“Why would I want to go backward?”
June 6th, 2013
Guest Blogger, Patti Davis, Author
To listen to Patti’s interview on the show: http://bit.ly/Zc4lk7
One thing that every writer longs for is a chance to put their work out into the world. For too long, the only way to accomplish this was to try and get a literary agent (which can include groveling, begging, and bouts of fervent praying) and then – if one does manage to get an agent – moving on to step two. The big step: hoping a publisher will agree that the book should indeed be put out into the world. This can include groveling, begging, and making compromises that often scrape away at the essence of one’s work.
With the three completed novels on my computer, I never got to step two. The books were shopped around, got good feedback, but no takers. My past preceded me – Ronald Reagan’s daughter who had written extensively about various aspects of her family life. She’s written fiction? Well, we don’t know what to do with that.
One day I realized no publisher was ever going to say yes to my fiction, and I could get to the end of my life with all these unpublished novels on my computer. Trust me, no one dreams of being a posthumously published author.
I had been paying more and more attention to Amazon’s self-publishing branch, which consists of Kindle Direct Publishing and CreateSpace. I really took notice when Amanda Hocking made news for her success as a self-published author. I had doubts about my ability to navigate my way through the online world, as I would have to publicize my work myself, after I up-loaded my book to KDP (this sounded very daunting to me.) But the alternative was worse – never putting my work out there. I chose, as my first self-published book, my novel Till Human Voices Wake Us, about two sisters-in-law who unexpectedly fall in love after one of them loses her son in a swimming pool accident. I began writing it twelve years ago.
There are other sites that make self-publishing available. But personally, I thought if I’m going to do this, I should go to the top of the mountain. Let’s face it, Amazon is huge, so why look elsewhere? My first challenge was finding an illustrator to do the book cover. I had a very specific image in mind and I started hunting on-line for e-book illustrators. I found Donna Casey (Digital Donna) who did exactly what I envisioned – even better than I envisioned it.
I then took a deep breath and watched KDP’s on-line tutorial about uploading your book. Actually I watched it twice…I’m a slow learner. I can do this! I thought. And I did. When I hit the publish button, I felt like I had just stepped into a world of new possibilities. I was suddenly in control of my own literary career. I didn’t have to answer to anyone else. I would have to work terribly hard to promote my novel, but I was happy to plunge into a new adventure.
I have to say, Amazon has made what seemed like a daunting task easy. I’m looking ahead now to which novel I will put out next on KDP and CreateSpace. Someone said to me, “If your novel does well, a traditional publisher might want to buy it.”
My response: “Why would I want to go backward?”
On Self-Publishing: Breaking Tradition
May 6th, 2013
Guest Blogger, Rochelle Weinstein, Author, Blogger, Speaker www.RochelleWeinstein.com
To listen to Rochelle’s interview on the show: http://bit.ly/Zj5Ee0
When I wrote my first novel many years ago, the publishing world was going through a period of rapid growth and change. Still, first-time authors faced numerous obstacles getting their books into print. Self-publishing was relatively new, and authors were ambivalent about the non-traditional road. Enter CreateSpace and KDP. Amongst numerous self-publishing houses, I quickly became convinced that entrusting my firstborn to Amazon’s influential and far-reaching publishing arm was the best option.
As a wife, mother, author, blogger, and volunteer, it was crucial for me to find a publisher who would balance the chaos in a simple, flexible package. CreateSpace provided an easy-to-navigate dashboard with an a la carte menu for editing, formatting, designing, distributing, and marketing my work.
The ease at which CreateSpace piloted my book release and eventual Kindle conversion were impressive. However, it wasn’t until some time later that I came to realize its true value. When my novel debuted last year, I never imagined I would be faced with my mother’s eighteen month battle with pancreatic cancer. I had to quickly prioritize and juggle. When she passed away in December 2012, all things book related came to an immediate halt. The DIY approach afforded me the freedom and flexibility I needed to sustain myself through an awful period. By taking the non-traditional approach, deadlines were self-imposed, not imposed, and I could write and market my book at my own personal pace.
