Like many writers, I have been resistent to the concept of self-pulishing. All the more reason to attend the Writers’ and Artists’ Conference (those very nice people who bring us the yearbook).
Alison Bavistock kicked off proceedings by reminding us of a few names who have taken this route before: Virginia Woolfe, Mark Twain, Beatrix Potter, William Blake. Not bad company.
Of course, things have changed. Developments in technology, new ways of sharing information and the rise of social media have resulted in increased choice, ease of publication, and access to communities of people who would never ordinarily set foot inside a bookshop.
Those who choose to self publish may include hobbyists, those who simply wish to share their work; those in search of critiques of works in progress; those who want a book to act as a ‘business card.’
For others, self-publication has a step on the journey to a traditional deal. Nick Spalding, who has sold over 400,000 e-books, has landed a deal with Coronet Books this Autumn. Writing duo Louise Voss and Mark Edwards also secured a contract with Harper Collins.
The dangerously charasmatic John Fine of Amazon fame was on hand to introduce us to to wealth of author support available and to demonstrate just how easy it is to upload a manuscript.
Perhaps that is the danger. Quality is all. Even one of the firms advertising their services had produced a beautiful brochure. Unfortunately, it was titled ‘Self-Publsihing Infromation Pack.’ And I don’t think they were trying to make a point.
Want to be featured?
