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Well to quote Bob Dylan, "The times, they are a-changin'." And at the heart of that change? Technology, eBooks and eReaders, which have effectively weakened the reign of six. And actually, I'm not sure if it's the eRevolution which accomplished this, or if it's solely the resistance of traditional publishing to evolve. But regardless, with that destabilization of the traditional power, the gates of publishing have swung open. Writers now publish their work without a literary agent, and without a traditional publisher, to commendable success. Independently published books regularly rank among Amazon's top-selling eBooks.
So the gates are open, but there's more. The publishing destination has shifted, too, once through those gates. One self-published author recently stated that of 20,000 books she had sold thus far, only 1,000 had been in print. The other 19,000 were in eBook format. The shelf that readers are increasingly seeking is the virtual one, rather than the brick and mortar one. An interesting twist that the winding road of publishing has taken.
But to me, the change that's most valuable is this: Thinking. Attitude. Perception. In the past, self-published authors were discounted. Now they've managed to earn, through effort and much work, credibility and respect. Now they're considered pioneers, paving the way past the gatekeepers for others behind them. Now, that's a worthwhile change pushing through those opened gates.
To me, it always felt wrong to "gatekeep" art.
~Joanne
I'm right there with you, Joanne! After being traditionally published, it took a big attitude adjustment to go it alone. But I LOVE the feeling of control now.
ReplyDeleteThe times are a'changing indeed!
I love this post, Joanne. And I love that times have changed. We've missed reading the work of too many talented writers who were kept outsidemof the gate.
ReplyDeleteI think it is fantastic how authors have gained control of ebook publishing.
ReplyDeleteSome of my favourite reads are self published books. I would never have been able to read them if the gates had not been opened.
Glynis Smy (writer)
Talli - As someone who's gone both routes, traditional and self-published, your thoughts carry much validity.
ReplyDeleteLinda - I love that times have changed too. It never felt right that my publishing fate was in someone else's hands. More often than not, they had their own interests at heart, not mine.
Glynis - It's amazing how many self-pubbed books are making the bestseller lists now. It's a great time to write.
I most certainly appreciate the gates open. I'm that kind of thinker/receiver anyway.
ReplyDeleteAnd I'm falling in love with my Kindle Fire (who knew?).
~ Wendy
Yes, I have to admit my attitudes have done a one-eighty in the last year. I no longer feel like I have to go through the traditional channels of getting published. I'm still going to try I think, but if it doesn't work out I know there are alternatives that are just as appealing.
ReplyDeleteThe fact that there are so many viable options for authors to get their craft to readers these days is extremely liberating. It really does take just as much hard work and tenacity to self-publish as it does to go the traditional route.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Glynis-that when the traditional publishing route was the only option, there were so many great authors who had books that never got published. And all of us were missing out by not getting to read them. It's about time those gates were open.
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean about perception too. In my own arena, I have to fight the stereotype of "homemade" and all the negative connotations that can come with it. It means working hard to promote myself as the "handmade" artist I want to be viewed as:)
Good luck with that book of yours!!
The one thing I enjoy about self-publishing is that I'm on MY schedule. I work 40 hours a week. I have to. So I set MY own deadlines.
ReplyDeleteThere are so many wonderful indie eBooks that range from cooking, travel books, short stories, poetry, to full blown novels and series. I just read where one man had made $100,000.00 in 3 weeks and even posted a snapshot of his Reports page from kdp (Amazon Kindle) to prove it.
When some of my friends heard I was publishing independently they were eager to download my books. And now I even have my very own local salesperson who is willing to help me with promotional items at cost. Also I have control over pricing and book covers, which I love.
It was a slow road for me in the beginning, but now I have my tennis shoes on and ready to pick up the pace. Even my skeptical husband is cheering me on now.
There are a lot of politics involved in who gets published by the publishing houses--where you live, who you know, who represents you, and if they like what you say...all a form of censorship. I love what you said about art being untethered--also ideas. It will be fun to see where this all leads.
