Comments on: Is Publishing Turning Into the Wild West? http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2011/05/12/is-publishing-turning-into-the-wild-west/ America's Mad Professor of Fiction Writing Mon, 21 May 2012 04:24:07 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.1.3 By: Heatheraine http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2011/05/12/is-publishing-turning-into-the-wild-west/#comment-18191 Heatheraine Fri, 13 May 2011 11:41:23 +0000 http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2011/05/12/is-publishing-turning-into-the-wild-west/#comment-18191 I'm a book review blogger and the big problem I see with this changing market is that "absence of a gatekeeper." Quality has gone WAY down. I've read 3 self published books this year. One was by an already Best-selling author, the other two were brand new. To say the least, they sucked. Not just with typos but one of the books was actually ALL telling and not showing. I had to stop reading it. I've learned a valuable lesson. I have to research deeper to find out if the book is selfpublished. And if it is, not read it unless it's a well known author or has high ratings. I miss the gatekeepers! They kept the quality WAY UP! My opinion is that this "free for all" publishing market will continue for a little while, but then there will be a shift and it will get wrangled in because the public will want their quality back. I already want it back. ~heatheraine I’m a book review blogger and the big problem I see with this changing market is that “absence of a gatekeeper.” Quality has gone WAY down. I’ve read 3 self published books this year. One was by an already Best-selling author, the other two were brand new. To say the least, they sucked. Not just with typos but one of the books was actually ALL telling and not showing. I had to stop reading it. I’ve learned a valuable lesson. I have to research deeper to find out if the book is selfpublished. And if it is, not read it unless it’s a well known author or has high ratings.
I miss the gatekeepers! They kept the quality WAY UP! My opinion is that this “free for all” publishing market will continue for a little while, but then there will be a shift and it will get wrangled in because the public will want their quality back. I already want it back.
~heatheraine

]]> By: A J Hawke http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2011/05/12/is-publishing-turning-into-the-wild-west/#comment-18192 A J Hawke Fri, 13 May 2011 13:34:24 +0000 http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2011/05/12/is-publishing-turning-into-the-wild-west/#comment-18192 Yes, it is a wild west show and it is so much fun to watch. I tried for several years to find the agent, publisher, and luck for my work but came up empty. I did due diigence with writing courses, critique groups, conferences, reading over fiftey how-to books (including Randy's) and had my work edited by quality editors. I kept on writing just because that is what I feel compelled to do. Now with six novels written and several others outlined waiting for me to find the time to write, I want to see my work available to readers. So I bit the bullet (yes, I know, a cliche) and threw my hat in the ring. My debut novel is available on Amazon/Kindle and selling nicely to my major surprise. Yes, there are going to be a lot of poor quality stuff out there in the ebook universe but I have great belief in the ability of the readers to sift through and only what they, the readers, approves of will sell big. As I am getting my second novel ready to publish, I am thankful for the ebook revolution and being an author in these exciting times. Yes, it is a wild west show and it is so much fun to watch. I tried for several years to find the agent, publisher, and luck for my work but came up empty. I did due diigence with writing courses, critique groups, conferences, reading over fiftey how-to books (including Randy’s) and had my work edited by quality editors. I kept on writing just because that is what I feel compelled to do. Now with six novels written and several others outlined waiting for me to find the time to write, I want to see my work available to readers. So I bit the bullet (yes, I know, a cliche) and threw my hat in the ring. My debut novel is available on Amazon/Kindle and selling nicely to my major surprise. Yes, there are going to be a lot of poor quality stuff out there in the ebook universe but I have great belief in the ability of the readers to sift through and only what they, the readers, approves of will sell big. As I am getting my second novel ready to publish, I am thankful for the ebook revolution and being an author in these exciting times.

]]> By: Cori http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2011/05/12/is-publishing-turning-into-the-wild-west/#comment-18193 Cori Fri, 13 May 2011 13:50:57 +0000 http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2011/05/12/is-publishing-turning-into-the-wild-west/#comment-18193 A couple of remarks. @ Heatheraine Great comment. You were echoing my sentiments. Although no one can actually count on luck or control luck, I do think some people are luckier because they actually believe they deserve whatever it is that they want. Maybe the brain can influence what happens to us when we are fully committed and engaged? A couple of remarks. @ Heatheraine Great comment. You were echoing my sentiments.

Although no one can actually count on luck or control luck, I do think some people are luckier because they actually believe they deserve whatever it is that they want. Maybe the brain can influence what happens to us when we are fully committed and engaged?

