tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3032393211172642487.post162672483131965514..comments2023-07-07T04:39:41.557-07:00Comments on Murder Must Advertise: Want to Get Published? It’s as Easy as 1, 2, 3Jeffrey Markshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08422459407138331707noreply@blogger.comBlogger31125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3032393211172642487.post-71122686393206496262012-07-02T11:36:46.433-07:002012-07-02T11:36:46.433-07:00I have done all three ways (well, my traditional p...I have done all three ways (well, my traditional publisher is the small indipendant). And before him, I paid for a POD publisher. And now I've begun working on self-publishing (got a short story on Amazon just a week ago), hope to reintroduce the POD book as an ebook.<br /><br />You summed it up well. I'm more of a quiet person, and glad that I do have a publisher to push my book more than I could. There's just so much to know, I wouldn't be able to handle the business side of it well enough. Plus, I'm not the type who wants to push my book in a hundred places in a day. Gadz I don't have time for all that! I'd rather write!Lorelei Bellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03294047277447613989noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3032393211172642487.post-12626473492586569292012-07-01T06:57:21.859-07:002012-07-01T06:57:21.859-07:00Concise and to the point! Good post.
MadelineConcise and to the point! Good post.<br /><br />MadelineM.M. Gornellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05610211516010193111noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3032393211172642487.post-55327887285832770142012-06-30T16:03:04.880-07:002012-06-30T16:03:04.880-07:00I wish I could be there for your talk, Gigi!I wish I could be there for your talk, Gigi!Jenny Milchmanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04410805792044518458noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3032393211172642487.post-73417709740362307832012-06-30T16:02:28.274-07:002012-06-30T16:02:28.274-07:00That's interesting, Chris. Different from my e...That's interesting, Chris. Different from my experience. I've heard the negatives discussed fairly openly, but listening to those who have positive experiences requires more of an intimate conversation. I'm not sure why that is.Jenny Milchmanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04410805792044518458noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3032393211172642487.post-31293926775736875422012-06-30T15:59:21.765-07:002012-06-30T15:59:21.765-07:00These are excellent subtleties, Tim, which I would...These are excellent subtleties, Tim, which I wouldn't have thought of. Everyone...Tim's voice, which reflects success on all three paths, is one to just stop and listen to.<br /><br />Tim, Imy publisher has started an author's portal, where sales figures and other things can be checked--this seems an acknowledgment of the benefit of transparency. Do you think that the publishers, whose sales reflect many revenue streams (bookstores, libraries, Amazon, others) can or should strive for as much transparency as Amazon on its own can?Jenny Milchmanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04410805792044518458noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3032393211172642487.post-58685543388690578612012-06-30T14:34:48.553-07:002012-06-30T14:34:48.553-07:00Loved this concise wrap-up of the various consider...Loved this concise wrap-up of the various considerations. Later this summer I'm giving a presentation to help writers figure out if self-publishing is right for them, and my outline says exactly the same thing about self-publishing: the biggest pro AND con is that you're in control. Sometimes control is great, and sometimes it's a headache ;)Gigi Pandianhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15378365974242102657noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3032393211172642487.post-53387901181336265422012-06-30T14:17:41.061-07:002012-06-30T14:17:41.061-07:00I think some traditionally published authors are h...I think some traditionally published authors are hesitant to speak up too loudly about negative experiences, because they don't want to burn bridges by bad mouthing people or companies in the industry. What's said in private, though...<br /><br />Still, no path is right for everyone, in this or any area of life. I expect more professional writers (those who treat it as a business) to find a hybrid path, especially as new publishing methods the rise. But the "best" opportunities vary by genre and author personality. I'm traditionally published in children's books and still submitting some of my work traditionally, because of the specifics for reaching that audience (e.g. libraries and schools). However, I'm self-publishing my adult Romance/suspense without ever submitting it traditionally, because I decided that's the best option for me given the state of the industry right now.Kris Bockhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16217265282250089583noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3032393211172642487.post-87553548843112262252012-06-30T10:26:26.605-07:002012-06-30T10:26:26.605-07:00The vanity charge is definitely outdated, as I wro...The vanity charge is definitely outdated, as I wrote. That's still where anger in the discussion seems to be triggered, though.Sara Backerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18204253154706304455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3032393211172642487.post-20599296945961448772012-06-30T10:23:50.405-07:002012-06-30T10:23:50.405-07:00Timothy, I agree with everything you've said e...Timothy, I agree with everything you've said except the total lack of transparency re. sales figures of traditional publishing. As I see it, the problem is that, in ancient paternalistic style, the publisher sends the sales figures/royalties info directly to agents and never to authors--even if they ask. The agent chooses whether to forward the thick stack of numbers or only the 1-2 page summary to the authors. And the 6+ month delay of getting these numbers for the prior 6-month sales period is--in this day and age--inexcusable.<br /><br />I appreciate your pointing out the increasing possibility of being at the mercy of a single corporate entity that dominates the ebook market. They can change the rules any time.<br /><br />As for rights reversion, my publisher chose to reissue my novel that had literally gone out of print, but because it remained "in print" as an ebook, they did not renegotiate a contract with me as they otherwise would have to. A bit of a sting, that, though, of course, one is always happy to have a reissue.Sara Backerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18204253154706304455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3032393211172642487.post-50893636819233555712012-06-30T08:38:32.170-07:002012-06-30T08:38:32.170-07:00Great piece, Jenny.
