tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-416913236621309814.post1906555706870177169..comments2023-05-24T08:06:43.882-04:00Comments on Romance Writer's Revenge: An Industry In FluxTerri Osburnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17176989488447450585noreply@blogger.comBlogger42125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-416913236621309814.post-78633959745568036172012-05-22T00:45:39.057-04:002012-05-22T00:45:39.057-04:00"Jules, you're a whackadoodle..."
..."Jules, you're a whackadoodle..."<br /><br /><br />Probably M. But more important , with this one sentence<br />"To your detractors I say "Beef chop suey Gutenberg Queen Victoria delivery service and the United States Declaration of Independence"<br />I was able to whack-it-too the heart of the e-book matter. And what matters is ...<br />The publishing industry might be in a tizzy but the truth is ... E-books have been around for a long time.JulieJustJuliehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05944447023263004591noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-416913236621309814.post-16569516356518411662012-05-22T00:25:11.388-04:002012-05-22T00:25:11.388-04:00but how do you know how good it is before you buy ...but how do you know how good it is before you buy it? How do you decide? <br /><br />Readers find out about books through word of mouth, recommendations by favorite or respected authors, and reviews from trusted web sites or print sources. <br /><br />And do you make an effort to look at all books or only the ones that come from the traditional publishers.<br /><br />Most people I know choose to read a story based upon the quality of the writer's storytelling, not the story format. Therefore print or digital should not matter to most readers. What is important is the content, not the format of the content.JulieJustJuliehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05944447023263004591noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-416913236621309814.post-47406941426950763022012-05-21T19:39:54.915-04:002012-05-21T19:39:54.915-04:00Laurie - I hadn't thought of the Mad Men era. ...Laurie - I hadn't thought of the Mad Men era. Odd how some time periods work on television but no one will touch them in a book. Even the crime dramas. They're everyone in prime time but we keep hearing how hard it is to sell a Romantic Suspense. Just seems backward to me.<br /><br />I'm not sure my choice to self-publish would be in response to rejections, I just mean I'd have to feel like I'd exhausted all traditional avenues before diving in. Even then there would outside editors involved. But if I have faith in the work and have 200 rejections piled under my mattress, it might be time to take matters in my own hands. :)<br /><br />Thanks for stopping by!Terri Osburnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17176989488447450585noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-416913236621309814.post-46177029284946794382012-05-21T19:37:22.251-04:002012-05-21T19:37:22.251-04:00Hey there, Di R! I think "not yet" is a ...Hey there, Di R! I think "not yet" is a perfectly good answer. Really, until the last month I was paying little attention. Didn't know half of what's available out there. But I'm figuring knowledge is power and since we writers can feel quite powerless in this publishing game (even though without US there would be no game) I'd better start paying attention.Terri Osburnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17176989488447450585noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-416913236621309814.post-50539057888564217712012-05-21T19:35:53.322-04:002012-05-21T19:35:53.322-04:00Ah, Juliejuliejulie... I think everyone would agre...Ah, Juliejuliejulie... I think everyone would agree with want a good story that's well written, but how do you know how good it is before you buy it? How do you decide? And do you make an effort to look at all books or only the ones that come from the traditional publishers. <br /><br />That's something that stumps me, but only because I don't have a Kindle and don't "go shopping" for digital books. I'm curious how readers find them and if they even notice if the book is self-published before buying it.Terri Osburnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17176989488447450585noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-416913236621309814.post-31314254618430960252012-05-21T19:28:33.243-04:002012-05-21T19:28:33.243-04:00Great post, Terri -- A lot to think about!
