Is self-publishing a good option?

Question

Is the self publishing route one that is considered acceptable these days? Specifically, I am writing short stories, and there is no real chance of getting a publisher to look at short stories without some previous history.

Additionally, I don't expect to make enough money to justify a publisher, or even my time in trying to find one - I expect to make something, but not a great deal. So self-publishing seems to make sense, to get some of my work out there, and see whether anyone likes it.

For this sort if work, is self-publishing a good route, a sensible route?

is considered acceptable these days? - Define "acceptable", "considered" and why does it matter. You don't need someone's permission. Publish! — John Smithers, Mar 12 '12 at 22:16
"Acceptable" == better than vanity publishing. I actually do want people to take my work seriously. @Stadnback - thank yo ufor that link - I did search self-publishing questions before posting, but didn't seee this for some reason. — Schroedingers Cat, Mar 13 '12 at 09:51
I'm closing this because it's vague. If it can be edited to ask a more specific question, we'll consider reopening. (If you simply want to know the pros and cons of self-publishing, the question Standback linked to covers that well - this answer in particular.) — Goodbye Stack Exchange, Mar 13 '12 at 19:33
I tried hard to be specific, for short stories, with little change of making much money. But the other links should help. — Schroedingers Cat, Mar 13 '12 at 21:38

score 0 · Accepted Answer · answered Mar 13 '12 at 19:22

Depending on how short you're talking, and whether you're talking about print or electronic, Amazon is explicitly pushing short/medium stories at present through their Kindle Singles program, and a scan through the published works ranges from unknowns to Stephen King. I can't speak from personal experience, but it seems like it's a reasonable approach.

Is self-publishing a good option?

1 Answers1