It’s that time again. Alex J. Cavanaugh's group. Where writer’s blot each other’s tears and kiss each others’ boo-boos….I think. It’s time to express what bothers us and/or to help encourage other writers.
I’m hoping my posts in this group don’t get too depressing, but I just had to share this bit of info.
Two weeks ago I attended a mini conference. A real book editor from a a local newspaper was the speaker. While I learned some excellent things, I also learned that her paper will not do Indie book reviews. The excuse:
“There are over 750,000 self-published books for one. The other, our attorneys feel that we are unable to prove Indies do their research for their non-fiction, and fear libel when it comes to the fiction books. We fear a lawsuit.”
And last week, I thought, jee, wouldn’t it be nice to exploit my book and be a part of a local reading festival until I read the following:
PLEASE NOTE that only published works/authors are eligible to be featured at the festival. Authors of self-published works are invited and encouraged to participate in OUR book market. A self-published book is one that has not gone through the vetting process at a publishing house and has been issued at the expense of the author rather than a publisher.
Basically, I’m a MORON for being an Indie author and not one of the CHOSEN from the elite publishing houses. Well, just swipe my forehead with poop then. Make sure I’m set apart from THE CHOSEN GROUP then.
This totally infuriated me. But then I remembered James Frey and his book, “A Million Little Pieces.” Click HERE to read all about it. He was interviewed by Oprah more than once and made a lot of headlines. He’s an author who went through the PROPER VETTING PROCEDURE but in the end they found him not to be so truthful. WHATEVER!
My mantra today is, DON’T TAKE ANYTHING PERSONALLY. I’m trying really hard not to.
How about any of you?
Hugs and chocolate,
Shelly
P.S. I’ll be around later this afternoon since the SALON called me in to work the morning shift.
And also, I’ve started something new. What’s Your Nosh Tuesdays? To help promote new and Indie authors’ works. So if you’re interested leave me your e-mail.
I'm sorry about the stupid conference rules! I'm sure you're book is brilliant and you'll find the love and support you deserve elsewhere.
ReplyDeleteThere are quite a few self-published books making their way into the mainstream market these days. I won't mention the Fifty Shades series because it ain't classy talk - but here's a better list:
http://io9.com/5911634/the-most-successful-self+published-sci+fi-and-fantasy-authors
Thank you for the list. I will be sure to look it up.
DeleteReally though, I think the biggest problem is that peeps are afraid of the self-pubbed industry.
Well said. Eventually, the "Olympians" will have to catch up with the readers, and the writers, and the writing; else, the writing, and the writers, and the readers will simply step over them.
ReplyDeleteBarry,
DeleteWhat you just wrote was well written.
That sucks about the conference being that way...it doesn't make us feel very good when we know that "someone" is snubbing their nose at us. However, we know that we put out good works...that's all that matters.
ReplyDeleteI remember that episode on Oprah with that guy and his book. I remember him having to retract everything he said because most of it had never happened. Yeah, so much for research.
One guy left a review on one of my books, and had the audacity to say that it couldn't happen, even for fiction. How the hell did he know whether it happened or not? In fact, it did happen...You can't please everyone. I've come to realize that. Still, it's tough to be rejected. I've got a few. It sucks.
It doesn't make one feel good when you're a member of a certain group that put on the mini-conference.
DeleteI mentioned to a potential agent that I had self published a book as a clumsy way of explaining that I wasn't exactly a novice at the art of writing.
ReplyDelete'Well more fool you then. We wouldn't touch you because if your original novel met with no success, you might tarnish the name of our agency.'
I don't want to be one of the chosen. I'll do it myself or not at all. I wouldn't want to tarnish anyone's good name.
I like your attitude, Roger.
DeleteTHE CHOSEN... my left foot!
ReplyDeleteI wonder if we'll live to see the day when traditional publishing houses accept and embrace the ever-changing face of the literary industry?!
I agree with Michelle. The industry is always changing. The olde Newspapers are becoming extinct because of the internet. I wonder how traditional publishers see the death of newspapers...
DeleteWe shall see. We may live to see it.
DeleteSome book festivals do take indie authors so don't dispair. The hard part would be researching which ones do and which don't.
ReplyDeleteJanet:
DeleteThis particular one let's you in but there is a line of demarcation so to speak.
It is the attitude of those not involved in the indie world of publishing. I'd drop an email, but that's not possible with out letting the world see. You can email me from my website. Just Google Mari Collier and I'm there.
ReplyDeleteMari:
DeleteI'll message you via Facebook for it. Thank you.
That is is frustrating. But the reason for the anti self-pub attitude has to do with more than legal stuff. It has to do with quality control. (Maybe they meant what they said, or maybe they focused their comment on the legal issue as a way to dodge the real issue politely. Who knows...) The self-pubbers putting garbage out there are dragging down the names of those who take the time to develop a quality product. I think the best thing self-publishing authors can do is put the best product out there they possibly can.
ReplyDeleteAs far as promo ops and the like, I see groups offering to promote self- and indie-published books all the time.
Good luck! :)
IWSG #179 (At least until Alex culls the list again. :P)
Melissa:
DeleteI've seen poorly written stuff as well but from both sides of the fence. And I also see sites promoting the Indies as well.
I was just making a statement because I was shell-shocked twice about how the line is drawn.
I think it will get better soon. The direction of publishing is definitely changing.
ReplyDeleteTonja:
DeleteYou are always so positive. I could pinch your little cheeks.
Yeah, I found out in 2010 that the worst thing during these changing times are the conferences. Don't listen to the negative. You are awesome! I'm not just saying that!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Evie. You're a sweetie.
DeleteSome of those 'vetted' authors are pretty terrible writers. And Walt Whitman and Jane Austen (and others) were self published.
ReplyDeleteM.J.: Yep-yep-yep. You are sooo right.
DeleteThe way I look at is that the traditional industry stifles freedom of the author, and they're going more and more for the fad, or giving contracts to reality show hacks. Why on earth should we have to deal with that?
ReplyDeleteYou're right, Sir Wills. You can't corporatize art no more than you can corporatize the hair industry.
DeleteI think the traditional publishers are hurting in this economy. They're just cranky and like to take it out on indie authors. :)I too am trying not to take things too personally.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your offer to be a beta reader. I believe you mentioned September since you're doing Camp NaNoWriMo. That would be really great if you have the time. Let me know and if you ever want me to return the favor; you know where to find me. :) http://sherrilackey.blogspot.com/
Okie-dokie.
DeleteThe world is changing and many industries are having trouble adjusting. Nice post and thanks for the chocolate :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Siv.
DeleteThat kind of snobbery will be around for a while. But times are changing. Just hang in there!
ReplyDeleteI'm hanging.
DeleteEncouraging words, thanks.
ReplyDeleteEleanor Wood Mason
elkit1935@yahoo.com
Between querying and reviews, I learned quickly not to take it personal.
ReplyDeleteYup. That's the best thing to do.
Delete