]]> By: Jonathan cain http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2011/05/12/is-publishing-turning-into-the-wild-west/#comment-18195 Jonathan cain Fri, 13 May 2011 15:23:12 +0000 http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2011/05/12/is-publishing-turning-into-the-wild-west/#comment-18195 I think that as time goes on, the quality and marketability issues will necessarily take care of themselves. I don't think poor quality is limited to self published e-books- I just think the issues change. I think the paper books published by big corporations tend to take no risks at all because so much money is at stake- they regurgitate story lines, and consequently I believe that they tend towards copying what someone else already proved is readable and marketable. Once upon a time not so long ago, there was Ann Rice: how many modern storytellers use her basic storyline and plot devices now? I love the idea that a novel could be all showing and no telling: precisely because it breaks one of the "cardinal rules" of fiction writing. Sure, when people go out on a limb like that it might not always be good, but it is different, and that's at least interesting. Also, just throwing my two cents in about the issue, some of the greatest fiction in the world shows more than it tells- Grapes of Wrath being one of the prime examples that comes to mind. I hope people start writing real serials again, like Henry James and Charles Dickens, and I hope that authors (at least some authors) challenge what fiction is and whatakes it enjoyable. I think there is a place for "traditional fiction" in this world- I just hope (mostly as a selfish reader) that people can create something more as well. I think that as time goes on, the quality and marketability issues will necessarily take care of themselves. I don’t think poor quality is limited to self published e-books- I just think the issues change. I think the paper books published by big corporations tend to take no risks at all because so much money is at stake- they regurgitate story lines, and consequently I believe that they tend towards copying what someone else already proved is readable and marketable. Once upon a time not so long ago, there was Ann Rice: how many modern storytellers use her basic storyline and plot devices now?

I love the idea that a novel could be all showing and no telling: precisely because it breaks one of the “cardinal rules” of fiction writing. Sure, when people go out on a limb like that it might not always be good, but it is different, and that’s at least interesting. Also, just throwing my two cents in about the issue, some of the greatest fiction in the world shows more than it tells- Grapes of Wrath being one of the prime examples that comes to mind.

I hope people start writing real serials again, like Henry James and Charles Dickens, and I hope that authors (at least some authors) challenge what fiction is and whatakes it enjoyable. I think there is a place for “traditional fiction” in this world- I just hope (mostly as a selfish reader) that people can create something more as well.

]]> By: Andie Mock http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2011/05/12/is-publishing-turning-into-the-wild-west/#comment-18197 Andie Mock Fri, 13 May 2011 16:40:21 +0000 http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2011/05/12/is-publishing-turning-into-the-wild-west/#comment-18197 That's the finding of Professor Richard Wiseman of the University of Hertfordshire in the United Kingdom. Professor Wisemen spent 10 years studying 1,000 people who saw themselves as either very lucky or unlucky. But here's the more powerful finding: you can change your luck. Yes, you can become luckier in life. According to Professor Wiseman there is a reason why some people are luckier than others. Lucky people are generally more relaxed and therefore tend to notice more around them. Unlucky people tend to be anxious and narrowly focused and therefore tend to miss things. Consequently, not only are lucky people able to see and respond to positive opportunities, but they're also able to see and take steps to avoid dangerous situations, more so than those who are unlucky. My goal this year is to be the most relaxed person in the Bay Area. That’s the finding of Professor Richard Wiseman of the University of Hertfordshire in the United Kingdom. Professor Wisemen spent 10 years studying 1,000 people who saw themselves as either very lucky or unlucky.

But here’s the more powerful finding: you can change your luck. Yes, you can become luckier in life.

According to Professor Wiseman there is a reason why some people are luckier than others. Lucky people are generally more relaxed and therefore tend to notice more around them. Unlucky people tend to be anxious and narrowly focused and therefore tend to miss things. Consequently, not only are lucky people able to see and respond to positive opportunities, but they’re also able to see and take steps to avoid dangerous situations, more so than those who are unlucky.

My goal this year is to be the most relaxed person in the Bay Area.

]]> By: Frank Connolly http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2011/05/12/is-publishing-turning-into-the-wild-west/#comment-18205 Frank Connolly Mon, 16 May 2011 05:05:02 +0000 http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2011/05/12/is-publishing-turning-into-the-wild-west/#comment-18205 Oh, the dilemma of what to do, 'the road not taken', etc. As an as yet unpublished author, I fear a number of things, e.g., the technology itself of epublishing, my more or less complete ignorance of how to navigate the seas of the new technology, the fear that there may be the perception that you epublish because you're not good enough to get published in the more traditional manner, the fear that my precious baby is too way out and experimental for most readers. And yet, maybe it's worth all the risks - sometimes, not always, I do feel lucky. The luck of the Irish! Oh, the dilemma of what to do, ‘the road not taken’, etc.
As an as yet unpublished author, I fear a number of things, e.g., the technology itself of epublishing, my more or less complete ignorance of how to navigate the seas of the new technology, the fear that there may be the perception that you epublish because you’re not good enough to get published in the more traditional manner, the fear that my precious baby is too way out and experimental for most readers.
And yet, maybe it’s worth all the risks - sometimes, not always, I do feel lucky. The luck of the Irish!

