My Thoughts On The Future Of Self-Publishing
What’s the future of self-publishing?
Many authors and small press are wondering now that Amazon appears to have altered its rules. (See Anne Wyman’s Amazon, BookSurge and the Future of POD and Yvonne Russell’s Is The Future of Self-Publishing In Doubt?)
I think self-published authors will need to become even more creative and not depend simply on one outlet…or think one outlet is the only way to go. I’ve only sold one of my books through Amazon and that was produced by a small publisher who handled the distribution. I also discovered one of my self-published titles on Amazon’s used book list.
My others are niche books that my husband and I self-published and have distributed through a web site, workshops, talks, and online classes I teach. I’ve not made a fortune and my name isn’t on the NYTimes best seller list…yet However, I’m pleased with the results and have more books in the planning stages.
I’ve had to be innovative in my promotions and marketing. I could and can do more to promote:
When We Become the Parent to Our Parents (the story of my mother’s journey through Alzheimer’s) which I also illustrated.
Tales of Adventure & Discovery (an anthology of children’s stories and illustrations) with a coloring book
The Magic of Patchwork (the story of quiltmaking for children and beginners) with several projects. This includes my illustrations and photographs.
I’m working on two picture books, Sarah Jane’s Daring Deed and William Mathewson, the Original Buffalo Bill, as well as a middle reader novel, Papa Goes to War set in the Civil War era and based on family history.
I can market and promote all of these through various activities I’m involved in and Internet promotion. Some might profit by sales through Amazon; others, because of their format (like the coloring book), they probably wouldn’t handle.
How creative can you be with marketing your self-published books? Do you plan to sit back and say, “Woe is me. The self-publishing market is gone.” Or are you anxious for the next adventure to see who will take notice of your writing. And buy your books!!
Share with us what you see in the future of self-publishing. How do you plan to market your books?
(c)2008 Mary Emma Allen
Tags: Alzheimer's, Amazon, author, BookSurge, Buffalo Bill, Civil War, patchwork, quilting, self-published author, self-publishing, William MathewsonShare This
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POSTED IN: Books, Marketing, Promotion, Women, Writing & Publishing
5 opinions for My Thoughts On The Future Of Self-Publishing
Lillie Ammann
Apr 17, 2008 at 9:36 pm
Mary Emma,
I believe it’s Dan Poynter who says bookstores are the worst places to sell books. For most self-published authors, competing in bookstores is difficult. I’ve generally encouraged my clients to list their books with Amazon simply because people trust Amazon and may order there when they are leery of ordering on the author’s Web site. But with the recent changes, I no longer make that recommendation. Self-publishing authors need to be creative in promotion and marketing, but I think there’s still a bright future.
Yvonne Russell
Apr 18, 2008 at 2:02 am
Hi Lillie
I haven’t heard Poynter’s words on that before. Is he referring only to self published books?
About Amazon - it just goes to show you can’t afford to put all your eggs in one basket with marketing.
While the market is changing, I agree there is still a bright future.
Mary Emma Allen
Apr 18, 2008 at 10:44 am
Thanks, Lillie, for your input. It’s good to know there are authors and publishers who aren’t panicking, but see this as an opportunity for creative marketing.
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