When I meet with writers or book clubs, the most common statement is: “I also want to write a book.” I often tell aspiring writers to do just that—write their book—although the next piece of advice I offer is this: have a clearly defined goal. It may seem like a simple answer. It’s not. We are all unique and our needs and expectations complex. What is it you want out of the book experience? Be honest. Sometimes that’s the tricky part. Do you have a secret desire to be famous and travel the world? Are your expectations realistic? Or do you merely want to touch someone’s life with your words? The answer to this question is one that has the potential to strategically pave your next steps.
Writing the book is the easy part. After setting 85,000 or so words onto the page (in pitch perfect form) you will have to face the most difficult part of being an author—marketing. In today’s booming book world, some sales tactics are obvious: set up social media linking your book and website; exploit your friends, family, and business networks; get yourself out there through organizations media, and institutions that target your niche; utilize the free on-line forums that DIY companies like CreateSpace and KDP offer; increase distribution through relationship building with libraries, independent bookstores, etc. Then get creative. Really creative. Think grass roots. Think outside the traditional box.
Know your hook. What’s your elevator pitch? Try to sell your book in one succinct, appealing sentence. This one line, when intriguing enough, has the capacity to sell many books. Exploit that hook. Who does it target? Is it a beachside romance? Find a boutique hotel to sell your books in their gift shop. Is your book worthy of book club discussion? Make yourself available. Is your school or religious organization having a fundraiser? Offer an evening with the author as an auction item. Find book conventions around the globe. Offer promo pieces (book discounts or bookmarks) for swag bags. Leave your book on an airplane the next time you fly. Drop business cards with your book’s hook wherever you can. Plan unique contests and giveaways. And finally, don’t be afraid to ask for a favor.
And most importantly, after all is said and done, pay it forward to the next guy.
“Your Book Is Your Hook” Show – #1 Amazon Kindle Bestseller Aaron Patterson & Stone House Ink
June 25th, 2011
By Jennifer S. Wilkov, host of the “Your Book Is Your Hook!” Show on WomensRadio
www.yourbookisyourhook.com
Aaron Patterson, #1 Amazon Kindle best-selling author and the Publisher of Stone House Ink and StoneGate Ink publishing houses, will appear as a guest on the Your Book Is Your Hook! Show on WomensRadio.com. Mr. Patterson will discuss why he created his two publishing houses, why he publishes “clean fiction,” and what he’s looking for in the writers he chooses to publish. He’ll also share his perspectives on the importance of social media for writers and the future of the book publishing industry.
Mr. Patterson will also talk about his best-selling WJA Series as well as his new teen thriller, his first, entitled AIREL. Patterson will reveal how he’s using his books as his hook and share advice about what makes new writers successful in today’s writing and publishing marketplace.
NEW YORK, NY (June 21st – June 27th, 2011): Aaron Patterson, the Publisher of Stone House Ink and StoneGate Ink publishing houses, will talk with radio personality and host Jennifer S. Wilkov about why and when he decided to create his publishing houses and the distinct qualifications he looks for when choosing the authors he’s willing to publish. He’ll also discuss why he publishes “clean fiction” and the difference between the processes for how writers can submit to the two publishing houses.
He’ll also talk about why a marketing platform is essential for fiction writers, not just nonfiction writers, and the important role social media plays in book sales. He’ll also share his perspective of the future of the publishing industry.
In his second interview on the show, Aaron Patterson, a #1 Amazon Kindle best-selling author, will talk about his best-selling WJA series and his new teen thriller, his first, entitled AIREL. Mr. Patterson will also discuss his passion for writing and why you don’t have to be a master at grammar and spelling to write a bestseller. He’ll also share advice for new writers about what it takes to create a successful thriller book and writing career.
Host Jennifer S. Wilkov will discuss the importance of knowing the personality and purpose of a publisher during her Education Corner segment during the show.
Click Here to Listen Now: http://bit.ly/il8jvp
If you have questions about any of these interviews or the education corner topic included in the show, please put them here in this discussion thread and I’d be happy to answer them.
