Tag: self publishing news

And now for the news!

Some highlights from this month in the world of self-publishing!

• Amazon’s Control Over Books Shows the Perils of Tech Power

(Proviso: This article is behind a paywall; subscribers of The New York Times can access the article in full.)

You might have seen this article around, being discussed both by literary elites and by the average Twitter user, in part because it says quite a lot of things about self-publishing, particularly as relates to Amazon’s self-publishing platform. On this blog we have over the years represented a range of opinions about Amazon’s offerings and customer service and central ethic, and we’ll refrain today from passing judgment on the whole—but it’s worth noting that for many of The New York Times‘ thousands of subscribers who trust the paper’s research ethic, opinions about Amazon and opinions about self-publishing are often one and the same thing. This June 24 article by David Streitfeld is intensely critical of Amazon, particularly how the company renders many of the authors who publish through it’s self-publishing arm vulnerable to copycats (and therefore copyright violators). The dangers are well-known, Streitfeld implies, but many authors and small presses feel as though they don’t have a choice other than to work with the problematic industry titan if they want wide distribution. Streitfeld makes no direct statement about the self-publishing industry as a whole, but the bread crumbs dropped throughout the article build to a general negative picture due to the widespread association between the two, and the assumption seems to be that self-publishing leaves authors and readers alike open to exploitation. Which … yes, that’s certainly worth keeping an eye on. But it’s not the only story worth telling on The New York Times broadsheet; it is, instead, a timely reminder that those of us who self-publish works outside of Amazon may need to help advocate for other authors, and raise the profile of alternatives for those seeking to break away from Amazon’s monopoly.

• Of publishing, self-publishing and the reading habit

On a different note, this week’s article on Gulf Today by contributor Birjees Hussain serves as a different kind of reminder: That our access to works, whether self-published or traditionally published, hinges on a nascent awareness of what’s out there and how to find it. Hussain’s article serves as both an explanation of why some libraries are disappearing as well as a rallying cry for readers not to despair over the presumed fate of readership at large—routes to publication and options for purchasing and reading books are diversifying, Hussain implies, rather than simply dying out. Hussain’s argument jives nicely with industry reports on the percentage of readers who are sticking with print copies and the percentage switching to digital formats, and the continued relevance of indie bookstores to contemporary readers. Nothing has been lost, but a lot has been gained, Hussain implies. Now that’s an attitude we can support!

• 5 Reasons Why Authors Today Must Possess Entrepreneurial Skills

We’d bet that you can name at least one of them! Entrepreneur.com‘s Antar Atreya summarizes the changing definition and role of an author as such:

ow, who is an author? A couple of decades ago the definition of an author was purely one dimensional; a person who writes a book and is published by a publisher. However, the definition has now changed. Today an author creates his product; which is her or his manuscript, ensures that it will give readers some value and finds, connects and interacts with the potential target readers. So essentially this is how an author is an entrepreneur. This change is large because publishing tools, scopes and expertise are now easily available. Concepts of self-publishing companies and print on demand have also given an opportunity for authors to get their work published easily. But at the same time, they have to take greater control over their book and use different routes to reach the target readers.

What follows is a concise and useful list of reasons why entrepreneurs ought to be paying attention to self-publishing and authorship, as well as reasons why self-publishing authors ought to be paying attention to entrepreneurship. We highly recommend this read!

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As a self-publishing author, you may find it helpful to stay up-to-date on the trends and news related to the self-publishing industry.This will help you make informed decisions before, during and after the self-publishing process, which will lead to a greater self-publishing experience. To help you stay current on self-publishing topics, simply visit our blog each month to find out the hottest news. If you have other big news to share, please comment below.

And now for the news!

Some highlights from this month in the world of self-publishing!

• I Want to Write a Book. Where Do I Start?

It’s always something of a special moment when a big entrepreneurial website—in this case Inc.com—picks up on the role of publishing in building a personal brand and in sharing ideas, and this week’s example is a very sweet moment, indeed. Amy Morin, author of 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do, writes to introduce readers interested in writing a book to the basics of what they need to know in order to do so. Morin first asks the big question: should an author go with traditional or self-publishing, and how do they know which is best for their circumstances? Writes Morin, each choice has benefits and drawbacks, but “A self-published book means you’ll have more control over what goes in the book and how it’s designed. While that can be positive, it also means you have to make more decisions and it’s up to you to hire people to assist you along the way.” Morin also points out that self-publishing is faster and allows authors to jump right into the writing process without delay. Morin’s article is thoughtful and well-reasoned, and for those new to the process, totally worth a read!

• Perseverance and Other Lessons I Learned Through My Journey as an Author

In another strong showing from Thrive Global, author Prince Sanders writes that “For publishing my last children’s book, “The Extraordinarily Ordinary Life of Prince – Which Fork’s First,” I opted to go a different route. I didn’t follow the traditional path of publication but instead chose to self-publish my book. Like every choice, the option has both its advantages and disadvantages. I learned a lot through my journey to self-publishing, and you will too! Here are some of the skills that I learned during the process.” Sanders, who is of course associated with a current politician of some power in this country by name and employment, is something of an advocate for author/entrepreneurs—but no matter where you fall on the political spectrum, we’re sure you’ll find something of value in Sanders’ closing encouragement: “Publishing your first book is a roller coaster of a process, full of ups and downs. With perseverance, dedication, and self-awareness you will be able to produce a piece that you are proud of. I hope you’ve been able to learn from my journey!” That’s a sentiment that we can all celebrate!