1.) Ar...Great post, Terri -- A lot to think about!<br /><br />1.) Are you open to a good book no matter if it's traditionally published (through NYC or an established digital publisher) or if the author skipped the publisher and put the work out herself?<br /><br />I'm open, but I rely heavily on word-of-mouth. If it gets good "reviews," "stars," whatever, or if a friend recommends it, then I'll read it wherever it comes from.<br /><br />2.) Is there a kind of story you're dying to read but you just can't find it on the shelves. In any genre. For that matter, is there a genre you're not finding that you want? Or not finding enough of?<br /><br />I actually wouldn't mind reading more "Vintage" books -- like WWII, even up to Mad Men era.<br /><br />3.) Do you still chose books the way you always have, or has the advent of the e-reader changed your reading habits? Do you prefer paper books, digital books, or does it matter?<br /><br />The e-reader has definitely changed things for me. My local bookstore (Borders) closed the month I got my e-reader, so I switched from browsing the aisles of the book store to always shopping on Amazon quite abruptly. I miss browsing my book store, but I do love the convenience of shopping at Amazon (and buying the next book) in the middle of the night! :) <br /><br />For writers:<br />1.) Are you staying abreast of the giant shifts in the industry? Are your goals still the same, changing, or are you clueless as to what your goal is now?<br /><br />Trying to stay abreast, but I also know I have to write, write, write before any of this matters. My goals are changing a little, though -- I'm now thinking I should just write like crazy to have several books (plus novellas and short stories) ready to go, and then (and only then) "step out there."<br /><br />2.) Would you consider self-publishing your own work? At what point would you make that decision? Is it a timeframe? A certain number of rejections received? Is the success of other writers enough to make self-publishing look more attractive to you?<br /><br />I would definitely consider it, but not as a response to rejections. I would still take numerous rejections as advice that the story's just not ready. But self-publishing seems appealing from a money-making aspect and having control of your cover, etc. -- especially once you have an established reader base.<br /><br />3.) Are you meeting obstacles you didn't expect? Feeling like there is a "gatekeeper" standing in your way? Do you see any changes that are making you question your future as a writer? (Industry-wise, not the dreaded internal editor rearing her ugly head.)<br /><br />The changes that make me question by future as a writer are mentioned in your question below -- writing faster and faster and being more prolific.<br /><br />4.) The recent silver bullet for more success seems to be turning books out quicker. Are you prepared for this? Or (like me) does this idea of turning out several books a year scare your socks off?<br /><br />Socks are off!! :)Laurie S.http://www.mizwrite.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-416913236621309814.post-77336721022495382282012-05-21T19:26:00.193-04:002012-05-21T19:26:00.193-04:00Jules, you're a whackadoodle...
Not to say I ...Jules, you're a whackadoodle...<br /><br />Not to say I disagree...it's time for writers to be the locomotives of their own careers...we've been the last car too long!Maureenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01517092592545660754noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-416913236621309814.post-85313706271486400932012-05-21T18:54:29.763-04:002012-05-21T18:54:29.763-04:00For readers (and that's really all of us):
1.)...For readers (and that's really all of us):<br />1.) Are you open to a good book no matter if it's traditionally published (through NYC or an established digital publisher) or if the author skipped the publisher and put the work out herself?<br /><br />If a book has been recomended, I'll read an excerpt, to decide if I want to invest time and money on the book. <br /><br />2.) Is there a kind of story you're dying to read but you just can't find it on the shelves. In any genre. For that matter, is there a genre you're not finding that you want? Or not finding enough of?<br /><br />Not that I can think of.<br /><br />3.) Do you still chose books the way you always have, or has the advent of the e-reader changed your reading habits? Do you prefer paper books, digital books, or does it matter?<br /><br />My husband bought me an ereader for Christmas, and I really like it, but there is nothing like a real book. <br /><br />For writers:<br />1.) Are you staying abreast of the giant shifts in the industry? Are your goals still the same, changing, or are you clueless as to what your goal is now?<br /><br />I'm trying to keep up with all the changes going on in the industry, but mostly I'm trying to finish my WIP. However, I'm lucky in that in my local RWA chapter we have a great mix of traditionally pubbed and epubs. Plus an editor from one of the 'big' epubs and she is wonderful about sharing her knowledge. <br /><br />2.) Would you consider self-publishing your own work? At what point would you make that decision? Is it a timeframe? A certain number of rejections received? Is the success of other writers enough to make self-publishing look more attractive to you?<br /><br />I really don't know.<br /><br />3.) Are you meeting obstacles you didn't expect? Feeling like there is a "gatekeeper" standing in your way? Do you see any changes that are making you question your future as a writer? (Industry-wise, not the dreaded internal editor rearing her ugly head.)<br /><br />Not yet. <br /><br />4.) The recent silver bullet for more success seems to be turning books out quicker. Are you prepared for this? Or (like me) does this idea of turning out several books a year scare your socks off?<br /><br />If I can get my butt in the chair and quit getting in my own way, I think I can do this. <br /><br />DiDi Rhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05952698961588256891noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-416913236621309814.post-22571946638335741722012-05-21T17:27:22.857-04:002012-05-21T17:27:22.857-04:00Be honest.