]]> By: Pam Halter http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2011/05/12/is-publishing-turning-into-the-wild-west/#comment-18228 Pam Halter Fri, 20 May 2011 14:32:07 +0000 http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2011/05/12/is-publishing-turning-into-the-wild-west/#comment-18228 I agree about the quality issue. Anyone, and I mean anyone, can write a book, publish it and brag they are a published author. My autistic daughter could type random letters on the computer, I could have it published and SHE would be a published author. It makes my head spin. I don't want to sound like a writing snob. There are good reasons to self publish. I may try it myself next year because it's a niche book and I have an incredible outlet for selling it. But I urge anyone who is considering self publishing to hire a free lance editor. We are always too close to our own work to see the mistakes and awkward phrases and words. I'm a free lance editor (children's books) but even I hire someone else to look at my stuff. I want it to be the best it can be before an editor or agent looks at it. I agree about the quality issue. Anyone, and I mean anyone, can write a book, publish it and brag they are a published author. My autistic daughter could type random letters on the computer, I could have it published and SHE would be a published author. It makes my head spin.

I don’t want to sound like a writing snob. There are good reasons to self publish. I may try it myself next year because it’s a niche book and I have an incredible outlet for selling it. But I urge anyone who is considering self publishing to hire a free lance editor. We are always too close to our own work to see the mistakes and awkward phrases and words.

I’m a free lance editor (children’s books) but even I hire someone else to look at my stuff. I want it to be the best it can be before an editor or agent looks at it.

]]> By: Sally http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2011/05/12/is-publishing-turning-into-the-wild-west/#comment-18256 Sally Thu, 26 May 2011 13:12:58 +0000 http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2011/05/12/is-publishing-turning-into-the-wild-west/#comment-18256 I guess self-published books are no longer fodder for you woodstove, right, Randy? LOL I'm glad self-publishing is cool now! I guess self-published books are no longer fodder for you woodstove, right, Randy? LOL I’m glad self-publishing is cool now!

]]> By: Writers First Aid » Your Weekend Reading Pleasure http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2011/05/12/is-publishing-turning-into-the-wild-west/#comment-18260 Writers First Aid » Your Weekend Reading Pleasure Fri, 27 May 2011 13:09:16 +0000 http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2011/05/12/is-publishing-turning-into-the-wild-west/#comment-18260 [...] “Is Publishing Turning into the Wild West?” The publishing world has changed radically in the last couple of years, thanks to those pesky e-books. Do the old rules still apply? Does chaos rule? Or are there ways to survive and thrive in the new environment? [Terrific article here by Randy Ingermanson, plus interesting comments.] [...] […] “Is Publishing Turning into the Wild West?” The publishing world has changed radically in the last couple of years, thanks to those pesky e-books. Do the old rules still apply? Does chaos rule? Or are there ways to survive and thrive in the new environment? [Terrific article here by Randy Ingermanson, plus interesting comments.] […]

]]> By: Industry News-May 28 | RWA-WF http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2011/05/12/is-publishing-turning-into-the-wild-west/#comment-18282 Industry News-May 28 | RWA-WF Sat, 28 May 2011 22:08:14 +0000 http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2011/05/12/is-publishing-turning-into-the-wild-west/#comment-18282 [...] answers a reader question that likens new opportunities for those hard-to-place manuscripts to the wild, wild west. Meanwhile, digital world activist Cory Doctorow in his interview with Bookbaby president Brian [...] […] answers a reader question that likens new opportunities for those hard-to-place manuscripts to the wild, wild west. Meanwhile, digital world activist Cory Doctorow in his interview with Bookbaby president Brian […]

]]> By: A Fourth of July Mash Up! | Writers In The Storm Blog http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2011/05/12/is-publishing-turning-into-the-wild-west/#comment-18550 A Fourth of July Mash Up! | Writers In The Storm Blog Tue, 05 Jul 2011 07:48:31 +0000 http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2011/05/12/is-publishing-turning-into-the-wild-west/#comment-18550 [...] Is publishing turning into the wild west? - By Randy Ingermanson [...] […] Is publishing turning into the wild west? - By Randy Ingermanson […]

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