I often meet folks who aspire to write a book, be it their memoirs, a family history or maybe even a blockbuster novel. (They imagine themselves a popular author on the NY Times bestseller list, with the bucks rolling in like raindrops).
"So, what's your plan?" I ask.
"Well, I'll first try submitting my work to a publisher. Once it's accepted, I'll start on my next novel."
"Oh," I reply. "Just waiting to be discovered?"
They look me dead in the eye. "My work is outstanding. I just need an agent, or a publisher who will back me."
Their aspirations are not beyond the realm of possibility. They could actually be that author who is chosen from the enormous sea of wannabe writers. Their novel just might catch the eye of a capable agent and from there it is stardom, all the way!
And the cow could jump over the moon, too.
The truth is, a successful writer has to promote their own work. The literary work is only a part of the equation... a small part. The bigger portion is the task of developing a demand for the author's work.
Having your book registered with all the distribution channels doesn't sell your book for you. You have to get people wanting your book before they will try to find it.
This brings up a question in my mind. Why should I share any revenue with these big guys? It will drive up the costs and reduce the profit.
I'm thinking that once the demand for the product builds, the distribution will take care of itself.
Think about it.
"So, what's your plan?" I ask.
"Well, I'll first try submitting my work to a publisher. Once it's accepted, I'll start on my next novel."
"Oh," I reply. "Just waiting to be discovered?"
They look me dead in the eye. "My work is outstanding. I just need an agent, or a publisher who will back me."
Their aspirations are not beyond the realm of possibility. They could actually be that author who is chosen from the enormous sea of wannabe writers. Their novel just might catch the eye of a capable agent and from there it is stardom, all the way!
And the cow could jump over the moon, too.
The truth is, a successful writer has to promote their own work. The literary work is only a part of the equation... a small part. The bigger portion is the task of developing a demand for the author's work.
Having your book registered with all the distribution channels doesn't sell your book for you. You have to get people wanting your book before they will try to find it.
This brings up a question in my mind. Why should I share any revenue with these big guys? It will drive up the costs and reduce the profit.
I'm thinking that once the demand for the product builds, the distribution will take care of itself.
Think about it.
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