ReplyDeleteFantastic post. Bravo to those who dare to think outside the box. I second your thoughts on "gatekeeping" art. I'm slowly learning to love my Kindle and count on it most while traveling.
ReplyDeleteI never would have thought about self publishing five years ago, but like you said the times are a - changing. Self published authors are getting more and more respect. It's definitely something I'd consider now.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful post and very thought-provoking. The publishing game has changed, and I look forward to seeing just how much it will continue to change in the coming years.
ReplyDeleteI think it is great but I do worry that because the stigma is lifting self-pub may because saturated with books that has never been edited.
ReplyDeleteAnd editing/proofing is soooo expensive. It's worth it but most debut author's can't afford it.
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ReplyDelete(...botched that last comment...had to repost...)
ReplyDeleteIt's so exciting to watch the trends develop! I was shocked when my small press publisher told me that most of the books they sell are in digital format. I had no idea...it's all pretty exciting when we hold the key to the gate!
Wendy - I see so much of that positive reaction to the Kindle Fire, especially from previous staunch traditional book fans.
ReplyDeleteL.G. - Best wishes with your journey and choices. And that's the beauty of it now, you do have the option of guaranteed publication, if you so desire.
Ayda - From everything I'm seeing, the marketing efforts for traditional vs independent are the same. The Big Six do little in promo for many authors.
Valerie - And yet, to my thinking, the handmade artist brings so much to the craft vs mass-produced. You can actually see the art, and the uniqueness of the item, with that personal touch.
ReplyDeleteSavannah - I agree with the control. I've seen recent debut authors get one-book contracts due to be published in 2013 and 2014 now. That's a whole latte lag time, and I prefer much quicker results. Who knows what the state of the traditional industry will be by then?
Linda - I've experienced so many forms of that "censorship" it's almost unbelievable. And yes, I can't wait to see where all this leads in publishing, and am so glad to be a part of it.
Andrea - When you really think about, gatekeepers of art? And who appoints these individuals, and to what artistic standards? It's a bit of an archaic process now.
ReplyDeletePatti - Dylan could've custom-written that line for publishing :)
Emily - I'm with you in that I do believe this is only the beginning of a monumental shift.
Southpaw - Editing is so critical. But the prices do vary, so authors can shop around. The way I see it, any cost to a quality book is merely an investment in that product, which will have a financial return.
ReplyDeleteJB - From all the stats I see, eBooks continue to gain ground repeatedly, with no sign of slowing.
Amen, Joanne. You are so right.
ReplyDeleteKaren
Huh, I never thought of it as gatekeeping art; percolating thoughts indeed.
ReplyDeleteCatherine Denton
Nicely said, Joanne. As I'm getting ready to start querying next month (I feel like I want to pay my dues while my oldest son works on my book cover), I'm kind of getting excited about self-publishing once I've gotten a bunch of rejections.
ReplyDeleteI love that picture, btw.
I plan to self publish this year, too. It's a good time to be a writer.
ReplyDeleteLove this photo!
Amen, sister! It's time. It's time for change and a new way of doing something and opening those gates for all the creative spirits out there. I am inspired by you.
ReplyDeleteGreat post! I'm getting ready to put my first novel on Kindle, Amazon. It's scary and exciting at the same time.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing this and love the thoughts of everyone on this topic.
Blessings, Barb
Hi Joanne, I love the expression you used about being a "pioneer"! I'm sure proud of you and inspired by your courage for taking the road less traveled. I am looking forward to seeing what the future brings and reading your new book! Delisa :)
ReplyDeleteWith you all! I'm working on a mystery novel that I hope to epublish in 2013.