And if you answered yes to this then it...Be honest.<br />And if you answered yes to this then its time that we have a very frank discussion about this.<br /><br />To your detractors I say "Beef chop suey Gutenberg Queen Victoria delivery service and the United States Declaration of Independence"<br />And to you writers I say<br />http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9w6p4gYHd-E<br />Trust me , it makes sense. Cuz you all are the last car that needs to be hooked to this train. God knows its been a long time comin' ...JulieJustJuliehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05944447023263004591noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-416913236621309814.post-24962537319010603402012-05-21T17:02:47.792-04:002012-05-21T17:02:47.792-04:00Now here's my question to you:
Do you as a wri...Now here's my question to you:<br />Do you as a writer feel that your work will be taken less seriously if you take the ereader route?JulieJustJuliehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05944447023263004591noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-416913236621309814.post-73872592968027896412012-05-21T17:00:44.941-04:002012-05-21T17:00:44.941-04:00Let me answer question number one, then I have a q...Let me answer question number one, then I have a question for you, all of you...<br />Am I open to a good book no matter if it's traditionally published or self publishedz? Does it matter to me if a writer publishes in paper or ebook/digital?<br />Its all about the story and the quality of the way that story is crafted and edited. I've noted as off late publishers that used to put out a polished product have let their standards slide. As a reader I am disappointed. As a consumer I am turned off. So its no wonder I am looking for a better crafted and edited product. I feel that in the long run self published books will prove to be of a "higher standard" than traditional pub books. Why? Because the author cares about the quality of the end product since it is their reputation that is at stake. Its that simple.JulieJustJuliehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05944447023263004591noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-416913236621309814.post-15645688725931843012012-05-21T14:10:48.954-04:002012-05-21T14:10:48.954-04:00I've heard the same thing from another scifi/f...I've heard the same thing from another scifi/fantasy author. If you can sel-publish and be seen by those who are looking, you'll sell. Because there isn't a whole lot out there!Maureenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01517092592545660754noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-416913236621309814.post-38710172460513457592012-05-21T13:34:28.548-04:002012-05-21T13:34:28.548-04:00Pat - Thanks for the non-romance reader input. I n...Pat - Thanks for the non-romance reader input. I never go hunting for anything other than Romance and had no idea other genres were more scarce in the digital format. <br /><br />Seems many still have the assumption of lower quality in regards to self-published books. Which is unfortunately true in many cases. That's the one obstacle self-published authors can't seem to combat. Though many are seeing success regardless of this prejudice. <br /><br />Seems readers are speaking. But then again price plays a large part. Like you, I won't pay as much for a digital book as for a print book. On the rare occasion, maybe. But I'd never pay more, that's just crazy. I wonder how much success is based on a full book being $3.99 vs. another traditionally published being $9.99.Terri Osburnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17176989488447450585noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-416913236621309814.post-83188448321060476332012-05-21T13:31:45.852-04:002012-05-21T13:31:45.852-04:00Janga - I forgot to say I'm reading my first J...Janga - I forgot to say I'm reading my first Jodi Thomas right now. Took a little bit to get into it, partially because I'm analyzing to see how she's constructing the sentences, but I'm liking it so far. I jump into book 4 in the series so always feel like I've missed something, but she does a good job bringing me up to speed. Seriously huge cast of characters.Terri Osburnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17176989488447450585noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-416913236621309814.post-89225553542334872322012-05-21T13:28:12.191-04:002012-05-21T13:28:12.191-04:00Answering as a reader, because, that is what infor...Answering as a reader, because, that is what informs my writing:<br />1.) Yes. But I'm still a bit leery of self-published works because the absence of the so-called gatekeepers still means a higher chance that it will be poorly written and edited.<br /><br />2.) I'm overly-fond of fantasy and science fiction stories with a strong romantic subplot, preferably one that leads to a HEA. Not romance per say, but with a strong emphasis on a romantic relationship. I find that by and large, it's hard to find a balanced mix of romance and non-romantic plot elements in a novel. If it's SF or F, the romance is too watered down, while Romance usually focuses too much on the Relationship for my tastes.<br /><br />3.) I prefer to read digitally, because it's easier. But I love the feel of a print book. My reading habits haven't change much, however, because I still rely on the public library for most of my reading material.<br /><br />Ebooks from the major pubs are way too expensive (>$10). Some smaller epublishers are putting out interesting books, but the majority of that market is romance and erotic romance. Harder to find inexpensive non-romance in ebook format.<br /><br />As a writer...I will still continue shopping my work to publishers, but if it doesn't sell, I have no qualms about self-publishing. At least, digitally. But unless I can quit this shitty job, I don't see myself writing more than a book or two a year. So volume will always be a problem.P. Kirbyhttp://www.patriciakirby.