Dreams Made Real
February 23rd, 2011
By Guest Blogger Tanya Wright
www.butterflyrisingthemovie.com
I have been acting since I was seventeen (my first job was as Theo’s girlfriend on The Cosby Show!) but, the truth is, I was writing before I was acting. Yes. Writing was my first true love, and it has always been a dream of mine to write books and movies. Now, granted, I always thought my first book-writing experience was going to come when I was, say, sixty years old. When I was done with Hollywood and after I retreated to a castle in Italy, surrounded by butterflies and dogs, where I went to the farmer’s market every Saturday to buy fresh fruits and vegetables for the week. Alas, I birthed a book years before I thought I would! Wrote and directed a movie, too! My dreams had come true.
Rose and Lilah Belle– the two women from my debut novel– BUTTERFLY RISING– leave their tiny town, steal a vintage truck and set out on the open road to meet the mystical Lazarus of the Butterflies, a legend who can help “heal you and make your dreams come true.” Dreams are clearly a recurring theme in my life. I am a firm believer that DREAMS CAN AND SHOULD BE MADE REAL—they don’t have to be these ‘out there,’ ethereal things you only daydream about when you find yourself with an extra few minutes during your busy day. And they can earn you money, too. You CAN make them your job and not just your hobby! Fancy that! Ha!
But dreams are never made real alone. There are lots and lots and lots of folks who come along the journey to help you. Because of the time it would take to publish my book conventionally (plus the fact that I am an aggressively, do-it-yourself, independent sort), I decided to self-publish. After looking at all the self-publishing companies that are out there (and there are a lot! Oy!) I decided to go with CreateSpace, Amazon.com’s self-publishing company. The folks there are great and the process of creating my book from start to finish—from book cover design to copyediting– was seamless! Also, you can’t make a movie without money (well, you can, but…why make something that’s hard even harder! Oy!). I am deeply indebted to my investor, Wil Colom, for writing a check to help make my dream real. There are many, many people who came to my aid along the way– my movie crew, The Film Collaborative (a non-profit company in Los Angeles)– and countless others. No one has a dream and makes it real alone. No one.
Which is why I am so happy to announce an exciting contest on my FB page! Next week, I’ll announce a contest where I WILL HELP YOU MAKE YOUR DREAM REAL. Do you have a creative dream you’ve been dying to make real but just haven’t been able to for—whatever reason? The winner of the contest (which will be chosen by the community based on the number of ‘likes’ your dream gets) will have a private, one-hour consultation– with me– to strategize on how to MAKE YOUR DREAM REAL (I’ll also thrown in an autographed copy of BUTTERFLY RISING! to the lucky winner) I discovered I LOVE giving things away for free:)
Now, I’ll warn you. I’ll help you strategize, but MAKING DREAMS REAL takes A LOT OF HARD WORK BY THE DREAMER. Are you willing to work hard? Identify what motivates you to STAY FOCUSED. Are you willing to sacrifice creature comforts for an indefinite amount of time? MAKING DREAMS REAL is like having a new year’s resolution: lots of folks have good intentions to, say, lose 20 pounds on January 1, but when March 3 rolls around, are they still on the treadmill? Most of ‘em ain’t, sorry to say, and thus the dream is never made real.
Whether you enter our Facebook contest or not, I love to connect with folks! There are many ways to communicate, depending on which one works best for ya:
FACEBOOK: Probably the best real-time way to get info on Butterfly Rising. It’s also where we’re gonna hold the contest! Yeah! http://www.facebook.com/pages/Butterfly-Rising/166995178653
WEBSITE: here’s all the info about Butterfly Rising—book, movie and all its forms… www.butterflyrisingthemovie.com
TWITTER: If you like to send and receive info in short chunks, check me out @tanyaTTwright http://twitter.com/tanyaTTwright
EMAIL: butterfyrisingthemovie@gmail.com.
That is all.
Hope to see you there!
Tanya 
Tanya Wright plays the role of Deputy Kenya Jones on HBO’s TRUE BLOOD. Her self-published debut novel (via CreateSpace) is called BUTTERFLY RISING; it was deemed one of the ‘five finest debut novels of 2010′ by the prestigious Brooklyn Book Festival. Tanya also wrote and directed the film version of the movie that will make its way onto the film festival circuit in summer, 2011. Tanya was a semi-finalist in the Nicholl’s Screenwriting Competition (AMPAS) and a fellow at the Mark Taper’s Blacksmyth’s Playwrighting Program.
