Publishing Is Tough, but Are You Going to Quit NOW?

No matter how difficult your circumstances become, life goes on.  The fact that the housing market has reached all-time lows doesn't mean that people no longer need a place to live. And while it is getting more difficult to find jobs and earn a living, we all still have to find ways to meet our basic needs. And for those of us who seek to reach some level of success in the publishing industry, it is too easy to focus on all of the current challenges. People do still read, (believe it or not) and they are looking for new voices, great stories, and helpful information. The world still needs writers. In order to meet the needs of the readers, we must find ways to adapt--that is what the most successful people do.

Realtors, brokers, and home builders all agree that it is tougher to sell homes due to the economy, unemployment rates, and the subsequent flood of lower-priced inventory available. One thing they know is that when everything is all said and done, people still need a roof over their heads. So to survive, they adapt. They find new ways to market properties and make them stand out from the rest (polish your manuscript). They become more knowledgeable about financing to help qualify their clients (study the industry and step up your game). They use modern technology and social networking (build your platform). Many cater to a niche market (identify and connect with potential readers). They are creative, aggressive, innovative, and they stay in the game (emulate all of these things). Success in publishing is no different.

I believe that now is an exciting time to be a writer. There are so many avenues to publish your work from blogging, to freelance writing, to self-publishing, and, of course, traditional publishing. Writers can have the best of both worlds. Rejected manuscripts no longer have to sit in a desk drawer or be archived on a computer hard drive. Writers can generate interest in their work, publish it, and promote it with the possibility of still landing that elusive book deal. If you have a great product, a vision for it, a clear plan, and you are willing to roll up your sleeves, it is possible to be successful in the face of adversity. But, you have to believe it and you have to keep your shoulder to the plow.

Check out literary agent Rachelle Gardner's post, "Is the Sky Falling?", where she advises us all to "pull on our grown-up pants and deal with it". There will always be challenges. Life is full of them. 
Are you going to quit now?

6 Reasons Authors Self-Publish by Rachelle Gardner

Here is a great post by literary agent Rachelle Gardner that sums up the benefits of self-publishing. Enjoy!

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On the heels of our lively debate the other day on my post “6 Reasons Authors Still Want Publishers,” today let’s look at the other side of the coin. Many of you are still trying to decide which path is right for you — or if maybe some combination of both might work. So hopefully these posts and the discussions in the comments will be helpful.

So here are six reasons writers choose self publishing:

1. To supplement an established writing career.

As we talked about a couple of weeks ago in our series on making a living as a writer, it’s a lot of work to be a full-time writer and be able to make a good income. These days many full time writers with traditional publishing contracts are self-publishing both new books and their backlist as a way to supplement their income and keep their work out there in front of readers, growing and expanding their platform and audience.
 

2. To revive a flagging traditional-publishing career.

Some writers get the bad news that their publisher doesn’t want to do a new contract with them. But they’re still writers and they already have experience with the whole process, from writing to editing to marketing. While this situation used to mean a writer was basically finished, nowadays self-publishing opens up whole new horizons.

3. They’d like a bigger piece of the pie.

Most self-publishing deals will pay anywhere from 30% to 70% royalties, which is much higher than traditional publishers pay. Of course, they don’t have nearly the investment or do nearly the work of the traditional publishers; nevertheless, many writers prefer to do the work themselves in exchange for a higher royalty.

4. They have the time, skills, and the money to do it well.

Some people have an entrepreneurial spirit and the ability to be a good business person and a great marketer. Not everyone has these skills, but they’re pretty much a necessity for self-publishing. Some people are writing to a niche audience and they have the ability to reach this audience on their own without the help of a publisher — another good reason to choose self-pub. The ability to cover the upfront cost is also a big plus if you’re considering self-pub.

5. Frustration

Some people can’t get the attention of agents and publishers; or if they are, they’re getting rejections. This is a very frustrating place to be — and even very good books get passed over simply because of the huge numbers of books that are being pitched. Many writers get fed up with the “system” and decide to go it alone.