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-416913236621309814.post-6935632910380925872012-05-21T12:46:47.943-04:002012-05-21T12:46:47.943-04:00I wonder if somewhere along the lines, things shif...I wonder if somewhere along the lines, things shifted from the guy at the front of the line letting people into the club to the orgre at the gate keeping everyone out. Or even just corraling people into that little roped off area...not in the club, but not part of the rabble...<br /><br />;-)Maureenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01517092592545660754noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-416913236621309814.post-64800387279042489852012-05-21T12:40:58.549-04:002012-05-21T12:40:58.549-04:00You're right, the editors use the agents as a ...You're right, the editors use the agents as a filter so they don't have to waste time wading through the rough stuff. But then you hear editors on panels saying I want X, Y, and Z and then you talk to an agent and they say that editor won't buy X, Y, and Z. <br /><br />Then you also hear editors say they just want a good story and they'll know it when they see it. Which isn't good if you can't get the pages in front of them. I think many take "gatekeepers" as an insult but sometimes it really does fit the situation.Terri Osburnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17176989488447450585noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-416913236621309814.post-82219870554360637102012-05-21T12:36:55.312-04:002012-05-21T12:36:55.312-04:00I think the idea of gatekeepers is an interesting ...I think the idea of gatekeepers is an interesting one. I assumed that agents were the preferred method a publisher used to - put it bluntly - cull the crap.<br /><br />Somewhere along the way the lines got blurred and agents became editors, since editors don't have the time to actually edit and now a lot of agents are crossing into helping authors self-publish... While publishers throw all their money to the 1% of authors who are already successful...<br /><br />It's a real skewed world in publishing right now. A good agent is a godsend. The wrong agent is a disaster. And sometimes everyone is good, just not the right match.Maureenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01517092592545660754noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-416913236621309814.post-79383941393696075292012-05-21T12:25:40.572-04:002012-05-21T12:25:40.572-04:00You know, I used to be a reader who was aware of t...You know, I used to be a reader who was aware of the logo on the spine. I can't say I actually acknowledged who that logo represented... I didn't scan looking for Tor or DAW...but! I knew that mountain logo published authors I liked so I'd grab those books and peruse them. It was a visual reminder of quality and type I enjoyed.<br /><br />With the demise of brick and mortar it is a lot harder to look for those clues.<br /><br />I read what is recommended. And that is vastly different than how I used to shop. I used to start at the new releases and scan for titles that caught my eye and authors I knew...and I bought tons of books.<br /><br />Nowadays, I don't read book reviews, I only go to Amazon or B&N online when I know what I want already. I think I'm a bit unusual in that regard, but I think of myself primarily as a writer so that could be part of my shifting attention.<br /><br />But I don't read nearly like I used to. Sigh.Maureenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01517092592545660754noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-416913236621309814.post-29352744205716081882012-05-21T12:08:19.400-04:002012-05-21T12:08:19.400-04:00Thanks, Susan! And like you, I never paid any atte...Thanks, Susan! And like you, I never paid any attention to publishers back when I was just a reader. Even after, I don't avoid a book because of the publisher or seek one out because it's from a specific house.<br /><br />But self-pubs don't have the luxury of being on the bookstore shelves. And some publishers are digital only or digital first. That seems to change up the game a bit. :)Terri Osburnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17176989488447450585noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-416913236621309814.post-41967001042062189612012-05-21T12:05:07.262-04:002012-05-21T12:05:07.262-04:00Terri, I've been a voracious reader since I le...Terri, I've been a voracious reader since I learned to read. I've always wanted to write, but have only managed the time in the last few years. Up until the point that I started researching the publishing industry, I had NEVER looked to see who the publisher of a book was. If the cover and title caught my attention, I picked it up and read the cover/flap copy. If that sounded good, I'd read the first few paragraphs. If it hooked me, I bought it. <br /><br />I think authors look, but most readers who are not also authors do not--that's just my opinion based on my own experience. <br /><br />Great blog! A lot to think about. And, as you say, many roads to Oz. :)Susan M. Boyerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10549813433043863815noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-416913236621309814.post-81884361890920783552012-05-21T11:39:31.665-04:002012-05-21T11:39:31.665-04:00Q - I do not own a Kindle but was under the impres...Q - I do not own a Kindle but was under the impression the DRM was firmly locked. I know I cannot buy a Kindle book and read it on a Sony Reader or Nook. Now I'm amazed you're able to "turn off" the DRM. I've never heard anyone say that before!<br /><br />I guess I haven't found those articles about piracy of books. From what I see on Twitter, authors are still having to fight to protect their work. Publishers send letters to have the work pulled down, but the pirates simply open a new website and put it right back up.Terri Osburnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17176989488447450585noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-416913236621309814.post-68585586121560250692012-05-21T11:37:24.317-04:002012-05-21T11:37:24.317-04:00Janga - I hope you will let those books go someday...Janga - I hope you will let those books go someday. I'm starting to sound like a broken record but readers MUST get their hands on your beautiful stories. Here's a link for some great resources, including affordable covers, formatting, and proof-reading.