ReplyDeleteI agree! I love that - how it is wrong to gatekeep art. I think of the beautiful paintings and sculptures in our museums and galleries and how we are fortunate to see and experience such art. The same can be said for books and literature. Just this past week, my students composed creative writing pieces and it would have been wrong for me to give them anything lower than an A. These students put everything into their pieces, their art, something that a teacher should never "gatekeep"
ReplyDeleteKaren - Thanks, Karen.
ReplyDeleteCatherine - I do consider writing to be a form of art, so yes, I'd call it gatekeeping art.
Donna - Wishing you many agent requests for material :)
Carol - It's an amazing journey, enjoy!
ReplyDeleteMary - You are so right when you say it's time for a new way of doing things. It's good to shake things up sometimes. Change is good :)
Barb - Good luck with your publishing journey ...
Delisa - Thanks. With all the changes in the industry, going independent does have that pioneering feel to it, forging through and leaving the old way, and gates, behind.
ReplyDeleteButtercup - It'll be a fun year in Buttercupland ... Enjoy!
Jen - When you really think about that gatekeeping concept, it's pretty self-serving to those gatekeepers. It seems like it just got out of hand and the repercussions are catching up with it now.
It is so much more encouraging these days, like the windows have been flung open to so many!
ReplyDeleteI'm currently reading a self published book. :D
ReplyDeleteTraditionally published authors are going to be hurt with the change. One self published book = a traditionally published book when it comes to the time it takes to read them. So for every self published book I read, one less trad book will make it to my bookshelf than last year. That means I'll be even fussier as to which books I'll buy.
Now I'm the gatekeeper and my "slushpile" just got a whole lot bigger. :D
Excellent post, Joanne! You really say it all here. And we aren't done yet seeing the evolution of the publishing and book selling industry.
ReplyDeletePatricia - I agree, the change is a breath of fresh air ...
ReplyDeleteStina - And I think the good that will come from this traditional vs indie competition is that WHO publishes a book really won't matter. What will matter is what should matter, quality, from cover to cover.
Karen - I believe this is only the beginning of a monumental shift in the industry, one which many welcome.
Change is good most of the time. We just have to find out a way to make it work for us. I think we should be in control of our life (Art. Right?
ReplyDeleteLove your post.
Teresa
What an interesting discussion! I do think it is wonderful that writers now have a way to directly reach an audience... I guess the trick is finding that audience solo :)
ReplyDeleteFascinating transition/evolution we are in! Thanks for keeping us 'up' with whats going on.
ReplyDeleteIndeed, the times they are a changing... Many of my brilliant writer friends have self-pubbed or are in the process. I may even try it myself one of these days. Best of luck to you on your literary journey. Power to the people!
ReplyDeleteLet ePublishing reign!
ReplyDeleteThe gates aren't only open Joanne. I think someone's removed the bolts.
ReplyDeleteJournaling Woman - Yes, I love being in control of my book and not turning it over to someone else's vision.
ReplyDeleteKim - The thing is, we'd have to find that audience solo anyway, even with a publisher. They do little marketing these days, and pass that responsibility along to the author.
Claire - To me what is fascinating is to watch some of the big-six dig in their heels and purely resist all that is here, and yet to come.
ReplyDeleteDebra - Yes! The power has definitely shifted and the dust is still settling.
Well said, Joanne! And best of luck to you on your journey!
ReplyDeleteCheryl - Haha, I like that. And I'm not sure those gates will ever be restored.
ReplyDeleteSusan - Thanks :)
It is amazing how many opportunities e-publishing is allowing aspiring writers/authors. I am hoping to give it a whirl myself later this year - once edits are done, of course! :)
ReplyDeleteI love this, I really do. You've got a great Dylan quote combined with the changin' publishing industry. That rocks.
ReplyDeleteOn another note, I can't even believe that publishing has convinced people that it's beneficial to have literary "gatekeepers." For far too long, our reading has been at the mercy of a select few. Talk about a creative contradiction.