What to Write and What You Can Learn from Amazon
February 1st, 2011
By Guest Blogger, Dan Poynter, The Book Futurist
http://ParaPub.com
What do book readers want? What are they willing to pay for? What are the hot subjects? What should you write?
Right on your desktop, you have access to the world’s largest library: the Internet.
At Amazon, there is more than just buying books. Amazon has replaced Books in Print for bibliographic data and periodical book review pages for reviews.
At Amazon, you have the benefit of hearing from many book readers not just a single book critic. (And most Amazon reviewers actually read the book. And they buy it) (:
To determine what to write, look for books at Amazon as closely positioned to your idea as possible. Ask yourself, if someone bought this other book would they be a good candidate to purchase mine?
Read the many reviews on these other books. It will soon become apparent what readers like and what they don’t like. What readers want and what they don’t want.
Now you know which subjects to cover in your book and which to leave out.
Why Co-Authoring A Collaborative Book Could Be a Quick Way of Getting Published
December 21st, 2010
By Jennifer S. Wilkov, host of the “Your Book Is Your Hook!” Show on WomensRadio
www.yourbookisyourhook.com
As authors and writers, we’re always learning about resources and industry tools that we can use to improve our book project performance and the enjoyment of our writing and marketing experiences. Today let’s talk about why co-authoring a collaborative book could be a quick way of getting published
Many writers are searching for opportunities to get their work seen by literary agents and editors at publishing houses. It is very competitive these days to get the attention of these industry professionals – but it’s not impossible!
One strategy that can be easily used in fiction, nonfiction and even children’s books is to join forces with other writers and submit a chapter or short story for a collection of writings in a book edited and published by someone other than you.
This is often done in the fiction and poetry genres through contests. Simply seek out these opportunities to submit your writing for consideration and be aware of the deadlines so you get your work in on time.
A quick search on Amazon reveals that there are 58,095 short story anthologies and collections listed in their book section alone. For you poetry writers, there are 136,875 poetry anthologies listed.
Think short stories aren’t the way to get discovered? Here is a short list of some who were discovered as a result of their short story submissions to magazines, collections and anthologies:
F.X. Toole, the pen name for boxing trainer Jerry Boyd, who at age 69 wrote the stories that inspired the Oscar-winning film Million Dollar Baby, directed by Clint Eastwood. He was published in the literary journal in San Francisco entitled ZYZZYVA.
Annie Proulx, author of the short story Brokeback Mountain which originally appeared in the collection Close Range: Wyoming Stories. She also went on to win the Pulitzer for her novel Shipping News. And The New Yorker won the National Magazine Award for Fiction for its publication of “Brokeback Mountain,” and the story was included in Prize Stories 1998: The O. Henry Awards.
Literary giants including F. Scott Fitzgerald, J.D. Sallinger, and John Updike have also used short stories as rehearsals for their books.
A great resource where you can find opportunities to submit your short story are the hundreds of smaller journals listed from A-Z that can be found in the NewPages Big List of Literary Magazines.
You can also look into the few remaining national magazines like The New Yorker, Esquire and occasionally Vanity Fair that are still publishing short literary works.
In the nonfiction categories, this is a strategy often used with great success to launch the writing careers of those authors who may not have the time to write a whole book themselves, yet still have much to offer in a chapter they can provide for a collaborative book being compiled by someone other than them.
A great example of this is The Big Book of Social Media Case Studies, Stories, Perspectives where Bob Fine, the creator of the Cool Twitter Conferences World Tour decided to solicit chapters from select speakers who appeared during his conferences. He then edited the book together and even got a foreword for the book provided by Sam Feist, CNN Political Director. While the speakers were off doing what they do professionally, that is – speaking, Bob was cobbling together their chapter submissions into a great book that provides a lot of value to the reader while offering greater exposure to the speakers from his tour. This is a good example of an opportunity that arose serendipitously for the speakers to simply write a chapter and be included in a book that is serving so many that they want to reach with their insights and wisdom.
