[Kevis Hendrickson]

As an author who published his first book before (DTP/KDP, Smashwords, Createspace, Nook Books, and a host of now readily accessible (meaning FREE) POD/ebook publishers, it irks me to see how many newly published authors take the whole system for granted. Once upon a time (and not very long ago) every aspiring author had to slog through the time-consuming, painstakingly bloodsucking process of submitting queries and book proposals to the gatekeepers of the publishing world (the thought of rejection slips piling up in my sock drawer up makes my eyes bleed). Fast forward a few years and the old guard is sucking wind trying to cope with the new publishing paradigm that allows readers to decide which books they read. The hissy fits I've been seeing some authors throw lately are not only counter-productive, but downright silly. Just thought I'd share this link with the members of this board, in the hopes of restoring some sanity to our little corner of the publishing sphere.

http://blog.taleist.com/2011/07/19/self-publishers-need-to-start-minding-their-manners/

 

[daveconifer]

I feel the same way, Kevis.  It's human nature at work, I suppose, but we ought to try to keep it real.  

It reminds me of the "microwave oven" model of human thought (this is well-covered in any college psych textbook -- just search the footnotes for Dr. Conifer references).  When they came out we were thrilled, but it wasn't long before we couldn't believe we had to wait seven minutes for dinner to finish cooking in the danged things...

 

[Kevis Hendrickson]

I feel the same way, Kevis. It's human nature at work, I suppose, but we ought to try to keep it real.

It reminds me of the "microwave oven" model of human thought (this is well-covered in any college psych textbook -- just search the footnotes for Dr. Conifer references). When they came out we were thrilled, but it wasn't long before we couldn't believe we had to wait seven minutes for dinner to finish cooking in the danged things...

I think you just coined a new phrase, Dave. From here on out, I'll refer to unappreciative authors as having a microwave complex!

 

[StaceyHH]

My mother bought a microwave (back in about 1976) so she could cook bacon, and boil water. Dinner? ha!

 

[Ty Johnston]

If a writer acts professional, others will notice, and he or she will be a professional.

 

[Brenda Carroll]

I've gone through seven microwaves.  My first weighed in at about 60 lbs.  Now, I can tote it in one hand.  My first book was published in paperback format for the tidy sum of $900 for POD.  My second?  $600!! I've recouped that since KDP and Smashwords and I see a great deal more to come from the eBook industry.  Only a few years ago, traditional publishers were declaring eBooks dead and stinking.  Well, with the advent of zombies, vampires and dark fantasy at the click of a button, their notion was blown completely out of the water.  Ask David Dalglish and Amanda Hocking, ask Victorine Leiske (msp?), KC May and a growing number of Indie success stories about eBook futures and they might tell you a different story.  My first Kindle, a K1 was heavy, my second was wonderful, but my third, a K3 was incredible.  I don't think they are going anywhere anytime soon and that is great news for Indie authors and traditionally published authors as well.  I must quit rambling and go to bed or something else someone will think I have nothing else to say.

 

[UnicornEmily]

I've been trying to get published for twelve years.  (Sighs wistfully.)  Doing it through the old paradigm, too.  Only ever managed four short stories.  Also two strong rewrite requests, but the editor who really wanted to buy my book got laid off two weeks later.  Waaaaaaaaah!

This is why I'm thinking it's such a good idea to go with Createspace.  Enough with sitting around and waiting.  It's hard to get motivated knowing that the gatekeepers might keep you from ever getting a thing published, even though you think it's great (and so do beta-readers who don't know you personally).  To be able to let your readers actually decide for themselves whether your book is worth reading . . . without having to pay in sweat and tears and years, or else hundreds or thousands of dollars to print things . . .

Bliss.  We are SO blessed to have self-publishing now made easy.  I agree! 

 

[Kevis Hendrickson]

I've gone through seven microwaves. My first weighed in at about 60 lbs. Now, I can tote it in one hand. My first book was published in paperback format for the tidy sum of $900 for POD.

Progress is an amazing thing, isn't it? It's only been a few years since my first published book and I already feel like I'm an old timer.

Enough with sitting around and waiting. It's hard to get motivated knowing that the gatekeepers might keep you from ever getting a thing published.
Anyway. My two cents. We are SO blessed to have self-publishing now made easy.

Amen.

 

[Meb Bryant]

I sent out many queries. Some were answered, some were not. At my age, I began to fear death would accept me before an agent. So, I indie-pubbed in April. Bestselling or not, I haven't regretted my decision.

I am very thankful to live in this literary time and to have the privilege of reaching readers immediately.

Meb

 

[BrianKittrell]

I started recently (less than 1 year ago), and I never felt it was taking forever. Everything was up in less than a week, which is lightning fast to me. I never sent query letters (ok, I sent one just to see what it felt like to never hear back from an agent... lol), though.

Our society is much about the quick gratification in everything. When I had dial-up internet, I dreaded checking my email. Now, I have cable, and it's gotten to feel "too slow" even though it's some 20x faster when the network is really busy. Just the way of the world, I suppose.

 

[nomesque]

I do agree with you... but if you start talking about cardboard boxes in the middle of the road, I'm outta here!

 

[Kevis Hendrickson]

I do agree with you... but if you start talking about cardboard boxes in the middle of the road, I'm outta here!

ROTFL!!!