Quote:
Originally Posted by Kali Yuga
Not really. It sounds I'm describing "what used to be" for you.  Now to be clear, I view your modified goals as completely legitimate. You write because you want to write, and you're satisfied with your accomplishments.
However, I do not regard those goals as universal. I have no doubt that many authors want their books to be read by as wide an audience as possible, to be compensated for their work, and to otherwise accomplish goals that require more than the solitary act of writing.
Again, this is your choice. But even people who share this choice do not necessarily share your goals or methods. For example, let's say I'm a doctor and I write a book of advice for sufferers of a specific chronic condition. I earn my living, and will continue to do so, with my practice; I have no real desire to build an ongoing audience for my works or to earn a living exclusively from my writings. However, I may not be the best writer, and can benefit tremendously from excellent editors; I have no idea how to market the book; I want to ensure its integrity; I don't want to spend months or years figuring out all the ins and outs of self-publishing, and so forth.
Also, many writers and artists hold the view that the filtering and editing -- or if you like, losing a portion of control -- is actually beneficial to their work. They regard editors, publishers and other intermediaries more as collaborators than as malevolent, manipulative and exploitative forces. Just as compromise is a part of life, editing is a part of art. |
You're right, this is 'my' opinion. I want to produce my fiction unhindered and without interference. I want to control the whole process, from writing to editing, to designing the book cover and anything else that's involved. Plus there's all that horrible, horrible waste of time in the publishing world. I don't have the patience to wait 6 - 18months from completion of the work to publication. I really don't have the time to wait for approval from some third party either. So again, yes, my method doesn't work for all, but in the climate we find ourselves, my method is actually doable now. That kind of freedom you couldn't buy ten years ago, now it's available to all.
