For these N.L. authors, self-publishing is a big business that spans the globe

Liz Graham says she likes to set her books in Newfoundland and Labrador and local readers like having recognizable landmarks. (Elizabeth Whitten/CBC)

For authors who've decided to forgo the traditional publishing route, self-publishing can mean more creative freedom and a potentially larger audience, but it's still important to connect to readers in-person.

Last Sunday the St. John's Farmers' Market teemed with book lovers — readers as well as authors and publishers.

Liz Graham, who was at the market to promote her books — most of which she published on her own — said going the self-publishing route was the right path for her.

"There's more money in it, basically. And I have more control over the covers, of the editing, everything," said Graham, who has been writing since 2013.

"It costs a lot upfront for editing and covers, but I really enjoy it. And I've also learned about advertising and it's taught me so much. You're using so many skills."

Chris Ryan, who also had a table at the book fair, said his first book was published by Flanker Press but when he approached them with a followup book, it was turned down.

He decided to get into self-publishing to release Working Cape Race. He's since written a sequel, Walking the Trail, and followed it up with other mystery novels, with another book set to be released this summer.

There are pros and cons for going the self-publishing route, he said, as publishing houses have their own marketing team.

"But when you get a book or two out in the market and you get your name known, people start buying it. And when they read one or two and they like them, then they buy them and you kind of get an audience," said Ryan.

Justin Hodder says he’s interested in publishing his books the traditional way one day but he’s glad he went with self-publishing. (Elizabeth Whitten/CBC)

Justin Hodder said he'd always been a creative person, and when he started writing what would become his debut novel, The Mists of Morne, he showed chapters to friends, who enjoyed it.

He submitted it to a publisher but also self-published it, and when the publisher came back to him with interest, he said they couldn't print it because it had already been published.

He chalked the experience up to being unfamiliar with how the book publishing world worked, and called it a "blessing in disguise."

"That was fine with me anyway. I was just testing to see if I had what it took when I wrote my book to get published," said Hodder, who said he has sold more than a thousand copies.

Meeting readers at market

While the authors are doing big business online, they agree there's a lot to be gained by attending markets and getting in touch with readers.

"And it gets me out of the office and seeing people," Graham said with a chuckle, "because it can be a really lonely life being an author."

Ryan said markets are important to attend because they put authors into direct contact with unlikely readers.

"You tap into a different audience than you would as a person going to, say, the Avalon Mall versus a book fair," said Ryan.

For Hodder, it's a way to show potential readers how passionate he is about his book.

"The moment that I start talking to someone in front of me and I put the book in their hands, I have a smile on my face. I'm talking about my own work. It's not a job for me," said Hodder.

Offers authors control

The authors all noted editors and other people work on their books prior to publication, but through self-publishing they have more control.

"At the end of the day, whatever you want to keep in this book will be yours," said Hodder.

Chris Ryan likes to base his books in his hometown of Bay Bulls and reaches out to people to talk about historical events to enrich his writing. (Elizabeth Whitten/CBC)

Graham said self-publishing allows her to write what she wants to write. She often sets her books in St. John's, adding that people appreciate reading about recognizable landmarks.

"We don't need gatekeepers who are the publishers traditionally, you know, saying, 'Well, no, you can't publish your books.' Well, yes I can. I can do it and I control everything. And I set the price," she said. "It's the coolest thing, really.".

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