residencies (published all the time in FundsforWriters). Submit shorts to magazines or wide-reaching online publications. Strive to climb.

In this day of self-publishing, why would I bring this up? Because there are still thousands that prefer to publish traditionally, and there are publishing houses still needing excellent stories. But realize that you need to be earnest in your writing efforts.

Case in point is the Mansfield Press posted in today’s newsletter. Found this in their submissions guidelines:

<<It is unlikely that Mansfield will publish a first book by someone with no publishing history. Publishing in magazines and literary journals is an indication that the writer is serious and has experience with the editorial process.>>

So, do what you can to get your name out there. Nobody starts their career with a blockbuster bestseller by a New York publisher. You really do need to pay a few dues and take the bottom rungs of that ladder first.