Author Archive
The Future of Book Publishing
I received an email requesting the feature of an article recently published to a blog for www.onlinecollege.org called 10 Biggest Predictions for the Future of Book Publishing. Upon reading and sharing strong commonalities in the beliefs of future predictions in book publishing, I thought I would repost and link. (As well as help to conjure up thoughts, discussion, rebuttal or your own predictions for the book revolution.)
So, here we go… the following is a repost of the article, 10 Biggest Predictions for the future of Book Publishing:
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The future of books is at stake, for some readers and industry members. But even those who are nostalgic for smelling pages before they’re read can get excited about what’s to come in book publishing.
Obviously, predictions should be taken as just that. Just because some educated experts formulate projections based on trends and observations doesn’t necessarily mean they will come to pass. Nor does it mean that if they do prove real, everything ends up exactly as stated within a specific time frame. So consider the following finds, collected from relevant corners of the internet, information to ponder and process rather than anything truly definitive. They are merely conjectures, not absolute facts.
- Vanity presses and self-publishing will swell in popularity: Self-publishing carries with it a rather interesting dual reputation. Some view it as an excellent means to get great stories out there without having to worry about editorial intervention begging for less personal, more commercial properties. Others chide the publishing houses that charge the authors themselves an exorbitant fee to print — hence the term “vanity press” — and sell their services based more on ego-stroking than actual talent. The reality likely lay somewhere in between, as the superb Self-Publishing Review showcases. Regardless of one’s political leanings, a visit to Daniel McCarthy’s Tory Anarchist at The American Conservative provides an intriguing, yet logical, prediction for the future of these divisive businesses. He argues in favor of an increased relevance and de-stigmatization of self-publishing, especially with the surge in blogging’s popularity, and details possible (but obviously not definitive) economics behind such measures.
- More writers and artists will experiment with motion comics: Major, independent and self-publishers alike have been exploring the outer fringes of the motion comics medium to varying degrees of success over the past couple of years. The fact that it remains in a largely nascent stage provides an excellent challenge to creative individuals, begging them to take it as far as it can possibly go. Domenic Defina at Septagon Studios praises Amo Tarzi’s Superare as a particularly striking example of what sort of quality creations the motion comics medium inspires. Anyone can watch it on Vimeo, yet the layout particularly pops on gadgets such as the iPad. It stands to reason that many innovators will turn their attention towards customizing their works to suit the features of new technologies rather than going retro.
- There will be little need for gargantuan publishers: Off in the far-flung future of 2020 (which hopefully sees those personal jetpacks that science has been holding out on), Richard Eoin Nash believes that many of today’s publishing giants will instead resemble their far smaller, more independent counterparts. He thinks the overemphasis on churning out bestsellers and profits will lead to executives slicing back on personnel and resources until their businesses have streamlined to produce around one hundred or so titles a year — all of them perfectly crafted to stir up mainstream hype and sell thousands of units. A “lack of entrepreneurial capitalism,” Nash argues, leads him to believe that the industry will structure itself as such within the next ten years.
- More people will be authors: Perhaps unsurprisingly, Mark Coker believes that more authors will begin emerging onto the literary scene at an ever-climbing rate. Considering the amount of opportunities available in self-publishing and vanity presses these days, anybody rejected by mainstream outlets or desiring to forego editorial involvement has little to fear. With manuscript in hand and a story to tell, the masses may very well flood the very market that ten years ago would have never given them a voice. This leaves the literary world ripe for new ideas and innovations that many publishers turn down for fear of losing profit and bestseller status. Anyone who feels as if the current literary climate takes few risks and putters about in a sea of mediocrity and repetition should find this prediction particularly tantalizing.
- eBooks will only get more popular: Plenty has already been written about the Kindle, Nook and iPad and how they’ve revolutionized the way people read. And experts across the board repeatedly posit that it will only expand from there, with many experts postulating that 95% of books will go straight to a digital state in the future. Considering the hubbub swirling about the iPad, the prospect of more interactive, dynamic literature increases in likelihood as well. But even factoring out that element, readers flock to these devices for their ease of use, durability, portability and the fact that they clear up plenty of space on those shelves in the living room.
- Authors will grow even more media-savvy: By this point, many fans have made note of the ever-closing gap between themselves and their favorite authors. Through Facebook, Twitter, message boards and blogs, they can completely bypass the agents and managers and publishers and go straight to the writers themselves. Authors themselves feel as if the trend will continue, with those hoping to “make it” in the industry feeling intense pressure to maintain an active, viable internet life. Failure to do so, they fear, compromises their chances of getting picked up for publication and/or capturing the interest of readers — and their money. Therefore, it makes sense that the industry will probably experience an upswing of writers eagerly embracing social media and blogging in order to promote their work.
