Quote:
Originally Posted by pricecw
Dusty, I know this isn't your point originally, but a sub-thread throughout this thread. I don't blame the publishers, they have part of the blame, but blame lies with the authors. They are the ones that allow this. If every Author forbid publishers from doing this, the publishers wouldn't. Plain and simple, all rights reside with the author, they are the ones that allow things, publishers ask for those things.
I think more people need to hold the Authors accountable. Stop allowing them the out of "the publisher made me do it".
One other point, I recently read of a "name" author that was irritated by the publishing industry, his new book is Amazon exclusive. E-book is going to sell for $2.99 and the author is excited (he had said he wouldn't sign again, but the offer was exceptional). I hold some things against him (it appears he is allowing Amazon to DRM this book), but it shows there are other avenues, and he appears to think he will make a lot more than with a traditional publisher.
editing to add a link http://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/b...zonencore.html
--Carl |
The problem is that too many authors are indoctrinated into the publishing world's way of doing things. The publishing industry puts out hundreds of 'how-to' books per year that re-state their importance and that of the middle men. So writers coming up, learning their craft, are learning from sources that reinforce the publisher status-quo. What we need is more writers to band together (going it alone won't do it). We need writers to create communities and places where the reader is involved and not just consumers. We need writers to stand up and take a few blows to the body for something they believe in.
I'm 35 and I find the publishing industry dull and boring. So it's a good shot that the young turks in writing will think them even worse than that and will hopefully start up the new publishing models for the future. For fiction and writing in general to survive, I believe the traditional publishing industry has to fall. And I'll gladly work toward that future