There are also collaborations of poetry, short story collections for children, anthologies of mysteries and more.
Still not sure this is a viable way to go? Even Disney uses this strategy to bring its stories together in the paperback entitled Princess Story Collection (Disney Princess) (Step into Reading).
There are even collections of the classics on audio CD available that include the best short stories from National Public Radio’s Selected Shorts, an award-winning series of classic and contemporary short fiction read by distinguished stage and screen actors and recorded live at the Peter Norton Symphony Space in New York City entitled Selected Shorts: Timeless Classics (Selected Shorts: A Celebration of the Short Story). They also have several other collections like this on audio including Selected Shorts: Whodunit?, Selected Shorts: Baseball and Selected Shorts: Lots of Laughs! – just to name a few.
Short stories, individual chapter contributions and poems still have a place in the literary world. You don’t have do it all yourself to get published.
However until you submit your story, poem or chapter, you won’t be able to use your book as your hook.
So get started and write yours today!
Jennifer’s show can be heard every week on Tuesday mornings at 9am when it is broadcast on WomensRadio.com and syndicated on Live365.com. Each show is archived for replay listeners in different time zones and countries.
For more information on this Education Corner topic and others, please refer to www.YourBookIsYourHook.com/blog for more articles and resources to help you with your books.
“Your Book Is Your Hook” Show – The Indie Author Guide & The Founder of Publetariat
December 8th, 2010
By Jennifer S. Wilkov, host of the “Your Book Is Your Hook!” Show on WomensRadio
www.yourbookisyourhook.com
April L. Hamilton, Editor In Chief of Publetariat and a leading advocate and speaker for the indie author movement will talk with radio personality and host Jennifer S. Wilkov about how she became an independent author and why she is so passionate about other writers considering this same path to getting published.
Ms Hamilton will also discuss how she became a consultant for other writers and share advice for authors considering the indie author route for their books. She’ll also talk about the new Association of Independent Authors of which she has taken a leading role.
April L. Hamilton will also discuss with radio personality and host Jennifer S. Wilkov why she wrote her book, The Indie Author Guide, and how she herself got published with the support of Amazon’s CreateSpace.
Ms. Hamilton will also talk about how she is using her book as her hook to help other authors better understand what they are taking on as an independent author. She will also demonstrate how another writer used her information to replicate her success.
Host Jennifer S. Wilkov will discuss the end of the self-published era and the coming of age of the independent author during her Education Corner segment during the show.
Click Here to Listen Now: http://bit.ly/haHQkV
If you have questions about any of these interviews or the education corner topic included in the show, please put them here in this discussion thread and I’d be happy to answer them.
The End of the Self-Published Era and The Coming of Age of the Independent Author
December 8th, 2010
By Jennifer S. Wilkov, host of the “Your Book Is Your Hook!” Show on WomensRadio
www.yourbookisyourhook.com
As authors and writers, we’re always learning about resources and industry tools that we can use to improve our book project performance and the enjoyment of our writing and marketing experiences. Today let’s talk about the end of the self-published era and the coming of age of the independent author.
For years, many self-published authors felt like second class citizens in the book publishing world. Without an agent or a publishing contract, they found the industry just wasn’t willing to give them credit for the work they had done – the same work their counterparts with contracts and agents had done plus much more.
You see, being self-published in the book industry is like being self-employed in the business world. You’re working for yourself. You have to make and meet your own deadlines. You have to produce and market the book, just like you would with any product you’d create on your own for sale. You have to work through the legal and financial logistics and even find and secure distribution for your book. And, you also have to take on your own visibility through publicity, a strong online presence and speaking engagements offline to connect with your audience.
Gee, when you think about it, it’s about time the moniker of the “self-published” went the way of the moniker “self-employed.” These days, the self-employed are now referred to as independent business owners. Similarly, the self-published author is now being dubbed the “independent author”. Rightfully so…when you think about it.
After all, whether you are an independent author or a commercially published author, your book is a business all by itself.
