Of COURSE I want to be published, ya knucklehead. That’s why I read all of the writing blogs!
Umm, okay. That’s a really good start. It’s important to get a feel for what writers have to say about publishing. Some writers even have some great words of wisdom that can help new writers avoid some real pitfalls and traps. It’s the tip of the iceberg though.
Folks, publishing is a business, plain and simple. It is a way for a company to make money. It’s a numbers game whereby a business will look at a product you think people may want to buy, and then looks at your widget and determines if there is a market. If they believe there is a market for your widget then they may move forward and buy your widget and distribute it to the waiting hands of consumers.
It is a slate-cold reality. Tough to face, but true.
At this point, some may argue about muse, literary merit, artistic creativity and whatnot. Smokescreens all, I say. What you have, gentle writer is a product. A widget. An item for sale. You need to get past the thought that your book is anything but a product. Once you do, you will see that it is your responsibility to understand the business that you are trying to persuade to buy your product.
So, how do you go about understanding this business? Here are some tips:
- Go to Publishers Weekly and subscribe. This is the industry source of information and news. It is essential that you understand the industry and the current trends.
- Go to Nathan Bransford’s blog and subscribe. He is an agent extraordinaire, and you are missing out on real world publishing news if you’ve never been there.
- Read How I Got Published: Famous Authors Tell You in Their Own Words
There is amazing insight into the publishing world in this great book.
- Read Beginning Writer’s Answer Book
This book really does answer a lot of questions without getting into too much detail. A good starting point for your studies of the publishing industry.
- Pay attention to what publishers and agents are tweeting on Twitter. Watch for helpful articles and news.
Following these tips is just the beginning in your journey towards understanding the business of selling your widget. One path will lead you to another and another and another. Be a sponge. Learn all that you can and when the time comes to negotiate for your best deal, you will understand far more than many of the other vendors trying to hawk their wares and you will come out on top.
Very good point about how a book = product. It’s obvious by the success of Dan Brown and that Twilight gal. *shudder* Literary merit is often left out, shivering on the bench.
.-= Heather´s last blog ..Blogs Giving day three =-.
Hi Heather,
Yeah, it really is a statement of consumerism. I guess I’m not the kind of writer who lives in angst, struggling to make the world know of my literary prowess. I do remind myself that I have products that I want to sell.
Happy Holidays to you and yours!
George
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Hi George!
GOOD POINT!
I LOVE this post! Thank you for writing it. Thinking of my writing as a product – and taking away all the emotion – really goes a long way to settle my stomach.
Even though I’ve been studying all things writing for quite a long time, I really learned a lot here, including some excellent new sources. I really appreciate your insights here, George.
Thumbs up to you!
.-= Lori´s last blog ..Front Porch: An F22 Jet and a Costa Rican Chica =-.
Hi Lori, and thank you!
I’m glad the info was useful to you. I need to remind myself all of the time that I’m developing a product and to try and keep the “my baby” aspect out of it!
George
Great advice, George! It’s all so true. It’s hard for a lot of writers to set aside the emotions they’ve invested in their book, though, and realize it’s business. I know your post here will help ‘em sort that out!
.-= Michele´s last blog ..Raw, Vegan Thanksgiving Turkey + Pumpkin =-.
Michele,
Thanks! I was hoping these words would speak to folks and help them to feel better about their writing.
George
Hi George,
I cant thank you enough for providing such valuable info. Considering I would love to be a published writer someday…this is a gold mine of info.
I am working on an ebook for the blog at the moment. It will be provided free to all subscribers. I still cant ge tmy head around all the technical stuff..you know the turning it into pdf etc…I am just pounding away at my keyboard for now on a simple word document
I would love it if you could share some of your insight with me…if and when you have the time. Do let me know….We can correspond further on facebook or email.
Oh..and thank you again..I am going to check out the links…and educate myself a bit further
.-= Zeenat{Positive Provocations}´s last blog ..You Just Need To Believe- Inspiration from Kungfu Panda =-.
My Dear Zeenat, thank you so much for your words. I’m very grateful this post may be able to help you on your journey.
I would love to help you with any part of the ebook process, just let me know!
George