As someone who has zero industry experience but has thought a lot about what I would write in a book...I long ago resigned myself to the idea that sure I'd write...for a readership of 1: me.
You laid out my fears of the barriers so clearly...that it is almost there that I can work on them one by one, solve them for myself and the book that is in me...and see what happens.
Thank you for this clear, no-nonsense explanation. As a volunteer in the Sarton Women's Book Award program (indie women authors), I see hundreds of indie-pubbed books: important, impressive work that's the equal to anything in legacy publishing. I have been an insider in both worlds and can see and appreciate the many differences. Thank you for the work you do and for your passionate support of independent authors!
So grateful for awards programs like the Sarton Women's Book Award that in fact serves as a perfect example for how awards programs can and should use measures that matter—like Does the prose sing? Is the story good? And much more. We appreciate your work!
Thank you for validating my experience. I have 2 Indie published books out, worked hard with the publishers help to create good work. Now I’m paying for all the parts of publishing a book, editing, layout, cover design and print/publish. Don’t know what I’ll do for my next book, but I’m valuing my work enough I will not wait for someone to deign my book “good” for publishing
I'm not sure I agree since many authors self-publish, and take the time to figure out how to do a lot of it themselves, for not a lot of money. There's a long continuum—authors paying a lot of money and it being more money out than in, and authors who are making a living off of their writing. I know a lot of the latter, even those who are investing in themselves on the front end. It's just not black and white.
As someone who has zero industry experience but has thought a lot about what I would write in a book...I long ago resigned myself to the idea that sure I'd write...for a readership of 1: me.
You laid out my fears of the barriers so clearly...that it is almost there that I can work on them one by one, solve them for myself and the book that is in me...and see what happens.
Thank you
Thank you for this clear, no-nonsense explanation. As a volunteer in the Sarton Women's Book Award program (indie women authors), I see hundreds of indie-pubbed books: important, impressive work that's the equal to anything in legacy publishing. I have been an insider in both worlds and can see and appreciate the many differences. Thank you for the work you do and for your passionate support of independent authors!
So grateful for awards programs like the Sarton Women's Book Award that in fact serves as a perfect example for how awards programs can and should use measures that matter—like Does the prose sing? Is the story good? And much more. We appreciate your work!
Thank you for validating my experience. I have 2 Indie published books out, worked hard with the publishers help to create good work. Now I’m paying for all the parts of publishing a book, editing, layout, cover design and print/publish. Don’t know what I’ll do for my next book, but I’m valuing my work enough I will not wait for someone to deign my book “good” for publishing
Hear, hear!
As an indie author, thank you for that last paragraph. I feel so seen and recognized.
I'm so glad!
Fantastic points. Publishing has changed so much. Attitudes need to change, as well.
So good! Thanks for your honesty and your work.
The problem, IMO, is that getting published, in whatever manner, is too difficult and expensive.
The result is that many writers are never published. They give up.
Authorship has become a hobby for rich people, the only ones with enough money and connections to navigate this treacherous terrain.
I'm not sure I agree since many authors self-publish, and take the time to figure out how to do a lot of it themselves, for not a lot of money. There's a long continuum—authors paying a lot of money and it being more money out than in, and authors who are making a living off of their writing. I know a lot of the latter, even those who are investing in themselves on the front end. It's just not black and white.
My main point is that publishing is too expensive.
Self-publishing, "hybrid publishing," traditional publishing -- they all require significant expenditures by writers, who are often of limited means.
You need a certain level of resources to play the game. Otherwise you never get on the field.
This is part of a larger trend of the arts in general becoming elite activities. No one else can participate.