Who doesn't wonder if their writing could make the leap from the Internet to print? I read so many articles on Gather and around the Web that nearly vibrate with vitality, and I wonder how these authors can get more exposure.
So when Lifehacker writer and editor Gina Trapani shared a behind-the-scenes, step-by-step look at how her blog became a book I paid attention. From her entry Geek to Live: Turn your blog into a book, part I:
If you've got a book in you, a blog could be just the stepping stone you need toward your first deal. More than ever before, literary agents are paying attention to quality weblogs, and publishers are looking for someone with writing chops and a fresh take on a topic.
Trapani talks about how consistent entries and building readership on her blog attracted the attention of an agent, who then guided her through the proposal and subsequently closed the deal. Would you consider that a lucky break or the direct result of reliable work and a platform that supports opportunity?
Gather.com obviously supports unpublished writers by offering various Web publishing tools and pursuing correspondents, but also confirms partners for writing contests. (The Short-Form Writing Competition with Amazon Shorts immediately springs to mind...)
To those here fine-tuning their writing skills I have to ask: which avenues do you pursue? Do you incorporate some of Trapani's thinking and structure? Do you make use of tools and opportunities on Gather or elsewhere around the Web? What ways do you build your readership?
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Julia Schrenkler
American Public Media Interactive Producer
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Comments: 9
I am just starting to think of publishing for profit. Right now I am reading lots of blogs, making contacts with writers I think have something going, and wondering how to get the attention of headhunters who are looking for writers. Many fish bite if you gots good bait, I guess.
Thank you, Connie. You and I are connected through Gather and I see your name pop up regularly, but didn't realize you're so consistent until I took a look at your article list. You publish quite dependably!
With regard to publishing and the Internet, there is a fellow who has explored the techniques and the business model of getting into print via print-on-demand (POD) technology. Fascinating work--he gives away the candy store.
If anyone out there is interested in the dynamics of POD and how it ties into the Internet, I would highly recommend reading his blog before you do something like sign up with a vanity publisher--or even a regular publisher for that matter (his analysis reveals a few interesting economic and strategic pitfalls in traditional publishing that work against most authors.) Very practical and succinct advice in there.
He's got quite few pages on the subject. This one cuts right to the chase on the economics that support the POD model and why authors should take a look at it:
http://www.fonerbooks.com/pod.htm
BTW--you'll see he offers his own book for sale. I have the book. It's good. And almost all the info in the book is also there on the website for free--so you don't have to buy the book to read up and learn.
It certainly shed some light on the book business, particularly the distribution points and costs. How did you find this?
Wow, this is really intense and thorough. A good example is the Negotiating Book Contract Terms and Royalties page.
I was very taken by his look into the economics of the business. That's always been a bit of a black-box thing for me and I found it all very encouraging. Having at least some idea of what the beast is about really helps--every author out there at one point or another wonders if it's worth the effort to try and get into print (as opposed to just publishing online, which anyone can do now.) This guy takes away the mystery, which helps one make informed decisions.
Oh, and I found his site because I was looking for information on LSI (Lightning Source Inc.) For those who don't know--if you buy a block of ISBN numbers from Bowker's you can deal directly with LSI, just like the big boys (and girls.) This gives you access to the Ingram book distribution network (which I think also includes the UK) which puts your title within reach of every bookstore in the US and Amazon. You essentially become your own publishing house--with access to the best pricing, technology, and distribution available.
In other words, you don't need LuLu, Xlibris, (or Random House lol) or any of the other middleman outfits to get into print. But you do become responsible for every single step of the publishing process, including promotion. However, with things being the way they are nowadays--authors are expected to do a lot of the grunt work anyway--that may not be too much to take on if you're motivated and thorough.
And the things I learn... Thank you Greeley, for drawing our attention to this and sharing the the background. [imagine me making a note to investigate Lightning Source]
Thanks for the compliment
Is it an easy trip? No way. I have worked harder at this job than any other job I've ever had--and I've had quite a few of them--but it's the most fun I've ever had in my life too.
For any of you who are considering the POD route, I highly recommend it.
I have also been on a couple of NPR programs (Brain Brew and Hear It Now) and I'd love to do more of it. Radio is my favorite means of promotion.
If any of you would like to discuss marketing and promotion, please get in touch with me if you'd like to be a guest on my weekly internet radio program, "Marketing for Fun and Profit!"
And yes, all of my books are printed by LSI.