Hey 3.5 Readers,
Bookshelf Q. Battler here.
Many years ago, when I was a young BQB, I gave up on writing. Sometimes I wish I hadn’t. Other times I understand why I had to. My position on the subject changes with whatever mood you happen to find me in.
I quit because the motivation factor just wasn’t there. To develop a quality piece of writing takes so much time, energy and effort and the payout? Well, let’s just say the likelihood of winning that coveted traditional publishing contract deal seemed akin to my chances of winning the lottery.
So I pursued an average life instead and in many respects, I can’t complain. However, the rise of the self-publishing industry has really provided me with the motivation I need to pick up my pencil again.
Today’s technology has given rise to an emerging self-publishing industry. From the comfort of their own homes, people are putting out books that rival what major publishing houses are putting out. If you’re willing to put the work in, you can build a platform, develop an audience, seek out the assistance of editors and artists, and get your work into the hands of readers.
That just wasn’t an option ten years ago. I wish it had been. Those were the days when little was impossible for a plucky young BQB as long as he had a can of Red Bull.
Three guys who are kicking ass and taking names in the self-publishing game? Johnny B. Truant, Sean Platt, and David Wright aka Johnny, Sean and Dave of “The Self Publishing Podcast” – check it out at selfpublishingpodcast.com (they’re available on iTunes).
I’ve learned so much from their book “Write. Publish. Repeat” and from listening to their show.
The upside of self-publishing? You’re in control. Your success does not hinge on being one of the beautiful people who can charm an agent or a publisher into swinging open the gate to the Castle of Success for you.
The downside? Same as the upside. You’re in control. You need to figure out how to hire an editor, how to hire a cover artist, how to build a platform, how to promote yourself and more. Johnny, Sean, and Dave put that info out there in a fun (and often hilarious) format.
To spend all my free time writing a novel when the only chance of its publication rests on me being the needle in a haystack picked up by an agent? It just seemed like a waste.
But now that technology has put our writing careers in our own hands? Sign me up.
At this early stage, I have no idea if I’ll ever make it, but the self publishing industry has at the very least resurrected my dream, one I gladly work on whenever I get a rare free moment these days.
Bravo on your third anniversary of podcasting, Johnny Sean and Dave. They did a special primetime show this evening and it was a blast to watch them work their magic live.
Bookshelf Battle 