And on one more note (okay, off in a few tangents today ...) Jim Morrison self-published his poetry back in 1969 with with “© James Douglas Morrison 1969 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED” on the bottom of each page. Those copies now sell for $10,000. Guess he got through those gates okay all on his own.
I'm still on the diving board waiting to jump, but your blog posts are encouraging.
ReplyDeleteI've never been published by a traditional publisher so its difficult for me to compare. But I find self publishing is a good way to go. Lots of opportunities for those who perservere.
ReplyDeleteI agree! I'm excited about all the self-publishing going on. So much so that I'm thinking of going that route myself.
ReplyDeleteThat picture is truly inspiring. Anytime I see a goat or a road, I can't help wonder where it leads. I want to go exploring!
It is so nice to be able to stay creative on your own terms. I am still one trying to head through the gates, but it is so nice to know that I can't be locked out just because of them.
ReplyDeleteGreat post!
Seriously inspiring! Love that you are 'taking the road less traveled by' although, I think it's starting to get worn down ;)
ReplyDeleteI agree with it being wrong to "gate keep art" - though to be fair I don't think the big publishers were standing at the gate with smug faces saying "you can't come in" - they were just figuring out how best to invest their money to make more money. It is simply wonderful that we now have these other options!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad that self-pubbed authors are looked at differently b/c we're all on the same side and want similar things!!
ReplyDeleteI can't say my *dream* has changed (to be traditionally pubbed) but I would NEVER say never (why would you, when there are so many options available?)!
Cafe Fashionista - Those edits are important ... One step at a time.
ReplyDeleteMary - Imagine? Even Morrison couldn't get a publisher ...
Em-Musing - My advice would be to wade in thoughtfully and slowly rather than jump ...
Stephen - That persevering is important. The process, done right, takes time and diligence, with much, much attention to details of all kinds.
ReplyDeleteNisa - There are many stories out there to inspire writers along this path.
Deana - Self-publishing is definitely not for everyone. I wish you the very best in your journey :)
I have a feeling most of the authors who have high e sales are self-publishing or indie publishing because their ebook price points are often so low.
ReplyDeleteYes, times are changing. But I still don't have an ereader, so I'm still reading brick and mortar books!
J.A. Bennett - Whether the crowded traditional or indie market, I believe all this competition will eventually result in higher quality, in story and product. And those that have it will set the parameters for readers of all branches of publishing.
ReplyDeleteMargo - I've seen way too many publishing "investing money to make money" schemes that ARE smug business deals. Unfortunately they provide enough evidence for me to disagree with you.
Christina - I just read an interesting article where the author cautioned writers to carefully distinguish between their "dreams" and "goals." In this difficult publishing climate, the dreams may be difficult to reach.
ReplyDeleteTheresa - It's funny how when more and more people bought eReaders, the traditional publishers raised their eBook prices. I remember when $6.99 was a traditional eBook price. Now they're nearing $15.00, outpricing the paperbacks. So, my question, is it really that the indies are priced too low, or the traditional unreasonably high?
Yes *clink*. That's the sound of me toasting your optimism:)
ReplyDeleteIt's encouraging news for all us aspiring authors. Thank you for this and best of luck with your self-published venture.
ReplyDeleteLindsay - Toasting my (decaf) coffee cup right back at you.
ReplyDeleteCarolynn - Thanks, there is a lot of good to be found in the changes happening right now.
I'm waiting for your book! And now that I have my iPad I'm all set.
ReplyDeleteMargaret - Thanks, and I'm glad Santa came through for you in the end.
ReplyDeleteHi Joanne .. gosh I thought I'd never get to the end of the comments - hope I haven't missed anything salient ..
ReplyDelete.. I heard somewhere an author say they'd sold more in their home arena and made enough profits from those book sales - by getting the author's rate from I think CreateSpace ... marketing starts local ... and family and friends ..
... and via I hope I'll see you at Celery Tree ..
The Publishing Gates are definitely open ...
Cheers - Hilary