Hi
I received a Kindle as a Christmas gift from my wife (Thanks, Liz!) and I'm wondering what other writers think about this unfolding self-publishing phenomenon. With tens of millions of units already acting as personal "bookshop windows" in the hands of keen readers all over the world, shouldn't all writers take advantage by self-publishing their works on the Kindle? If not, why?
I look forward to your views. Thanks.
I've gone as far as doing the research side of publishing to Kindle, and I must say that it does seem very appealing.
Though once I have my MS ready, I must say that at the moment I don't think it will be the route I will go down even though the marketing side of things I would be happy to do, without becoming an online-whore :).
I studied graphic design at uni and work as a web developer. So designing the book, and building a website would not be too much of a stretch (I'd probably build a website anyway).
That being said, by the time I have finished the manuscript to the best of my ability, I may reconsider, but for me at the moment, Traditional vs Kindle, I find the former more appealing.
Hi David
Like your style! I think it's brilliant that you clearly have the determination to give the promotion side of things a go.
It will certainly be interesting to see which marketing techniques work for you (and those that don't, of course). As you say, at least your self-published work will be "out there" to be judged by a wider audience, rather than just sitting on an agent / publishers desk...and who knows, you might get "discovered" far quicker that way anyway.
Some really great answers from everyone so far, thank you so much and I hope you are finding this topic as interesting and helpful as I am.
It's a bit of a tricky one. The bottom line is that a book should be saleable, regardless of the format(s) in which it appears. We all think our own book is the best, that's only natural. However, eyes on print (rather than bums on seats) are our aim.
I've recently published my debut novel, on Amazon, Smashwords and Lulu. Sales have been modest, although any sales aren't bad in less than a month. I made this move because the publisher of my second book (non-fiction, hardback) had me go to the trouble of cutting the word count by 20% and then rejected anyway. I also tried nine agents (those accepting submissions via e-mail) two didn't reply, the rest wished me luck.
My e-publishing might work, it might not. But I feel it's better to have my book 'out there' than have it swilling around indefinitely with publishers and/or agents.
I think the ultimate aim is reinforced by the old adage, nil desperandum. If the work is good, people will want to read it. meanwhile, I've also built two web sites and am keeping on top of promotion, taking any opportunity that presents itself.