As someone who's currentl...Great piece, Jenny.<br /><br />As someone who's currently published both traditionally and as a one-man indie, I'd add a couple of negatives to traditional publishing and a couple to indie pubbing as well.<br /><br />Negatives to traditional publishing: Small royalty rate, probable loss of control of your intellectual property for such add-ons as audio books, non-English translations, foreign rights, and (in some cases) motion picture/film adaptation. and TOTAL lack of transparency regarding sales figures and royalties.<br /><br />Negatives to indie publishing: no one to tell you your book isn't ready, an overwheming signal-to-noise ratio, and the possibility of being totally at the mercy of a single corporate entity that pretty much owns the ebook market.<br /><br />And I'd add one more advantage of indie epubbing, at least on Amazon: the ability to check your sales hourly if you wish, to adjust marketing and see the results (or lack of results) and project your monthly income.<br /><br />One last issue, something writers considering a trad house have to think about, is rights reversion. Until ebooks, a writer could apply for (and receive) a reversion of rights to the book when it had been allowed to go "out of print." But now the definition of "out of print" is in question--if a book is available as an ebook, is it still in print? Since it costs pulblishers literally nothing to let ebooks remain on virtual shelves, does that mean they own the book forever? The Author's Guild is working on this right now.Timothy Hallinanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00551263887774445511noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3032393211172642487.post-8270669858138138712012-06-30T06:02:01.917-07:002012-06-30T06:02:01.917-07:00Maybe we'll go in there together next time, Pa...Maybe we'll go in there together next time, Pam, talk about TYCBD, and do a panel discussion or something together?? (Don't know if that would help. They could just be overtaxed booksellers...)Jenny Milchmanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04410805792044518458noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3032393211172642487.post-77967615595826881772012-06-29T19:23:29.387-07:002012-06-29T19:23:29.387-07:00Thanks Jenny.
It does feel completely strange. An...Thanks Jenny.<br /><br />It does feel completely strange. And sad. <br /><br />From your lips to God's ears about a wider audience!<br /><br />Seriously your new photo is the bomb. (In the good sense of the word.)<br /><br />xoPamela DuMond, D.C.https://www.blogger.com/profile/15880017372940084226noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3032393211172642487.post-37245038834984950712012-06-29T19:00:36.562-07:002012-06-29T19:00:36.562-07:00Hmm, interesting idea, Sara. I wonder. The old van...Hmm, interesting idea, Sara. I wonder. The old vanity publishing has a very different feel from the indie authors I know today--almost like two different epochs.<br /><br />In terms of the first point, I guess I think getting known and broadly circulated is hard on all 3 paths. Will probably be some broad dissemination for all of six weeks with a major, but after that...<br /><br />There's where I think the one constant appears, though I think you and I disagree on this. If you have a book that speaks widely to people--I'm not going to call it a great book, could be great, could not be--it almost doesn't matter which track it appears on. That train is gonna roar.Jenny Milchmanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04410805792044518458noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3032393211172642487.post-37013316773422081612012-06-29T18:56:20.776-07:002012-06-29T18:56:20.776-07:00I'm gasping, Pam. That is awful. I'm so gl...I'm gasping, Pam. That is awful. I'm so glad you had such a successful author event--but why that reaction? It must leave you feeling at real odds. It's good you have access to readers in other ways--but I continue to see an even wider audience in your future, however you reach them.<br /><br />Thanks about the pic. I'm very meh on it.Jenny Milchmanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04410805792044518458noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3032393211172642487.post-70231112304918746052012-06-29T18:53:49.520-07:002012-06-29T18:53:49.520-07:00Interesting, Jean--I guess I think of e-books as o...Interesting, Jean--I guess I think of e-books as one medium that might be published with a major, a small press, or on one's own. I think you're right that for a writer just starting out, publishing a digital version whether with a small press or independently can be a great way to build an audience.Jenny Milchmanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04410805792044518458noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3032393211172642487.post-71987221123974997752012-06-29T18:51:31.768-07:002012-06-29T18:51:31.768-07:00I really enjoyed your post on Kathleen's small...I really enjoyed your post on Kathleen's small press series, Marilyn...Jenny Milchmanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04410805792044518458noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3032393211172642487.post-21663440896605624942012-06-29T18:50:48.306-07:002012-06-29T18:50:48.306-07:00Ah, but I might very well have, Thomas (self-publi...Ah, but I might very well have, Thomas (self-published). I split my skull for eleven years trying for the path I hoped for--but self-pubbing wasn't really an option when I began. By the time one door at last opened, I was considering alternate routes. I think these are *good* alternate routes. It happens I went down another of the tracks--but I do think that being flexible is a key attribute of anyone who makes it. <br /><br />Radine, I am so happy you are part of the Oak Tree family if only because I enjoy the work of so many in that talented pool! Plus, Sunny is a publishing genius.Jenny Milchmanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04410805792044518458noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3032393211172642487.post-75312823244482274342012-06-29T18:46:06.594-07:002012-06-29T18:46:06.594-07:00This is an excellent point, Hart--thank you for ad...This is an excellent point, Hart--thank you for adding it. Which path you choose is as much a reflection of what fits you, the pros you deeply desire and the cons you just can't stomach, as which opportunities present themselves.