Quotation for the Week of November 28

"I hope that when I die, people say about me, 'Boy, that guy sure owed me a lot of money.'"
-- Jack Handey

Thankful I'm an Indie Author

Today I thought I'd write a post about feeling grateful for being an indie author. It is Thanksgiving, after all, and I'm in the States where we celebrate it.

First, I'd like to point out for those who may have missed it, John Shore's awesome article from the Huffington Post called Why You Want a Big Book Publisher to Reject Your Book.

It's all about how agents and publishers only want authors with platforms. Yet authors with platforms no longer need them. Paradoxical much?

Anyway, just read it. It's so true. And hilarious.

Second, I (just today) got my first four-figure royalty payment from Amazon from my ebook sales of IDENTITY CRISIS and FIVE UNEASY PIECES. My biggest chunk of change from writing fiction ever. Done without benefit of publisher or agent. On my first novel and short story anthology. Thank you. So, yes, I am feeling grateful.

So happy Thanksgiving to all of you celebrate the day!

Quotation for the Week of November 21

"Why are our days numbered and not, say, lettered?"
-- Woody Allen

Announcing Amazon Studios

In what seems to be a case of really, really odd coincidence, I recently attended a conference for aspiring filmmakers and screenwriters called ScriptDC. In a session about indie film production, I learned that most indie films are distributed through 1) viewings at film festivals; 2) Netflix; or 3) another service so obscure I can't remember it.

I leaned toward the person sitting next to me and said, "Indie filmmakers need an Amazon." She agreed.

Now, it seems the tables have turned. Amazon is seeking indie filmmakers.

Earlier this week, Amazon announced the launch of Amazon Studios, an online venture offering $2.7 million in award money for feature film and screenplay submissions to its site. Check the details. It all sounds very interesting.

This seems to do for indie films what the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award does for indie authors.

Read all about it. And make your submissions here.

ADDENDUM: Check the comments for major caveats.

Quotation for the Week of November 14

"Time sneaks up on you like a windshield on a bug."
-- John Lithgow

Book Publishing: An Industry (To Be) Most Digital

As most of us know, ebooks are all the rage. It's clear they're growing in popularity. But if you need further convincing that ebooks are probably going to become really super big much sooner than we expect, then read this article on why the book business may soon be the most digital of all media industries.

Like any article about predictions, you may or may not agree with all of it. But surely, it will get you thinking. As will this bit of news about a certain newspaper's decision to publish bestseller lists for ebooks.

The Top 5 Reasons Why Today's Author Chooses to Self-Publish

By Guest Bloggers Andrea Costantine and Lisa Shultz

The publishing industry has changed greatly in recent years, opening more options for today’s author. While being accepted by a publisher may still come with increased credibility for your work, the public is widely embracing self-published authors more than any other time in history.

But why are so many authors choosing the self-publishing route instead of waiting for a publisher to come along? The answer lies in these top five reasons.

1.  Saves time! One of the biggest reason self-publishing is such a hit is because of its ease of use. Traditional publishing could take years to get your book on the shelf, whereas a self-publishing author can finish the process in just months.  If you are building a business or a brand around your book, this gives you faster access to potential clients and ability to earn money back sooner.

2.  You’ve got to market yourself anyways. I’m always a bit concerned when I hear an aspiring author believing that a publisher will do all of the marketing for their book. In reality, the success and marketing of your book is really up to you.  A publisher will start marketing your work ONCE you’ve proven that you can get the sales. I say, if you’ve got to market your book anyways, why not take the credit for it and self-publish.

3.  You get final say in just about everything. Want to choose your cover artist? Know an exceptional layout designer or editor? When you self-publish you retain 100% control over your work.  If you choose professionals to support you, you can create a stellar book on your own. If you decide to update and print a new-edition or simply change a few things, it’s a relatively easy process as well.

4.  The royalties are higher. When you self-publish you will typically earn a few extra dollars in royalties per book. Those extra few dollars can add up to a lot of extra cash over the lifetime of your book.

5. You can get picked up by a publisher later on in your career. One of the greatest things new authors forget is that you can always get picked up by a publisher later. I love the story of the author who wrote The Shack, who sold millions of copies on his own and then signed on with a publisher for a very delicious price.

Self-publishing is a rewarding option for today’s entrepreneurial minded authors.  With faster publishing options, increased exposure through the internet, and a little elbow grease, your self-publishing efforts can take you a long way in the book world.

And if you are ready to take the leap and write your book this year, then check out Andrea Costantine and Lisa Shultz’s latest book… http://www.bringyourbooktolifethisyear.com – Grab your copy today and receive two months accountability and writing support in their monthly mentoring group and other bonuses valued at $150.

Quotation for the Week of November 7

"Do you realize if it weren't for Edison we'd be watching TV by candlelight?"
-- Al Boliska

Does This Make Sense?

All right. We're at a point where publishers have persuaded (read: forced) Amazon to adopt the agency pricing model (allowing ebooks to be priced as high as $12.99 to $14.99). So, we've ended up with some ebooks priced higher than hardcovers (in some cases, as high as $19.99). Readers write one-star reviews in protest (and also, I've noted, added tags like "9.99 boycott" and "overpriced" and so on to the order page). However, as noted here, the joke may be on consumers since these tactics don't seem to have much real effect on sales.

Publishers have argued that producing ebooks with DRM protection is, in fact, a somewhat costly process. This is supposed to justify their ebook pricing.

If that's the case, how do you explain this? I'm happy that Random House is splitting the proceeds from the sale of so many of its ebooks for a good cause. However, in order to have proceeds, I assume you need to make a net profit. And these ebooks are being sold for less than $5.

Am I the only one scratching my head?