- Memoirs expand as a genre: Autobiography and memoirs have always been around, but over the past few years have enjoyed an upswing in popularity — even blending with other genres such as diet, self-help, business guides, comics and plenty more. Matilda Butler and Kendra Bonnett at Women’s Memoirs believe that a combination of heightened demand and a plethora of self-publishing opportunities means even more will be available for perusal. It also opens the floodgates for even more experimentation. Graphic memoirs such as Maus and Persepolis have been around for a while, but never received the widespread, mainstream attention it so richly deserved. This could very easily push both literature and art in some interesting directions, especially when it comes to publishing autobiographies.
- Books will no longer have a minimum length: Mike Shatzkin notes that the burgeoning popularity of eBooks, along with its myriad other noted advantages, will also offer up more opportunities for novellas and other “lighter” fare. With so many publishers requiring a minimum length for the manuscripts they accept, writers now have a platform to release the works they want people to read on their own terms. No need to stuff filler into smaller pieces to meet demands. No need to worry about returns on printing costs. He also points out that magazines, newspapers and other periodicals could very easily adapt to an exclusively digital format as well. As could pamphlets, one-shot comics single short stories and poems, small collections and any other literary bits smaller than the average novel.
- eBook readers will move even further away from E Ink: Some of the devices themselves certainly have, anyways. And chances are, the next generations will rather quickly phase this technology out. E Ink helped solidify eBook readers’ place in society, accurately reproducing the look of print on paper for a smooth, satisfying experience. But LCD and OLED displays make for a far cheaper, just as readable alternative — definitely an advantage for producers hoping to keep up with escalating consumer demand.
- More young adult books will hit the shelves: Or, more likely, the eBook readers. Both young adult books and graphic novels have undergone something of a Renaissance lately, with the former enjoying a 14% increase in sales this past October. With Harry Potter and the truly abysmal ode to emotional abuse Twilight carving out niches for themselves far beyond the bookcases, plenty of other publishers are also looking to capture the proverbial lucrative lightning in a bottle. From a far less cynical perspective, the glut of YA novels currently entering the market provides middle and high schoolers a much broader selection of genres to explore. Those who do not enjoy the fantasy and horror elements of the two current media juggernauts have plenty more options available than previous generations — and things only look more promising from there.”
Now that you’ve read the predictions from OnlineCollege.org, what do you think? Do you agree or disagree with the future predictions of our books? You may read the full article at http://www.onlinecollege.org/2011/01/05/10-biggest-predictions-for-the-future-of-book-publishing/.
Independent Publisher Book Awards
Attention all independent authors and publishers!! Submit your independently published titles.
The Independent Publisher Book Awards is now accepting titles for their 15th annual awards celebration, honoring the year’s best independently published titles. Entries are accepted until March 19, 2011 for books with a 2010 or 2011 copyright date.
“Launched in 1996, the Independent Publisher Book Awards are designed to bring increased recognition to the deserving but often unsung titles published by independent authors and publishers. Open exclusively to independents, the “IPPYs” recognize the year’s best books and bring them to the attention of booksellers, buyers, librarians, and book lovers. The IPPY contest is among the largest and most recognized book awards events in the world, and this year’s 15th annual contest will have very high visibility and get huge media attention.”
Here’s your chance! Gain a presence for your writing and exposure of your book. Extend your marketing campaign to include press materials on your award winning book.
The Details:
- The IPPY Awards are open to all independent, university, small press, and self-publishers who produce books written in English.
- Titles copyrighted 2010 or 2011, or that are released in 2010 or early 2011 may be entered in this year’s contest.
- 69 Categories, 21 Regions, plus the Outstanding Books of the Year
- Final entry deadline of Saturday, March 19, 2011
- National category entry fee is $95; Regional category can be added for $45; Outstanding Books of the Year consideration at no extra charge.
Enter now at: http://www.independentpublisher.com/ipland/IPAwards.php
The Independent Publisher Book Awards’ mission is, “Recognizing Excellence in Independent Publishing.” Include your book among the best indie-published books of the year and submit your story.
The IPPY Awards reward those who exhibit the courage, innovation, and creativity to bring about change in the world of publishing. Enter your award-worthy books today, and gain the recognition and exposure they deserve. Receive your medal and add the award winning seal to your book cover.