It’s your hook! It brings people into the business you are in, whether you educate, enlighten or entertain others with what you have written.
Still, there are areas of the industry that will continue to exclude independent authors from joining the ranks of other published authors. For example, the Authors Guild does not allow authors without a publishing and royalty contract to join their organization.
However, there is now the new Association for Independent Authors that is setting the stage to offer resources of their own to independent authors everywhere. This, my friends, is progress. It’s a progression to recognizing the challenge met by these authors and the rewards they receive as a result of them forging a path to realize their dream of being published.
Today, there are small publishers and even large companies that are helping authors to independently publish their books now. Even Amazon has forged a solid line of business with
CreateSpace and Barnes & Noble introduced their own digital independent publishing platform, PubIt, this year to support indie authors with their publishing dreams.
As both an independent author and a commercially published author myself, I know firsthand of the trials and tribulations, the choices and considerations one must make as an independent author. Often the decision to do it on your own is filled with fear and fortitude. For if that’s what it takes to get published or in some cases if that’s what it will take to get published more quickly than the traditional timeline, it will take all the courage, tenacity and patience you have to make it and succeed.
My own independent author projects have been wonderful. In fact, that’s how I became a bestselling author – as an independent. My first book, Dating Your Money, was independently published. I went from thought to sales in just 90 days: assembling the lean team of professionals; writing the book; reviewing the manuscript with an editor; overseeing the production coordinator and the graphic designer who positioned not only the text but the fantastic illustrations from a talented young artist; working through the quirks and the learning curves of working directly with the nation’s largest printer (the same one the big publishing houses use) alongside the production coordinator; securing a distributor and putting together a strong publicity plan with one of the top publicists in the industry.
Yes, it was all done in 90 days.
Yes, the audio book was professionally produced, complete with professional packaging that resembled the book, and yes, the publishing house for the project was also established – all in the same 90 days.
And yes, I was also running a entire separate company with staff when I did it. So yes, it can be done. I’m living proof! And so are many others who have become bestsellers as independent authors.
In fact, of the five times I’ve already been published, four of my books were independently published by me and my own publishing company. In fact, I’ve had one literary agent who has been after me for a few years now asking to represent Dating Your Money and inquiring if I was ready and willing to sell it when I’d see her at industry events. I’ve never given it up.
I continue to be the independent author – and the best-selling, award-winning author – of the project today and I’m still making a difference for so many with it. In fact, this year I was invited to speak at a domestic violence shelter to support women who had left their abusive relationships and who needed to build, in many cases, a first-time relationship with their money that they could understand and feel confident about. This was my intention for the book all along – to support the reader from any walk of life and with little to no financial skills with establishing a powerful and productive relationship with their money, one where they could then feel competent about discussing their finances with financial industry professionals like I was when I wrote it. In fact, the book is even dedicated to the reader.
You see, independent or not, you really can make a huge difference for others with your book and leave an incredible legacy for yourself, your family and the human race with it.
So whether you choose to be an independent author or if you are one now, or if you opt to go the traditional route and secure an agent and a publishing contract, either way the fact still remains: you can’t use your book as your hook until you have a book.
And so, to the independent authors who have published their books like I have, I invite you to stand and be recognized. You deserve it!
Jennifer’s show can be heard every week on Tuesday mornings at 9am when it is broadcast on WomensRadio.com and syndicated on Live365.com. Each show is archived for replay listeners in different time zones and countries.
For more information on this Education Corner topic and others, please refer to www.YourBookIsYourHook.com/blog for more articles and resources to help you with your books.
Kindle vs iPad
November 9th, 2010
By Guest Blogger, Laurie McLean
www.allaboutebooks.us
Apple’s iPad may give Amazon an advantage in the e-book wars. According to a report from Cowen and Co. on the digital book market, “not only are sales of the Kindle device expected to grow 140% this year to nearly 5 million units from 2009, but digital book sales via the Kindle store are on track to grow 195% to $701 million in 2010….
Greasing those book sales are Amazon’s Kindle app for iPhone and iPad, which are the digital equivalent of little storefronts,” the Los Angeles Times wrote. The survey also found that “one in five people who buy digital books from the Kindle store don’t own a Kindle device.”
