Writing and the Costs of the Internet

As a writer, the internet has become more and more important. When I first set out to try and get published almost a decade ago, there was almost a 50/50 split between submissions being electronic or plain old mail. Now, while I’m not looking quite as hard as I once did, the ratio I’ve come across is far more tilted in the internet’s favor.

And that’s just the very, very tip of the iceberg. That’s just the red paint of the Titanic smeared across a giant slab of unfathomable ice (for context – look here). If you’re like me and a would-be writer, what goes on beneath the surface is enough to overwhelm, and that’s to say nothing of the costs.

As this isn’t my first time trying to enter the published world, I knew that there were costs associated with self-publishing that I had never been able to try and match. I’ve read a few books and online articles that gives a breakdown of costs associated with things like ISBN #s, editing services, cover design, and professional reviews. What I missed in all of my research was the cost of the internet.

In this modern day and age, internet is key. Having a website is huge. Having an online presence can mean the difference between success and failure. With all of this knowledge, it should have come as no surprise that there were countless costs associated with such endeavors. Needless to say, I was still shocked.

Buying the domain? Over $100

Moving the website out of the free realm? $300

Online website subscription? $120

And that’s just what I’ve spent this week. I’ll admit, I’m balking at taking the next step after this step proved to be so costly. However, I know that I still have a long ways to go. ISBNs aren’t cheap – and while I consider my network a strong editing presence, there is still the issue of a professional review. And the handful of sites I’ve upgraded to Pro levels for the sake of this venture…those are now up to at least $70 per month. But at this point, I’m in too deep to go back now. I decided months ago that this time I would do it right. And that might mean I still make some wrong decisions, still mess up along the way, but this time, I’m not going to give in to the pressures of failure.

So for my fellow would-be writers – just know that the surface costs are only a part of the picture. There will be so many other items that you stumble upon that you find yourself having to purchase. If you ever see an estimate for the costs of a successful self publication, I’d advise doubling that. Maybe if I do that too, I can start to accept the costs that will continue to follow me. Who knew that dreams weren’t free?

Until next time –

L.E.