Good luck to all participants! Remember, there is only room to gain. Get your book out there and good luck.
Predict the Curve and Write
The old, “Think Outside the Box” has been replaced. Granted, you’re still required to tap into an idea, look at it from an angled perspective and then transform it from the ordinary. But these days, that’s not enough…
Not only do you have to live outside of this box, but now your peripheral vision needs to see beyond the upcoming curves. As a writer, a freelancer, and a business strategist, you must Think Ahead of the Curve.
Take a look at our industry. Freelance submittals are usually accepted for publication in issues that are 6+ months out. What do you think determines the acceptance of your writing? Luck…maybe. A great story…possibly. But there are flood waters of great stories. So, how does your story stand out?
Use your competitive relish for predicting hot trends to provide cutting-edge content.
The constantly-in-motion Internet is responsible for keeping an accurate pulse on the changing tastes and wants from around the globe. While the web provides writers with further opportunity, this also forces each of us to become cultural gurus, visionaries and trendsetters.
We are reverted back to student status outside of our major — research and study to find opportunity.
Here are a few ways to get you ahead of the curve:
- Stay Current with the News (local and global): For example, a particular newsworthy event which occurred in Patagonia or Lewistown, Montana will heighten the media’s awareness of that particular area and thus increase future stories and expenditures to the location. The key is to realize when that first story hits a higher level of interest will occur. Begin researching a topic appropriate to the area (fly fishing) and pitch your idea before the hype has begun.
- Upcoming Events: Capitalize on the opportunity when an event is first announced. The usual media uproar occurs when the event’s date is nearing. Why not be the first to present the event or gain an interview early in the game when the content will hold more value.
- Anniversaries: Nostalgia sells and cultural milestones offer a way to gauge progression. Highlight the importance of what it means to readers today and the legacy that continues to grow. Look for obscure connections that add a deeper level to your story.
The writing market is saturated with fresh and seasoned talent. Our ability to consistently generate new and timely material is becoming equally as important as our individual writing styles. Exercise the predictability of the coming shifts in trends and events. Foresight is becoming a necessary road to your writing success.
A Writer’s Letter to Santa
Dearest Santa,
Sifting through my closet the other day, furiously searching for a favorite shirt, frustrated and out of breath, I realized enough is enough. I plopped on the floor in the center of my closet and stared in disgust at my expanse of “stuff.”
Santa, over the years, you’ve been kind, maybe even too kind. Appreciation for all you’ve given flows through a heart full of Christmas cheer. But this year, Big Guy, I’m gonna switch it up a bit. No shoes, no painting supplies, no gadgets. The gifts I’m about to ask for are tools for my trade — I’m a writer.
First of all Santa, with all those elves scurrying about building toys, it must get noisy up there at the North Pole. I’m sure there are times when you’re making your list and checking it twice, that you could really use a little peace and quite. Well, with two little elves of my own constantly running around the house, I could too. If you’d be so kind as to find a way to send a brief reprise, say a weekend in a cabin in the woods or a ticket to a writers’ retreat, I’d be much obliged.
Secondly, since I think asking for a genie in a bottle is a little excessive, I’ll just ask for a little help on the creativity front. We writers are only as good as our next stroke of brilliance; so a little help with means for conjuring up ideas would be great. Maybe some sound advice in the form of a new book to help keep the fires burning. Anything by Seth Godin would surely inspire.
Lastly, Santa, and this is a big one, I sure would like to publish my first book this year. I’ve been working on it for a while, but pieces of the puzzle just seem to elude me. There really isn’t any material possession I need to accomplish this, but you’re full magic, right? Yeah, I know you are. I’ve felt it forever. If you can cruise the world in a sleigh pulled by flying reindeer and fit down a fluted chimney, I know you’ve got what it takes to help me through to the end. And don’t you worry; next year there’ll be an autographed copy waiting for you next to the milk and cookies.
Thank you, Santa. Safe travels, and Merry Christmas.
Four Steps to Holiday Book Promotion
There has never been a better time of year to promote your book.
Right now, during this season, people are searching — parading the streets for that idea that’s perfect for someone they know. It is officially holiday time and the countdown to flying shreds of colorful paper has begun. And as a published author (that’s right, I’m talking directly to you), your promotional efforts should be in full night-before-Christmas-shopping throttle.
