How to Save Publishers From Themselves
Just published what I think is a foolproof strategy for saving the publishing industry, dramatically improving book sales and presenting a wider, more diverse pool of writers. This article appears on my blog, Beautiful Desolation.
But will those dumbies in New York, Toronto and London listen?
The readers have spoken--book sales are plummeting and those books that are published are of no interest to casual readers or discerning bibliophiles.
Have a look...and tell me what you think.
Cliff Burns is a literary pioneer, going independent two decades before it became fashionable. For Burns, it was never about the money; it’s always been about artistic integrity and connecting with his audience.”
—Robert Runte, Canadian critic and academic
About Cliff
I've been a professional author for more than 25 years and an independent publisher since 1990, when my first book, Sex & Other Acts of the Imagination, was released through an imprint my wife and I created. That little publishing concern, which...
Connections
Causes Cliff Burns Supports
The Stephen Lewis Foundation, Community Radio
Cliff’s Favorite Books
Ah, now this is a tough one. "Favorite" books or "best" books? Because that's two entirely different things... Still, here are a few of the ones that have...
But Will They Listen?
Very good blog. I have given thought to many of these ideas previously but they have always been pooh poohed by the different publishers. I also understand the mentality of the wannabe writers and editors at the various firms. Politics has a great deal of influence here as well and many publishers have their "special" agents. Good luck with your idea though you will only be banging your head against the wall. I'm not being negative, I'm being realistic. The overwhelming amount of junk that comes across acquisition managers' desks is profound. The only method I have found that empowers my sales is to do lectures, seminars, etc. The distribution channels are another source of badinage and indie publishers are hard pressed to even get a "showing" of their wares. Even with the advent of POD an indie still has to deal with the anomalies of youtube, myspace, facebook, etc, to get a message across. Blogging has become an utter annoyance as there is very little of relevance in more than 99% of them. Readers are left to sift through and determine for themselves what is good or not and for that you have to have time to waste. It is not hard to fathom the reasons for the drastic drop in retail sales either. Times are changing and with technology such as Kindle, etc, why carry a book when you can keep a major tome in your pocket and whip out your Blackberry. Not to forget mentioning that it is much cheaper. However, keep up the good work and let me know if I can assist you in some sort of collective effort.
Best
SFKaufman
Thanks, Stephen
Appreciated your thoughts and, you're right, I doubt very much if corporate publishers will change their tune...and it may already be too late for them. That's why I closed my post with a "Going out of Business" sign. The notion of letting READERS choose which books are potential best-sellers, not brain-dead editors who have spent the company coffers on bombs and derivative hacks...too radical, man!
Thanks for note and words of experience. You're right, it's up to every author to get their name out there, promote themselves, do the groundwork, create the buzz. Then, if the publishers do come calling, we can command a far better price.
Hang in there and, of course, write on...