The times are changing...and big publishing companies are dying.
I have to admit, I felt a little pride when I read this article.
I am an indie author after all, and with that comes more work than the average big publisher contracted author.
I think even some indie authors have less work. They hire people to do the work I do. But I would rather not hire somebody to do my work...I enjoy it!
Makes me happy to think about after months of working a job I really did not like.
In the end, I think I made the best choice. I own the rights to my work, I choose what happens to it, and I get to manipulate how it looks and where it goes. I am happy as a clam.
Oh...right...by the way, this all came from an article I was reading...
It is rather interesting to hear about indie authoring from a previously published author who was in the big leagues.
I feel like that is all the justification I need for my work.
Think about it this way too...there are tons of great musicians, dancers and other artists who can be justified in their work simply through sharing it online. Like a youtube video.
So, why do people scoff at the idea of indie publishing for books? Writing is an art style, so we should be moving forward away from the single-mindedness that only the few write books while the rest dabble in nothingness.
Of course there are going to be bad books that come out of indie authoring, but there were always books that should not have been published, before there was indie publishing.
Today, anybody can get their work published.
With their own cover.
Their own title...
Their own story...
What is missing is the confidence to follow through with the project. That comes from within the author.
Although...maybe there is some know-how missing.
I know it can be scary to get an editor on one's work.
Spirits know that I haven't gotten a single family member to actually read through a single piece of my work.
So, when it comes to the general works being good...it is a matter of perspective.
70% of people on youtube will comment negatively/horribly on a video. Some comments will be made about somebody's voice. And a lot of dislikes will come the video's way.
But in the end, somebody will have liked that song, that dance routine, or that compilation of artistic compositions set to a certain mood of music. And that is because it is art...beauty is within the eye of the beholder... 'tis it not?
I personally feel I have progressed over the years. My skills at editing, formatting and even writing have gotten better.
I still find it strange that A Dragon's Curse comes out as a fan favorite so far...
But in the end, I can see my writing improving in its format and usefulness.
I hope I keep getting better. Because that is how I will have even better stories to share in the future.
And the better I get, the more I can help others, like my coauthor Andrew Gray.
While working with a coauthor sounds complicated and hard, it can be done. With a little practice, some cooperation, and fundamental ideas to stick to, any pair of writers can work together.
I have known Andrew a long time though. We practiced writing for years in the form of role playing. It was completely written out, with descriptions and actions included within the writing.
If not for this form of role playing, I might not have had the jumpstart on my writing that I did. I mean the actual writing. That is where the book starts, after all. You cannot even think about titles, covers and publication before you have a book.
If you are a writer, I would advise you to look into the idea of role playing. Larping works fine, but the more hands on you are with the written word, the better. Especially when you are in a larger group, where you have to type quickly to get your message out.
If you are a writer...don't cease looking for help. Look for that person who can review your work.
Don't stop sending out that manuscript. If you have that dream, stick to it.
If you have any questions about publishing and/or writing, feel free to ask!
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