Your book should be the hottest thing coming this season. Now, if you were a good little author this year and planned ahead to market your book this holiday season, you’ll already be reaping the benefits. Most bookstores and event coordinators start planning for the holidays months in advance. However, even if you are on the naughty author list, you can still cash in on some of the sales this December if you put your mind to it and get creative.
Here are some ways to keep your momentum among the holiday shuffle and push the title of your book:
- Step outside the Bookstore. Traditionally, an author would hold a book signing in a local bookstore. But most bookstores start planning their December stock and events months in advance. So this holiday, think of a high traffic area and better yet, one that you may find your targeted readers. Does your book fall in the women’s lit genre? How about the local yoga studio, coffee house, a spa or shopping center? For the science fiction genre, try comic book or gaming stores. And for a children’s book, seek out boutiques and toy stores. Explore bazaars, craft shows, local holiday events. Just get there and display your work. (And add a special touch of free gift wrapping if you are in the spiritsJ).
- Happy Holidays from Your Local Author. Get a mailing list by zip code and create a holiday mass mailing of Christmas cards or post cards with information on your book and where to purchase. Emphasize “local author” and offer and incentive, maybe free shipping or 15% off.
- The 12 Days of Christmas Countdown. Highlight your book in each of your social media and in your blog/website. Create a daily promotion which may include an autographed edition, a percentage off, etc. Or get creative and highlight a new reason each day on why the average Joe should purchase your book.
- Give Back. Whether you are on location signing copies of your book or generating awareness online, have a way for people to submit their name, address and e-mail for the chance to win a free autographed copy of your book. Maybe even raffle a book off every couple hours. It’s about involvement with your readers and exposure (not to mention building a list of interested readers).
This time of year, your audience is attentive. Take advantage of the search and help guide them along. I bid you good luck and welcome any of your ideas to share with fellow readers and writers.
My Writing is Thankful For…
…the holidays. (And not because I deem a holiday the excuse I’ve been looking for to put my thoughts to rest.) Quite the contrary.
Such days are full of life — bursting with color.
Personality surrounds you. And the uplifting tone has a way of re-centering your spirit — a refreshed appreciation for the simplicities of life. A grounding, of sorts, for what truly matters. And the excitement lies within the characters (family and friends) and the heart of their stories.
I have been known to hop up amidst conversation and burrow to the corner of the room, even if for only a few minutes. I’m taking notes — jotting tidbits of thought and inspiration from the intricacies of these personalities I adore so much (for both their complexities and complimenting attributes).
These little notes may not make up a complete character in my developing story, but may contribute to or spread across the motions of many of my characters. Or perhaps a word or phrase strikes an idea for a new storyline or twist to my current plot.
My point is, home is your comfort zone — a place where inspiration flows easily and in its purest form. And so, this holiday, as you sit among the company of family and friends, really listen and look…feel. Inspiration…it’s all around you.
A Genre for All Readers
When it comes to music, I am not a one-genre listener. Some days it’s Willie Nelson. Other days, a little Stones. And I definitely have my Kid Rock and Metallica moments. But then there’s reggae and jam bands and bluegrass, oh my.
Each artist falls within a very different genre, and yet I need each of them. And my literary tastes are no different – from Eat Pray Love to The Alchemist to Twilight, I need them all.
As a writer, you can take that concept in two different ways:
One: Your Writing.
Think of what it is that makes up each one of your characters – the intricacies of their personalities. Characters are meant to feel real. And your readers should be able to relate to the movements and motions of your characters. Add dimension to the personalities of your characters through a descriptive showing of who they are and why. What traits build the character and how is that reflective in personality and story direction? Reveal intimate details explaining the multi-dimensions of this character and how it contributes to the decisions the character makes. Give them a little depth with variety – a little contradiction but with meaning.
Two: Your Marketing.
Who is the focus of your marketing campaign? A well thought out targeted genre reader? That’s a good idea. But what efforts are you making towards the cross-over readers? True, it’s essential to target your marketing efforts on a niche overall – but don’t restrict yourself. Have you heard the saying, “no stone left unturned?” Or what about, “you’ll never know until you try.” Your writing is multi-dimensional and so are readers; add those readers into your fan base.
And now, a little homework assignment. Rewrite a current character giving them additional layers that will enhance your storyline and character development. And, write out a plan detailing what you can do to hit the readers that may not automatically fall within your prospected genre readership.
Let us know how it goes.
A Muse to Your Writing Creativity
Imagination needs a little help from time to time. And inspiration isn’t something kept in a bottle.
