I admit to previously having a snob attitude toward e-published books; they're not printed so they're somehow sub-standard, right? Just a step above having the book in Word on your computer, right? Maybe that used to be the case (and is the case with some vanity publishers), but not any more.
I've decided that e-pubbed books are like indie films - yes they might lack the big budget of the blockbuster, but they have more room to play and produce interesting, quirky, non-mainstream ideas and explore themes that might scare off a big producer.
I'm also slowly waking up to the fact that since publishing is about to change dramatically, I am in a unique position to put myself ahead by anticipating the new rules and learning them quickly.
Does that mean I've abandoned my quest to see my book in print? No. Hell no - I'd love nothing more than to see a big fat hardcover with my name on it wheeled out in pallets. I just need to keep my eyes open, make sure my brains are on, and be smart enough to recognize the glint of opportunities that might pop up in unexpected places.
And I want a Kindle or e-Reader NOW - I'm predicting that I won't make it through the summer without one. It's a BUSINESS expense : )
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4 comments:
Definitely a business expense :)
This is definitely the future of publishing. I've read a lot of posts and articles since the Kindle2 arrived.
Some of the big houses are putting out free books. I downloaded 3 of 5 free books from a Random House imprint and have been working my way through the whole series and beyond for the two I've already read. But that is from big houses with market recognition and marketing muscle.
So how will you get visible? There have got to be groups of independents right? Probably within genres, I've poked around sci-fi sites. (http://www.baen.com/library/) Baen Free Library is a collection of free downloadable books that are published by Baen and authors decide whether to post for free too.
Seems like unpublished authors should have similar outlets, but how to attract people. Not just free, but that helps for marketing. But you are a marketing professional, you can do this.
If you put your work out there, be sure to edit meticulously. I've bought several books of older series by Charlaine Harris and the things are a mess. I've never seen so many typos and continuity errors in published work. It was disgusting. I don't know if the print versions are that bad or if the published the wrong version to Kindle but it pissed me off and stopped me from spending any more money on her old books. The aggravation isn't worth it. I think the standard for self-published work should be higher to build an audience.
Please let me know where I can download your novel. I will test it on my K2 for you ;)
Can't publish comment with own ID. This is Dodi.
You brought up an interesting subject: editing. In the olden days, apparently, an editor who worked for the publishing house would work hand in hand with the writer to nurture the writer and help him/her develop as a writer. Those days are gone.
My information is obviously not first-hand, but from what I'm hearing, there is little time or budget for editing any more.
So - what is a writer to do? Hire an independent editor and then hope the money is recouped when the polished book sells well? Tough call.
For now, I'm still hoping to go the old school route and work with a talented editor, but I'm keeping my eyes and ears open.
(throat-clearing noise)
bobapede
I'm afraid you'll rip it to shreds
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