The List: Pro vs. Con

I may have started something similar before, but I'm older now, er...more experienced, and I think I can do a better job. That said, I'm going to start a list comparing the pros and cons of self-publishing vs. traditional publishing. And just to clarify, by self-publishing, I'm not referring to iUniverse or any of those print-on-demand services. By self-publishing, I mean I am the press.

So, today I'll list the Pro's I've come up with for going the self-publishing route...

1. Much, much quicker turn-around time on getting my book into print. If I were to decide today that I want to self-publish, I'd pretty much be constrained only by the six months lead time required by the more influential print media to review a new release. (Versus a couple of years--I'm guessing--if I were to sign with an agent today).

2. To publish Unladylike Pursuits, I had to purchase a bank of ISBN numbers, so I have plenty of leftovers just waiting to be used up. And I've also done the leg work to set up my own press: Impress Ink

3. The book design, from the cover to the font selection to the layout of the book is at my (and likely my husband's) discretion.

4. Having learned so much and developed so many useful business relationships the first go-around, I think the process of getting this book out there has the potential to go much smoother.

5. I retain all the rights--including ebook--and as such, all the profits (after selling the book at wholesaler discounts).

6. I continue to feel like I'm bucking a rather archaic system, moving forward instead of in reverse.

Anyone have any other thoughts, pro or con? I'll type up the con list, as I see it, for tomorrow's post.