Last Saturday I attended the “Get Publishing” conference in Edmonton. The conference is geared towards writers who, of course, want to publish. Much of the conference focused on self-publishing versus traditional publishers.
Malcolm Azania, also known as Minister Faust, was one of the keynotes. Azania is a science fiction writer (among other things) who has published at least two novels with traditional publishers, such as Random House. Four months ago, he did some research and decided he could make way more money by going indie. He is launching his newest novel, The Alchemists of Kush, independently June 15th. The story sounds compelling – it centers around two Sudanese boys who have immigrated to Edmonton. I think I’ll borrow my mom’s E-reader to check this one out.
Azania didn’t quite convince me that I should go indie for my novel. I know some people make more money, but I could also lose money. Azania has also established credibility in his genre, partially by publishing two other novels traditionally. However, I did pick up some cool ideas that I think I’ll use:
- Book trailers, just like movie trailers. If you’re a little tech savvy, or have a savvy friend, you can do it too! Check out the trailer for The Alchemists of Kush.
- Have some short stories, poems, or other work that has been previously published? Or maybe you have a longer work that is now out of print, and which you now have the rights for. You can publish it electronically on Smashwords and Amazon. I’m going to try peddling some poetry and short fiction online and see how it goes. Stay tuned.
- Why not create downloadable wallpaper for your characters just prior to your book launch (six months or so)? That’s what Azania did.
- Focus on pleasing your readers, not the reviewers. Good idea!
If you want to learn more about indie publishing, Azania suggested checking out J A Konrath’s blog.
What do you think? Would you self-publish your novel? If so, how would you go about it? And what can writers going the “traditional” route take away from the indie writers?
Bill Greeves
May 12, 2011 at 7:03 pm
Very timely issue for me! I’ve got the novel done and i’ve been tweaking the heck out of my query, but self-publishing seems to be a steadily increasing theme I am hearing from all corners lately. I’ve talked to several successful authors who did well going the traditional route that are seriously contemplating the move to calling their own shots. True, they have an established fan base, and I don’t But, I am fairly marketing savvy, creative (can’t wait to do my own book trailer) and in all honestly I am not sure I have the patience to do the traditional route. I might do a few more queries over the next month or so as I wait for some final proofreadings to come in, but I may head down this path myself.
LisaG
May 12, 2011 at 7:38 pm
Bill, I hear ya on the patience thing!
You should check out JA Konrath’s blog. Amanda Hocking’s is another author who had huge success self-publishing. She self-published her own novel.
I think that if authors (especially established authors) find more and more success self-publishing, traditional publishers may have to sweeten the pot. At one point during this conference, I thought “Okay, I’ve got a professional editor, and I know I’ll have to do a lot of marketing myself. What, exactly, will a traditional publisher provide here?”
I think there’s still a credibility issue with self-publishing (sometimes justified, sometimes not), but as time goes on, it does seem more and more acceptable..
Let us know what you decide to to, Bill.
JQ
May 12, 2011 at 9:54 pm
Hi Lisa!
I don’t know how I would feel about self publishing, but I know that I have decided not to sell my art through an agent or a specific gallery. I’ve been reading up on self promotion for artists and I’m pretty excited about it.
I LOVE book trailers!
LisaG
May 13, 2011 at 4:06 am
JQ
Ever think of doing an art show trailer? Tapestry trailer?
Robyn Bradley
May 13, 2011 at 1:35 pm
Hi, there. I’m a lurker here and first time poster (I think!). Last fall, I took the self-publishing plunge. I used to be the BIGGEST self-pub snob out there. Then I had an epiphany, which you can read about here in this guest post I did on Tahereh Mafi’s blog (who is traditionally published, or will be in November).
I started releasing short stories, two of which had been traditionally published in lit journals. Last month, I released my debut novel. So far, so good. Self-publishing is definitely a viable method (though I know it’s not for everyone), and it’s finally gaining some legitimacy thanks to Joe Konrath and many others who are making a go of it. A number of traditionally published authors are making the move to SP — Bob Mayer and Barry Eisler, who famously turned down a half million dollar contract earlier this year, come to mind.
It’s a lot of work, since you’re handling every aspect yourself. I have to admit that I’m loving every minute of it. I’m a marketing copywriter by day, so the marketing piece has been easier for me than it has been for some. The biggest thrill is connecting with readers who are finding me and loving my work.
All that said, I’m still interested in landing an agent (the agent’s role is definitely evolving thanks to eBooks and self-publishing), and I certainly believe there’s still a place for traditional publishing (to wit: see Amanda Hocking’s reasoning for leaving self-publishing and going with a legacy publisher).
It’s a fun journey. Whatever you and your readers decide, I wish you all much success!
LisaG
May 17, 2011 at 9:28 pm
Great guest post – I like your comment about looking to others for validation.
Do you sell hard copies of your work as well as e-books?
Robyn Bradley
May 13, 2011 at 1:36 pm
Oh, yes — and I do book trailers for all of my shorts and for the novel. They’re fun to make. You can see ‘em on my website.
LisaG
May 17, 2011 at 9:31 pm
I really like your book trailer, too. The marketing background is coming in handy, I imagine : )
Bill Greeves
May 18, 2011 at 8:51 pm
Awesome trailer work Robyn! What tools did you use to produce them? The music one on A Touch of Charlotte sounded like Jewel maybe? How do you handle music rights?
Robyn Bradley
May 18, 2011 at 9:54 pm
Thanks, Bill! I use Animoto (the pro version), which is super easy to use and includes the music rights (it has a vast library from which to choose). It’s also extremely economical.
Robyn Bradley
May 17, 2011 at 11:17 pm
Thank you so much for your kind words.
Yes, the marketing background helps a lot. And yes — the novel will be available in paperback (through Amazon’s Createspace) soon (I’m literally just waiting to receive and then sign off on the proofs). Best of luck with your novel. 