6. Freedom

In self-publishing, you don’t have to listen to anyone’s vision for your book but your own. You get to choose your cover, your title, and everything about your book. You don’t have to wait years to be noticed; you do not have to wait a year or two for your book release after the decision is made to publish it. You set your own pace, answer to yourself, and take responsibility for your own success or failure.

What other reasons might lead you to pursue self publishing?

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Read the original post on Rachelle's blog: http://www.rachellegardner.com/2012/04/6-reasons-authors-self-publish/

Keep your pen to the paper! Remember, inspiration is everywhere...

The Writer's Block Interviews: Tiah Short (DC Bookdiva)

1) Who is DC Bookdiva?

DC Bookdiva is the name given to me on the streets of Washington, DC. I have several mobile bookstore locations in and around the DC Metropolitan area. They couldn’t call me a man so they coined me "The Bookdiva".


2) Do you specialize in any particular genre(s)?

African-American fiction.


3) Tell us about your most recent projects.

In addition to the mobile book store, I own DC Bookdiva Publications, and I am the founder of Urban Literary Review Radio. To date, most of my attention is focused on DC Bookdiva Publications, we have a team of seven authors (the lucky seven as I call them) and all of them have multiple projects with the company. We plan to release five titles this year.


4) How do you promote your authors? What strategies have been the most successful?

I use many outlets to promote my team. I am known for non-traditional book signings, up close and personal meet and greets, and internet marketing. Depending on what the subject matter is, I use different techniques to draw attention to our titles. Each book released has a marketing plan treatment.



5) What services do you provide?

I try to assist new authors as much as possible, but at this time, I mainly provide a retail outlet for authors not signed to my label to be seen and promoted. As far as my authors on my label, they are backed with promotional and marketing opportunities and in-house publicity. We work as a team to push the brand and our books to the forefront in person and online.


6) Tell us about Urban Literary Review Radio.

Urban Literary Review is my baby; we are one of the first, if not the first talk shows dedicated to people of color on the blogtalkradio.com network. Martin Pratt is the co-founder and since my hiatus he has continued to move forward with the brand, expanding the show to syndication in several states. If you check our archives you will see that we have interviewed many industry leaders in addition to providing great resources and tips that many new authors and publishers can use.


7) What do you plan to accomplish in 2012?

So far this year, we have released two titles: Secrets Never Die by Eyone Williams, A Valentine’s Day Massacre by Pinky Dior and forthcoming are our follow-up titles to our titles released last year.


8) What advice would you give to budding writers?

Stays focused, grounded, do your research, learn the business, and pace yourself. This industry has changed for the past seven years that I have been in it. Stay innovative and think out of the box.


9) What is your definition of success as a publisher?

Coming from a family of entrepreneurs, I would have to say being independent. I can’t stress enough how important it is to create your own wealth and to tap into your own self-worth. My grandmother has always told me to create my own job, create something that no one can take from you.

Contact Tiah Short

President and CEO
DC Bookdiva Publications
1866-928-9990 Ext 1
202-478-2158-Fax

www.twitter.com/dcbookdiva
www.facebook.com/dcbookdiva
dcbookdiva.com

In Stores and Available on E-Readers Now!

Up The Way, Ben

Dynasty, Dutch- Nominated for Best Street Fiction of the Year 2010- African American Literary Award

Dynasty 2, Dutch

Trina, Darrell Debrew

A Killer'z Ambition, Nathan Welch

Lorton Legends, Eyone Williams

A Beautiful Satan, RJ Champ

The Hustle, Frazier Boy

Available Now from our Urban E-reads series! Available on The Nook and Kindle

The Cross, Eyone Williams

Hazel Eyes, Pinky Dior

Stella, DC Bookdiva

Coming Soon!

Que, Dutch

A Hustler's Daughter, Pinky Dior

Secrets Never Die, Eyone Williams

We Are Meeting Children's Books Authors This Week on The Writer's Block!