<br /><br />http://www.theresaragan.com/p/links.html<br /><br />I'm guessing for those who chose most of their books through recommendations and word of mouth, the books they buy now are the same as they'd have bought before. But I am curious how many readers out there have been used to going to the bookstore and browsing until they found something good. Prior to 2006, this is mostly how I shopped. I had my favorite authors, but I know my pre-internet book buying was drastically different from my post-internet shopping.Terri Osburnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17176989488447450585noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-416913236621309814.post-75146874492741767142012-05-21T11:28:27.306-04:002012-05-21T11:28:27.306-04:00Q - I find it interesting that you hate DRM yet sa...<i> Q - I find it interesting that you hate DRM yet say you'd go with Amazon, which is the biggest DRM culprit out there. And I wish the pirate sites were going away. Sadly, they're as prolific as ever. Like a giant game of whack a mole. </i><br /><br />Terri, the DRM on kindle is quite easy to disable. That's important to me as I like to convert to audio format using computer voices. Of course I do this for personal use only, which I believe is legal. It's best to stick to one format for this!<br /><br />Perhaps I misunderstood but I read somewhere that pirate sites are more and more requiring users to register and books are being withdrawn due to complaint from surveillance agencies. If so it might deter quite a few potential users. <br /><br /><i> You never think you'd like to read some early 20th century Historicals? (Think Downton Abbey or even WWII.) Or something set during the San Fran Gold Rush. There are so many eras through time that seem to be ignored </i><br /><br />On the historicals, I think that you can probably find a novel for most periods, though they may not be romances. <br /><br />On reflection, Its people from history that interest me rather than particular periods. For example, a novel involving catholic priests hiding in priest holes would interest me as I often visit historic houses which display such hideouts. <br /><br />Likewise scientists from history, Michael Faraday for example, or artists musicians and poets. There will be many more. There may be novels already available as I haven't really searched. My TBR is already swamping a flash drive!Quantumhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08686409685564115213noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-416913236621309814.post-48514879520301199392012-05-21T11:26:33.081-04:002012-05-21T11:26:33.081-04:00For readers (and that's really all of us):
I ...For readers (and that's really all of us):<br /><br />I don’t really care how a book is published. Generally, the books I read are by authors I know either through their traditionally published backlists, online connections, or recommendations from friends. I don’t even download freebies or accept review books otherwise. My time is as valuable as my dollars.<br /><br />I’d love to read more romances set in the first half of the twentieth century. Edwardian-set romances have become more popular in the last couple of years, but I’d be happy to see more of them along with WWI settings, Roaring 20s, WWII, etc. I’d like to see American historicals that aren’t Westerns. Although I love the books of Kaki Warner, Jodi Thomas, Jo Goodman, etc., I want greater variety. I’d like to see more European historicals with settings other than Medieval, Regency, and Victorian. <br /><br />There will always be some books I want in paper, but most of my purchases now are digital. I love the immediate gratification of downloading a book I want to read, I love knowing that I don’t have to drive an hour or more to find the books I want to read, and I love not having to find space on my overflowing bookshelves. I still get some paper books to review, but the paper books I buy now are often copies of ebooks I’ve read. The eARCS are only good for ninety days, and I always buy either paper or electronic copies of the review books I consider keepers. <br /><br />For writers:<br /><br />I read a great deal that’s being written about changes in the industry, but I think being fully informed would take much more time than I can invest. My goal is to write the books and find an audience for them. I’m more open to the means of achieving that goal than I was when I started.<br /><br />I am seriously considering self-publishing. Knowing people who have successfully self-published has made me view it differently, probably even more so that the the big news self-published authors. I do have a timeframe. I’m old enough to be very conscious of “Time’s winged chariot hurrying near.” I’d prefer not to be published posthumously.<br /><br /><br />I’m my biggest obstacle. I have major problems letting go of my work. And each rejection requires recovery time, especially since nearly all of them say that I write well but . . . That three-letter word has become a huge obstacle. However, I'm encouraged by the growing evidence that writers can now, to a considerable degree, control their own destinies.<br /><br />4.) The recent silver bullet for more success seems to be turning books out quicker. Are you prepared for this? Or (like me) does this idea of turning out several books a year scare your socks off?<br /><br />I am awed beyond words by writers who turn out a book every three months or so. I can’t imagine writing at that pace. What I am trying to do is write steadily now so that if I am published I’ll have several completed manuscripts ready.Jangahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15128188159653860806noreply@blogger.com