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Another proof not to let desperation drive you to self-publish. Unlike you, HSO, I walked open-eyed into buying a self-published book. It was at the last writer's conference I attended and a fellow was selling his book. I had no idea who he was, but I was curious.
I was shocked. Everything that could be wrong with a book was wrong with it, from published format to melodramatic story, from horrendous grammar to the most unbelievable dialogue. I confess I never finished it. According to the back cover, the author has self-published other books as well.
I've been debating about writing to him to say how bad the book really is -- I mean, this guy is spending good money on these books and he did ask for comments -- but then, according to the introduction, he's living his dream. Maybe it'd be cruel to give him a reality check.
But that book sure gave me a negative view of self-published books.
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I can't say much about this because if I do I'll launch into a rant.
I will say "thank you" though, HSO and Kolona. Because of your posts, I'm going to think twice before buying someone's book... unless of course I already recognize the publisher/imprint.
Mike: "Offendedly"...? good word. Thanks for being offended. Now that the offended bit is out of the way, I can relax.
Goatboy: sorry that I've slighted you. I hope that will suffice as a substitute for offending you.
Kolona: Eek. Ethical dilemma. I think the person deserves the truth. But who am I to say that? I didn't do it. I didn't lie, either. I simply didn't comment.
On a separate yet related note, my wife has read more of this guy's book than I managed and said that if you can past the writing, the story idea is fairly decent. But good ideas with bad writing simply aren't good stories. I've learned this enough times with my own stories to know this is true.
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Now that the offended bit is out of the way, I can relax.