I hope that you will stop by and visit with five authors who write for some of the most special people on the planet: children! For obvious reasons, I am particularly excited about this genre of writing. Reading opens up a world of possibilities for young minds. So, mark your calendars! Here is this week's lineup:

Monday, February 27
Damir Fonovich

Tuesday, February 28
Camy DeMario

Wednesday, February 29
Donalisa Helsley

Thursday, March 1
Kim Siebold

Friday, March 2 Mike Dooling

Keep your pen to the paper! Remember, inspiration is everywhere...

The Writer's Block Interviews: Consortium Book Sales

1)      Tell us about the history of Consortium Book Sales.

We grew out of a small wholesale cooperative in 1985 – so we have lots of experience in selling books and getting them out there. We’ve developed an expertise in advocating for independent publishers, and we now represent more than 100 independent publishers from around the world. We have been careful to grow and evolve in ways that matter to small publishers – offering an e-book partnership, developing our marketing offerings, and expanding into social media. We like to be at the forefront of what’s next in publishing!

2)      What is a book distributor?

Succinctly, we sell publishers’ books to a broad national audience and function as the print and digital “back office” for publishers so they can focus on acquisition, editing, and marketing.

Think of it this way: an individual publisher doesn’t have as much clout individually as they can with a distributor. Frequently they can’t get book buyers at major chains like Target or Barnes & Noble to pay attention to them. By joining forces with other small publishers, we can help them all get representation at bookstores, online, in media and in advertising. Two heads are better than one and many hands make light work!

3)      What genres do you represent?

Our publishers cross all genres – fiction, nonfiction, mystery, kids, poetry, self-help, and more. Many of them have achieved national and international recognition for their books, and they all have unique identities. You can see a full list of our publishers here.

4)      What are the benefits of working with a book distributor?

As mentioned before, the main benefit of working with a distributor is joining forces to take advantage of economies of scale. Our publishers also benefit from working with us because we are constantly trying to improve conversation and awareness around independent publishing, letting readers know that these books exist as an excellent alternative to mainstream publishing. People flock to independent films and music – why not books?

5)      How is Consortium Book Sales different from other distributors?

We believe that our commitment to serving our publishers really sets us apart. Each person on staff treats their job as what it really is: a customer service position. We are happy to work with publishers to share our thoughts on cover treatments, coach them on marketing pitches, advise them on print runs and reprints, and celebrate their successes. We consider each book published by each of our publishers to be *our* book as well.

6)      What services do you provide beyond distribution?

In addition to the nuts and bolts of distribution (warehousing, shipping, sales) we offer marketing services, a beautiful four-color catalog, social media, representation at trade shows and conferences, and e-book merchandising and sales with our partner Constellation. We also encourage our publishers to talk with one another, creating a network of colleagues who can help one another solve their unique problems.

7)      What submission guidelines must publishers meet before you work with them?

We work with independent publishers who have a structured, ongoing publishing program with plans to continue publishing well into the future. A publisher interested in distribution through Consortium should follow the submission instructions here.

8)      What does a partnership agreement with Consortium Book Sales look like?

Consortium offers a full-service, exclusive distribution agreement to publisher clients.  Our fee structure is a sliding scale based on net sales, with optional additions based on publisher needs and preference. A publisher joining the Consortium team can expect the full participation of our entire staff, from production to marketing to sales.

9)      Who are some of the authors that appear in your catalogs?

Our publishers’ authors include Tomas Tranströmer, Andrew Krivak, Adam Mansbach, Lucille Clifton, Noam Chomsky, Charles Bukowski, Paul Harding, Che Guevara, Tony Kushner, Pablo Neruda, and Arundhati Roy, and their honors include Pulitzer Prizes, National Book Awards, and Nobel Prizes (to name a few).

10)   Where may readers purchase the books you distribute?

Wherever books are sold!

11)   What do you expect to accomplish in 2012?

In 2011, we had a Nobel Prize winner, a #1 New York Times bestseller, and a National Book Award Nominee on our publishers’ lists. We expect to see even greater things this coming year. We expect to make some strong connections with bloggers via social media and real life in 2012, leveraging the power of the reader to bring awareness to our publishers’ books. We look forward to sharing one of the strongest fiction lists we’ve ever had, and we are hopeful about the future of e-books as a means of expanding readership even more broadly.