Cowen analysts Jim Friedland and Kevin Kopelman observed that the “iPad is not having a negative impact on Kindle device or e-book sales. In fact, we think the adoption of tablets will boost Kindle e-book sales.”
The study indicated that this year “Apple will have 5% of the market for digital books, compared with Amazon, which is projected to have 76% of the market, But by 2015, Cowan estimates Amazon will have 51% of the market and Apple with 16%,” the Times reported.
E-Publishing and The Constantly Changing World of Digital Publishing
November 9th, 2010
By Jennifer S. Wilkov, host of the “Your Book Is Your Hook!” Show on WomensRadio
As authors and writers, we’re always learning about resources and industry tools that we can use to improve our book project performance and the enjoyment of our writing and marketing experiences. Today let’s talk about e-publishing and the constantly changing face of the digital publishing world.
To start with, maybe you’ve seen others reading ebooks on their laptop, Kindle, Nook, Sony Reader, iPad or other digital reader or maybe you even have one of your own.
Today, more than ever, there are a variety of ways to get published. One of the most fascinating methods is using digital book publishing or e-publishing. On the rise now for a few years and these days growing at a fiercely rapid pace, digital book publishing is more prevalent than ever. If you haven’t heard about it, then you must be hiding under a rock. If you’re not sure what it really means, that’s another story and one that’s more common than ever among writers.
Just take a look in your favorite search engine and search for e-publishing. When I did this, I received more than one hundred million results!
There is lots of information available now – almost too much – that could make your head spin. Ironically, digital publishing is really intended to simplify and speed up the production, publication and promotion of your book. Confusing? For many, it is.
Determining your own book publishing strategy first is the highest and best way to approach the digital publishing options available for your project.
Take a look at the variety of people who are saying that traditional book publishing will go away in favor of digital options.
32-year-publishing veteran Jerry D. Simmons, former VP of Field Sales with both Random House and the former Time-Warner Book Group said, “The New York publishing business model is dead,” in his interview published in an article on Technorati.com this summer. In the article, Simmons answered questions about e-publishing and what it means to the book business. (Source: Seasoned Publisher Says E-Publishing Will Replace Traditional Books by Lynn Voedisch and published on Technorati.com July 27, 2010)
New York Times bestseller Seth Godin also said in his interview this summer with MediaBistro’s Jeff Rivera, “I’ve decided not to publish any more books in the traditional way.”…”I can reach 10 or 50 times as many people electronically.” (Source: New York Times Bestseller Seth Godin to No Longer Publish Books Traditionally by Jeff Rivera and published on MediaBistro.com’s GalleyCat website on August 20, 2010)
And then there’s fiction writer J.A. Konrath, probably best known for his Jack Daniels police procedural series of novels and his horror fiction, who earlier this Spring announced he was cutting his ties with the traditional book publishing industry and going digital. In an article on Bookstove.com, John Harmon reported that Konrath announced his upcoming novels will be published electronically first on the Kindle and at Smashwords for other ebook readers, then will be made available in print through Amazon’s CreateSpace program
. Harmon goes on to state that Konrath, a professional author, is “making money without a print publisher.” (Source: Fiction Author Cutting Ties with Traditional Book Publishers by John Harmon and published on Bookstove.com on May 27, 2010)
Everywhere, from the book industry professionals to the authors themselves, everyone has got their eye on ebooks and digital publishing. To that end, the future of the book publishing industry has never looked brighter as new options mean new opportunities for more people to become authors.
Sorting through the landslide of information can seem daunting. The first All About eBooks Symposium this weekend gives authors an opportunity to sort it out a bit and learn more about the ever-expanding ebook options. It is also a sign that digital publishing demands more forums for discussion, education and an understanding of new technologies.
However, the truth still remains – whether you choose to publish your book electronically or not: you can’t use your book as your hook until you have a book.
Finish your book. Weigh your options. Publish wisely.
For more information on this Education Corner topic and others, please refer to www.YourBookIsYourHook.com/blog for more articles and resources to help you with your books.
