Quote:
Originally Posted by dreams
I read "Refuge" (and liked it)
So, I don't see why authors don't just sell from their own site. If they want more exposure and sales, why not also sell from places like fictionwise, etc.?
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I think I can answer that one (although this is just my own theory).
We've had the publishing industry in place for such a long time and reinforced by so many who've gone through it, that writers have become wary of taking a chance to go it alone. They believe that without a publishing contract, without the marketing push (which in a lot of authors' cases is non-existent) they won't be read.
Writers are a reclusive bunch on a whole, and a lot (if not most) aren't that confident in what they write. They need reinforcement, whether that's by the 'rubber-stamp' of a publishing house or through some greedy agent taking them on (there's a whole other kettle of rotting fish that I could waffle on about).
You add the 'industry' advice that's reinforced all the time (get an agent, write-to-the-market, write in language that a thirteen year old can understand) and it only makes these writers even more nervous about taking the leap.
Happily, I think, we're seeing a shift in attitudes that is also occurring in music production. A lot of writers are waking up and saying "what do I actually need you -- publishing companies -- for in the internet age?". Then they start finding out about the actual monetary benefits and the whole rotting business, and start shifting their expectations away from monetary gain and toward readers and being read.
For love or money? Only one will actually give you what you need