<br /><br />(Yes, I realize I'm contradicting what I just said in response to Earl. I think both are true.)Jenny Milchmanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04410805792044518458noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3032393211172642487.post-61648884618003417682012-06-29T18:43:57.979-07:002012-06-29T18:43:57.979-07:00In the end, Earl, I wonder if the coin flip--and o...In the end, Earl, I wonder if the coin flip--and other elements of luck and chance--don't have more to do with everything than some would like to think. One thing I know...with your writing talent and voice, your work will do well however it comes to the fore.Jenny Milchmanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04410805792044518458noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3032393211172642487.post-19252300576236132012-06-29T18:42:26.281-07:002012-06-29T18:42:26.281-07:00Interesting perspective, Sheila. It definitely is ...Interesting perspective, Sheila. It definitely is dependent on the degree of talent, commitment, and passion you find--on whichever path you take. Thanks for sharing some of your background.Jenny Milchmanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04410805792044518458noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3032393211172642487.post-61392372019087960532012-06-29T17:54:17.995-07:002012-06-29T17:54:17.995-07:00You left out that it is most difficult for self-pu...You left out that it is most difficult for self-published authors to get well-known and broadly circulated reviews for their books.<br /><br />I wonder if the polarization arises from the issue of perceived quality between traditional and indie publishing? Historically, indie publishing was, as you said, vanity publishing and looked down on. While good and poor quality writing exists in both traditional and indie publishing, writers are understandably very touchy about judgments of merit. Could this be the sore point that invites argument over discussion? And why the traditionally published are quieter: they don't have to defend the outdated "vanity" charge?Sara Backerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18204253154706304455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3032393211172642487.post-45524086014663777512012-06-29T13:56:25.779-07:002012-06-29T13:56:25.779-07:00Thanks for the post, Jenny.
I'd love for my Y...Thanks for the post, Jenny.<br /><br />I'd love for my YA novel to be traditionally published. But just like the music business several years ago, publishing's an industry in turmoil. The disruption shakes out good as well as bad. Provides opportunities for many while at the same time shutting doors and windows for others.<br /><br />I know you love your bookstores. I do too. I'm published by a tiny press, and now am going the self-pubbed route as well. <br /><br />I've been trying to get my local bookstore to carry my books for YEARS now. Finally they had a book signing and invited me. I was so happy! Blasted the word about the event. Contacted the book section of our newspaper. Told my friends who showed up, bought books, making the bookstore money. <br /><br />Sold out of The Messenger's Handbook. Had more books in the car. Offered to bring them in so I wouldn't have to make a special trip back down to the store to re-stock.<br /><br />Oh, no no. I was told to collect the rest of my books and remove them from the store. This is how you treat a local author who has supported your store for years? This is how Indie bookstores are going to survive? <br /><br />I do believe there is room for just about everybody. And respect goes in both directions.<br /><br />Thanks as always.<br /><br />On a lighter note - love your new author photo!Pamela DuMond, D.C.https://www.blogger.com/profile/15880017372940084226noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3032393211172642487.post-36655548569964572122012-06-29T11:23:15.367-07:002012-06-29T11:23:15.367-07:00Your 1,2,3 is right on target, Jenny, but how abou...Your 1,2,3 is right on target, Jenny, but how about a #4? E-publishing (also a possible #5, audio books). My Murders by Design cozy mystery series is currently being pubbed by Carina Press, the electronic division of Harlequin. The first, Designed for Death, was released in January, the second, The Monet Murders, two weeks ago. A third is due outin early 2013. E-books are the wave of the future, and a great way to have your voice heard.jean harringtonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04925805990806522316noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3032393211172642487.post-14199856342993992802012-06-29T10:20:12.281-07:002012-06-29T10:20:12.281-07:00Jenny,
You said it all, simply and succinctly. I&#...Jenny,<br />You said it all, simply and succinctly. I've tried them all. At this point in my life, I like some help and input in the publishing process.Marilyn Levinsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10424778692932139865noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3032393211172642487.post-36379257660951630072012-06-29T10:17:29.967-07:002012-06-29T10:17:29.967-07:00Excellent analysis, Jenny, and, since so many amon...Excellent analysis, Jenny, and, since so many among us are still wobbling around, wondering how to proceed toward seeing our work in print, (and the publishing industry itself is in another wobbly flux), I think it's about as complete an analysis as is possible in June/July, 2012. Guess each of us can do best by simply following our own researched thoughts and decisions on the subject. (Following our own star?) As for me -- after much research, thinking and, yes, praying, I am more than happy with my decision to go with Oak Tree Press! Wonderful support for authors in editing, publishing, and promotion. Good friends, too!<br /><br />Thank you for thinking through such a difficult topic and giving us your clear thoughts.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com