We were chatting this morning about what makes authors tick. After all, we are authors, too. We both understand what it takes to be published and now, to publish. But in today's publishing world where people are morphing genres (witness the upcoming film: "Cowboys and Aliens" and you'll get our drift) at warp speed; and blurring so-called "traditional publishing" lines at many levels; we decided to start a dialogue to see if we can come up with a reason authors aren't published.
We came up with two concepts: first that some authors may start on the road to being published with a negative perception that the industry is "against them" from the get-go. Second, that some authors believe the "art" will sell itself.
If both of these premises are true, and that's all it is, we are all in a lot of trouble in this business. So we want to hear from you, the writing public. I think we will find out some interesting things that will surprise everyone. http://www.villagegreenpressllc.com
Those with the motivation and willingness to work will be published and those who don't have those qualities won't be. I am of the firm belief that Indie is not for everyone. A lot of people jump into Indie and get in over their heads. They realize how much work writing actually is, and it shatters their serene fantasies of what the writing life is like. I can't begin to tell you how many would-be authors I know who think that just because a book is available, people will buy it. Or authors who really do believe they're going to make it big and be able to retire on one book.
ReplyDeleteWe agree that indie is not for everyone. Some may view it as a short route to great returns, but absent the motivation and willingness to work that you cite, the outcome will be no different than if they sought publishing through traditional routes. And we don't particularly like to use the term "traditional" either: what does that mean today anyway? We are in complete agreement that some writers believe their art should remain inviolate. That is a sure route to (a)dismal returns and (b)disappointment. Can one foresee a bestseller as an author? Hmmmmm.....good question. Perhaps we should ask some of the bestselling authors. That answer would be interesting.
ReplyDeleteI've actually made a few bestseller lists with my NF and my erotica. I can assure you that I never saw it coming.
ReplyDeleteHi Teresa & Lisa,
ReplyDeleteThe 'credit crunch' hasn't helped, in that I don't think publishers/editors will gamble on a newbie as much now. I worked my 'wotsits' off writing 'n' rewriting a 90,000 word crime novel (between shift work & being a daddy), and my agent put it before the big boys both sides of the 'pond' last year. The praise received left me amazed, and, although we came close, nobody made an offer. I'm trying again this year, having added elements to make it stand out from the crowd (hopefully!), but it's heavy going at times, trying to find balance with life and writing.
Tenacity is the key.
Regards,
Col
Hello, Col
ReplyDeleteI believe there are many in your shoes right now and for precisely the reasons you state. Tenacity is the key, as it is in just about any profession. I hope your novel is released-if not by the big boys on either side of the pond, then by you as an e-book-because there is value in your thoughts. Being a writer is not an easy task; nor is it something to flaunt if you do succeed. There is an audience out there who would love to see your work. I do hope you consider e-booking it during the wait. I, for one, love your blog and would love to read it. Thanks so much for the input.
-Lisa
Lisa,
ReplyDeleteThanks for your kind words, they are really appreciated. I've been tentatively looking into e-book publishing, purely out of curiosity really. Some of my friends have published short story anthologies, so I've been wondering whether to do the same, since I've about thirty of my own (not friends, stories!). I must say, your 'Author Idol' idea has pricked my interest...
And, BTW, well done on creating Village Green Press.
Regards,
Col