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As a self-publishing author, you may find it helpful to stay up-to-date on the trends and news related to the self-publishing industry.This will help you make informed decisions before, during and after the self-publishing process, which will lead to a greater self-publishing experience. To help you stay current on self-publishing topics, simply visit our blog each month to find out the hottest news. If you have other big news to share, please comment below.

And now for the news!

Some highlights from this month in the world of self-publishing!

• For The Love of Reading 
I Became A Writer

This week, author and entrepreneur Trish Tonaj writes out of her own experience, narrating the story of how she came to build her career in the way that she has. Writes Tonaj,

I think back to a time when the only way you would find your name in the hallowed halls of a library or bookstore was to become “published.” Find a literary agent who would represent your work to a publisher who would “sign you on” and only if they felt you were marketable and had the credentials.

In today’s business climate, you have the ability to become self-published…a journey into the world of words where you may share your sense of adventure and market yourself!

I have had the pleasure of pursuing both options; self-publishing and being represented by a publisher.  To anyone in the biz, you are then able to use the phrase “published author” which confirms the time when someone has taken the leap of faith to “sign you on.”  I have heard it described as having “bonafides” – establishing yourself as a trusted author.  I am not sure if it makes a difference, but, there is something to be said for seeing your name on a bookstore shelf.

Tonaj goes on to suggest several ways of improving your writing and publishing experience, particularly in collaboration with others. Well worth a read!

• DIY: How to Avoid Self-Publishing Scams

Publishers Weekly has a long history of supporting indie and self-publishing authors, if only quietly or subtly (depending on the contributor), but this week the publication comes firmly out in defense of those who choose that route, even providing multiple useful tips for making a success out of one’s self-publishing experience and avoiding the pitfalls of falling foul of scams. For better or worse, as many are already aware, the word “scam” has long been (too) closely associated with “self-publishing,” with some detractors even going so far as to assume that every self-publishing company is a scam. This is manifestly not true, and a downright unfair association when one considers how little most traditionally-published midlist authors actually make, and how much support they receive, despite their “traditional” experience. That said, Alex Palmer of PW provides some useful suggestions in steering clear of bad experiences: know who you’re dealing with, spot the danger signs, and use discretion as you would with all other major life decisions. Another worthwhile article!

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As a self-publishing author, you may find it helpful to stay up-to-date on the trends and news related to the self-publishing industry.This will help you make informed decisions before, during and after the self-publishing process, which will lead to a greater self-publishing experience. To help you stay current on self-publishing topics, simply visit our blog each month to find out the hottest news. If you have other big news to share, please comment below.

And now for the news!

Some highlights from this month in the world of self-publishing!

• Barnes & Noble Is Sold to Hedge Fund After a Tumultuous Year

The biggest news in publishing—traditional and indie alike—this week is, of course, the sale of Barnes & Noble. After what amounted to a rapid-fire ping-pong match between incoming and outgoing leadership, Barnes & Noble may be on firmer footing at last—although the ultimate effects of having been purchased by the same hedge fund that manages U.K. book juggernaut Waterstones remain to be seen, as The New York Times contributors Alexandra Alter and Tiffany Hsu point out. Barnes & Noble has hit an incredibly rough patch in recent years, shuttering stores and experimenting with new sales models in a desperate bid to keep its head above water. Barnes & Noble’s in-house self-publishing platform was part of a doomed—truly disastrous, financially—bid to keep the retailer on the forefront of change. That platform has fallen by the wayside, but self-publishers everywhere who want an alternative or additional platform through which to sell other than Amazon still lean heavily on the NOOK store for distribution. You can be sure authors and readers across all publishing and genre divides will be watching closely as Barnes & Noble moves into this brave new era with (yet more) new leadership.

• Writers: Here Are 5 Ways To Discover Your Market Before Self-Publishing

EconoTimes has come out with a recent list worth taking note of: the top five ways its staff recommends getting to know one’s readers. The article covers how and why to dig into advance copies (collectively known as ARCs), how to parse digital content created by others as well as how to make full use of one’s own blogging platform for building a sense of community amongst readers, getting interviews on podcasts, and some additional general tips. It’s a great little primer for those who have a manuscript in process but aren’t quite to the publishing stage, and could even prove useful to authors who have already self-published a book and are struggling to connect.

• 2019 Indie Book Award Winners Announced

One of our favorite awards of the year, the 2019 Next Generation Indie Book Award winners have been announced! This press release points readers towards the full list: “A complete list of 2019 winners and finalists is available at the Next Generation Indie Book Awards website at www.indiebookawards.com.”  A number of self-publishing and indie presses are well represented, including Outskirts Press! We couldn’t be more excited to dig into our newly expanded reading lists!

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As a self-publishing author, you may find it helpful to stay up-to-date on the trends and news related to the self-publishing industry.This will help you make informed decisions before, during and after the self-publishing process, which will lead to a greater self-publishing experience. To help you stay current on self-publishing topics, simply visit our blog each month to find out the hottest news. If you have other big news to share, please comment below.