I've been debating on using Amazon. I just want one of my stories out there. I mean everyone that has seen my stories loved them. If I did then maybe it would be easier to find someone to ask me if I had more ideas. It's like ice skating. It seems so scary but maybe it wouldn't be. Maybe it will be thrilling and fun.
If I did publish it with Amazon I'd have to make pictures myself and that's kind of cool. It's been a while since I've worked on my drawing skills.
What is your experiences? Do you think it will help get my foot in the first of many doors?
You have to be really careful with self-publishing. It is a double-edged sword. Sure, you will get your stuff out there, but it will essentially be permanently tied to you. Make sure that if you do it, you make it a professional product that you will be proud to have associated with your name. I have design experience and am engaged to a freelance editor. It still cost me almost 300 dollars to produce a professional quality book. That was just for appropriate image licenses. I ddn't have to pay for editting and cover design.
If what you have are a few short stories that you want published, I would go to Duotrope or The Grinder and start submitting them. It's a longer-term game, but it will get you working with editors and getting extra eyes on your work. If you self-publish your stories, you will lose first rights on them. You can always self-publish them as a collection after you sell the first rights to literary magazines. It may take awhile, but I think it is a better route. Don't fall in to the trap of self-publishing out of impatience. The submission process sucks, but it is an important part of your development.
To be honest from what I've seen in order for people to consider your stories you have to have some sort of work out there. I just want one of my stories out there. Since I like to brag I would only put a story out there tied to myself something to be proud of. Even if the world thinks it's crap at least it's not something I'd regret.
