Welcome to Wednesday – and the week (ish) before FenCon, which means an excessive amount of headless chicken running and maniacal laughter. But it’s coming together so that’s something – but not the point of today’s blog. And fair warning – there’s a couple of “adult” words in here. And shameless plugs for my work…

Yesterday (Tuesday the 16th) Cat Rambo put up an article on her blog entitled: Why SFWA Should (IMO) Admit Self-Published Writers, and Some Thoughts about the Process. And it’s an interesting and forward-thinking concept on accepting changes in publication. Steve Miller linked to the article on Facebook, as well, which has started your basic firestorm of discussion.

For the record, I do not have a problem with creating criteria for self-publishing for “professional” status. A lot of people are jumping on the bandwagon, it’s going to have to happen. What I’ve taken exception to – and have gotten a bit of support is the fact that Small Press is still getting short shrift. Though Cat mentions, once I bring up the point in comments, that Small Press criteria is also being considered – why is it still a FREAKIN’ FOOTNOTE?

I love the Small Presses I work with. Yard Dog Press has been around longer than a lot of “professional” imprints (both traditional and digital), but because it pays in more of an e-book business plan (long before e-pub was a glimmer in anyone’s eyes) of no advance but higher royalties, it’s still somehow considered a Bastard Stepchild. Nor is Yard Dog alone – there are several Small Presses (and bigger ones) that fall into this category that have been around a long, long time.

Why, suddenly, is Self-Pub getting the love and respect of “professional” consideration when presses who fall just under the “accepted” threshold” still considered Second Best? I’ve carved out quite a nice career in Small Press. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE working with Yard Dog – Selina is a KICK ASS editor who only works with people who are willing to WORK. They pay royalties ON TIME. EVERYTIME. It might not be much – or it might be, depending on the hustle of the author (which is true in the Big Houses, too now) – but it’s consistent and transparent.

Why is it becoming more acceptable? Is it because of the rise of e-books and the changing face of publishing? Partly. Even Traditional publishing has to account for e-pub. Or is it because some Older Authors who’ve (in some cases) originally looked askance on anything other than Big House/Big Three Publishing are now finding out that they can make money on back lists and companion pieces by doing it themselves has taken the stigma away from “self publishing” – so therefore it MUST BE okay now?

I don’t know – but I do know that I would rather see the hard work that Small Presses do for their authors get recognized by professional organizations on an equal level. And yes, all the covers represented here are Yard Dog titles – and clickable to take you to the page (and aren’t ALL the titles I’m involved with there). I have a couple of self-pub collections, so I am on both sides of this debate. So debate this if you will but keep it civil.