In spite of growing evidence that self-publishing is poised to replace (or at least match) traditional publishing in the future, many conventionally published authors (and those striving to become such) still view self-publishing with contempt. They feel self-publishing companies and those authors who choose to use them are "cheating" somehow. After all, getting a book published traditionally has always been "hard work." Those who have done it (or long to) perhaps feel as if self-published authors are not paying their dues.

But are self-publishing writers really "cheating," or are they simply taking advantage of widespread changes taking place throughout the entertainment and business worlds?

Why Should the Book Publishing Industry Be Any Different Than The Music and Entertainment Worlds?

The same Do-it-Yourself (DIY) fever has swept through the music industry. Musicians (talented and otherwise) are no longer waiting for acceptance from the "establishment." Instead, they are distributing their music through iTunes. They are finding their audiences through Myspace. And, they're broadcasting their music videos via YouTube.

It is safe to say the music industry has irrevocably changed. Musicians no longer give 95% of their royalties to the "industry" and customers no longer buy CDs from brick-and-mortar music stores.

Are these musicians cheating?

No.

They are still paying their dues, but now the invoice comes after their music has already become available. They still must market aggressively to obtain listeners, but at least they have something to market. The audience determines which of those musicians succeed and which of them fail.

This is no different from the self-publishing book industry.

How the D-I-Y Mentality Removes Unnecessary Hurdles

Can you imagine the uproar that would ensue if all that were required to start playing for the New York Knicks was writing a check for $1000 to some Internet company? Can you imagine the fervor if all that were required to obtain a recording contract was standing in line at some reality show try-out?

Wait a minute!

That's already happening. Reality television has altered the search for "talent" and now, in rare instances, getting "discovered" is no harder than filling out an application. Nowadays, instead of submitting audition tapes to countless producers, lyricists stand in line for American Idol and face the possibility of public humiliation at the hands of Simon and company.

Is this "cheating," per se, or has the do-it-yourself mentality simply removed unnecessary hurdles that prevented talent from being discovered faster? You see, talent is the one common denominator and talent cannot be purchased. Cast members of Survivor have their fifteen minutes of fame and then disappear back into the abyss. The try-outs for American Idol feature thousands upon thousands of "hopefuls" standing in lines around city blocks and yet the main competition is comprised of just a handful. Most had their opportunity to shine, and their audience rejected them. But at least they received a shot.

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