Irony and Comment

Ironic story seen today. On The Passive Guy site, a great place for publishing news and links, had a story about a former opponent of self-publishing who finally got tired of the gatekeeper game a couple of weeks ago.

He got a cover, formatted his book, and posted it for sale. Guess what? It's become a breakaway hit, and he's making sales and money hand-over-fist.

Boy, he's sure changed his tune!

And as a companion piece, read the excellent post by Kristine Kathryn Rusch- The Logic Behind Self Publishing.

Information like this is why I laugh when some folks spout off that the only real way to succeed in writing is to have a big publisher do it all for you.

Meeting the Public

Well, today I embark on a new venture-- instead of waiting for people to wander into a bookstore and try to sell them books, I'm bringing the bookstore to them.

I'll putting up a table at the big Chelmsford 4th of July celebration, and will be hawking my wares to passersby.

Don't know what to expect, whether it will be worth it or not, but I'm willing to try something new-- this is the new age of publishing, and trying new things gives a writer better odds of success.

Part of doing your own publicity is getting the word out that you have books people can buy and read. Many writers hate this part, meeting the public and asking them to fork over some hard-earned cash.

Sure, we'd rather be writing. In fact, I started a new story this morning, got over 1000 words on it, and the end in sight. Would love to finish it and send it off-- but have to prepare for the Big Event. There is so much preparation involved.

It's the Kobayashi Maru scenario-- writing time versus time spent promoting and selling. Never enough time for either.

Trouble on the horizon-- the most recent weather update calls for probable rain tomorrow. What chance do paper books have in the rain? So we may not be able to get out at all.
Wah.
The Weather Gods sure don't like my writing ventures. Last January, we had a bad snowstorm on the day of my book signing to launch A Fall From Grace. Killed the traffic for that, and now we miss the crowds for the actual 4th of July.
But no matter the obstacle, I keep plugging away. Where's this overnight success I keep hearing about?

*****

And for all you writers-- here's a must-read book: Self-Editing for Fiction Writers, by Renni Browne and Dave King.

Chance of a Lifetime

Great post by Seth Godin on the chance of a lifetime:
http://sethgodin.typepad.com/seths_blog/2011/12/the-chance-of-a-lifetime.html

What will you be talking about in a few years that you could have done? He's saying we can make our future. Change is good, because we're in a time of flux.

Nowhere is this more evident than the field of writing and publishing.

Dream big, then make a plan and make it happen.

Bookstores Into Publishers?

Now this is original thinking!

This article suggests that indie bookstores can change the game by becoming their own independent publishers, especially for local authors! This is actually quite brilliant and innovative, part of the new way of thinking in the Revolution!

A local shop for local people (also a fun reference to a British comedy show- extra points if you can tell which one!)

This is the kind of out-of-the-box idea that changes the game, and could make the bookstore a relevant, ass-kicking place to roar back into market-share. I would support a local place that did this, and sell them hundreds of books!

Any hurting retailer listening?