Who's Your Publisher?

[Austin S. Camacho]

At book signings there are always people who, instead of asking about my books will ask, “are you self-published?” or, “Who’s your publisher?” It often feels like a put down, and some days I wish I could say “Random House. Why?” Instead I explain that I’m published by two small presses, Echelon Press being the larger.

But then I mention that The Shack was originally self published like my books originally were. And I ask if it would make a difference if I were published by Mariner Books. So far the response has been “Never heard of them,” so I point across the store and say, “Me either, but they publish The Time Traveler's Wife, just about the most popular book out right now. So, do you really think it matters who my publisher is?”

I think it was Eleanor Roosevelt who said, “Nobody can make you feel inferior without your permission.”

[Flic Manning]

Exactly right! Do not let anyone affect your self-confidence or feeling of self worth. At the end of the day just having a book in print, and sitting at a signing is an achievement that many people will never make themselves - so no, it does not matter who the publisher is - it only matters who you are.