Pros and Cons of Self Publishing vs. Traditional Publishing with Chuck Schwerin

Inspired by his three years teaching at a junior boarding school in the Adirondacks, Chuck Schwerin wrote a fiction book about a 15 year old ninth grader and a 63 year old headmaster who are haunted by events that they’ve caused and for which they struggle to address. Chuck joins Peter and Traci to talk about his writing process and why he chose to write a book. He walks through the pros and cons of self publishing vs. using a traditional publisher. Chuck shares how he went about finding an agent to help get his book published and promoted as well as the biggest challenges he faced throughout the whole process. Tune in to learn more about publishing options and to hear a bit more about his new book, Ghosts of Glencoe.  

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [6:18] Chuck introduces himself and shares his background.
• [9:01] What made Chuck decide to write a book?
• [11:17] Is the book fiction or nonfiction?
• [14:12] How did Chuck find an agent for publishing his book?
• [17:41] What were the pros and cons of self publishing vs. using a publisher?
• [19:48] Did Chuck already have a social media following to promote his book?
• [21:21] What has been the most difficult part of this process?
• [22:48] What is Chuck’s workflow when writing?
• [28:34] What was the biggest challenge in the book process?

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Publishing through a publisher gets you a real advantage because you have more access to bookstores. You also get editorial support which can include designing the cover art, layout, font, the type of paper, how it gets put together, etc. 
• It’s important to be concise and edit yourself, but you can become immobilized if you can’t let it go and move on. Hiring an editor can help move the process forward. 
• You may need to get out of your own way and push yourself to get uncomfortable in order to promote your book. It is essential to promote your work because your readers are out there! 

LINKS MENTIONED:

Email: ChuckS@beadjarstrategies.com 

Ghosts of Glencoe Novel

Rowman & Littlefield

Ask Brien Radio Show

BIO

As a committed environmentalist, Chuck’s volunteer work reflects those passions. Through his editorship, he transformed Adirondack PEEKS magazine for the Adirondack 46ers and produced a quarterly online newsletter for the Edward L. Rose Land Conservancy. He is also on the Advisory Board of the World Trails Network-Hub for the Americas that supports field schools and an expedition program which promote trail conservation, sustainability, and stewardship.