In the mix of daily writing routines, people watching, reading and research, even the best of writers run a little bit dry from time to time. Maybe ideas are at a standstill or your writing technique has become slightly mundane. Not to worry, it happens to the best of us…to all of us.
Now, Just Imagine: A writing piece without strings or long-term commitment. A piece that allows you to experiment with loose words and opens an unfastened freeness to your style.
I give you, The Writing Prompts.
Sometimes a bit hokey, occasionally deep and others far from what you would ever think to write about. But isn’t that the point? Prompts help to write beyond what you would normally write — to open new avenues of thought and ignite your creativity.
Let’s give it a try. I’m not going to place boundaries and word counts on you — that’s not free. Nor will I ever know if you actually participate, and so we are not committed to one another. So what do you have to lose? (Another day of struggling with your hidden fresh perspectives?)
Take your pick:
- Write about the 5 things you would do to entertain yourself if you did not see another soul for 10 days.
- What would you do with three wishes? How would these wishes affect your life and the lives of those connected to you?
- Write the final thoughts of a canary in a coal mine.
And if your creativity continues to fight back, search creative writing prompts or come back here every Friday for a new direction of creativity.
Cold Call Your Writing
Just walk in the door – this is the hardest part of selling – just getting the courage to walk in. And now you’re probably wondering why I, a writer with a blog about writing and authorship, should be taking you down this route of self pep-talks and sinking uncertainty only to arrive on the doorstep of this thing called sales. Well, you want to sell your book, don’t you?
Your book’s success is determined by a large number of factors – promotional and marketing direction, consistency, outreach, quality, and, well, you get the gist. But for now, let’s just concentrate on sales. And let’s focus on one idea – a good idea – as your first step towards promoting yourself and your writing.
Visit your local bookstores and libraries.
Simple.
Google book stores and libraries in your area and prepare a spreadsheet (or simply write them down) so you may keep track of your progress and track which stores you’ve contacted and the name of the person you spoke with.
Prepare a press kit, or a “leave behind”, with your author and book information. Maybe it’s a folder with a color print out of your book cover, an author bio, book description and your business card. If you have had any previous press coverage, include that as well.
Now … just walk in the door.
Introduce yourself and ask to speak to a manager of the store. Show them a copy of your book. Explain that you prepared a packet of information for them to review. And most importantly, let them know what you want from them. (What do you want?) Maybe it’s to hold a book signing in their store, and if it’s a library, you might donate a copy of your book for readers. If you are a children’s author, read and sign purchased copies of your book during story hour in the children’s section. Maybe you want to prepare a presentation about fictional writing. Get creative. And don’t expect to get paid. (Not every road to success is paved in gold).
Now get to work. Preplan, understand the funnel method (where every 10 that say no, one will say yes), and go knock on some doors. Sell yourself to the industry and to your readers.
Blog It Right
The idea of blogging seems quite simple. Create a free account, log in, and share your thoughts and know-how with a world of readers.
Well…kinda.
It all depends on whether you want your possible readers to stumble upon you, hopefully like what they see and return for a second reading. Or, you may want to create a blog that proactively reaches out to readers with its search-ability.
A successful blog will actively contribute to your efforts in building awareness around you and your writing. And there are some very tech-geek elements that simply DO make a difference in your blog’s success.
Here ya go:
Choosing Blog Software. Select from customizable blog solutions such as WordPress, Blogger, and Typepad. Create your site in line with your overall marketing or branding strategy. Keep it fairly simple to navigate and select your template based on user-friendly positioning of archives, comments, categories and page layout.
Host Your Blog Directly to Primary Domain. If you have a primary website, host your blog within that domain if possible. The addition of your blog to your website will attract links, publicity, and search rankings — not to mention trust in your brand. Simply stated: Why would you want to send your readers to various addresses for information pertaining to you and your writing? You need a one-stop, easy-to-remember address.
Track Your Visitor Count. Visitor tracking software tells you which posts are heavily read, which are not being viewed and how the search engines are delivering traffic. Add Feedburner to your blog and use the data to improve your blog based of visitor reactions.
Tag Your Posts. Add tag titles appropriate to the content in each of your blog posts. Cover a variety of angles or points-of-view in relation to your post in order to increase your blog’s search results.
Link Appropriately. Pretty self-explanatory. Your writing is your business. Do your research and comment and link to sites that may benefit the “standard of quality” you are aiming for with your blog. Linking drives traffic, but over-linking devalues your work.
Blogging is beneficial. It’s personal and adds the emotional element to your business. Do you have any tips you would like to share?
