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pam1234writing
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Quote: Sammy, Friday, 21 Oct 2011 19:12Quote: LTMS1479CSP, Friday, 21 Oct 2011 18:41Quote: Sammy, Friday, 21 Oct 2011 18:07While I don't want to take away from anybody's achievements, the fact is that most people turn to e-publishing because they are unable to get published the 'traditional' way. Now, a few of those may end up doing well. But I'm sure the majority would happily swap hawking books at 79p a pop on Amazon for having an agent who can command a little more for their efforts. I'm also willing to take a punt and say that those who have done well have done so partly because of the amount of time they are able to devote to marketing and promotion. And while I don't want to pee on anyone's parade when it comes to chart positions on Amazon, I wonder if the same books would rate so highly if they were priced at 3.99 or 5.99? Until 'indie' authors are able to command the same price for their work as mainstream authors - or at least a more realistic price that 79p - e-publishing, to me, still seems like a case of stack 'em high, sell 'em cheap. Please understand, I'm not knocking those of you who do it. I can see the appeal. And I understand only too well the frustration of taking the long road via agent and publisher. I may still buckle and take the Kindle route myself. I'm just not at that junction quite yet. x The other thing I'd be considering Sam, is that if you are not getting anything for your efforts now, it might be worth a go. After all, first time authors have quite a hard time to get anywhere even after a few books. Being on Kindle means a little money or maybe a fair return but also people are reading your work and who knows where that might take you? Something is surely better than a promise? True. And, as I said, I can see the appeal. But the situation is a little different for me as I actually have an agent. The work posted on here is kind of a sideline. After a difficult year and a half, I'm now working on my third 'agent' book; one I'm actually enthusiastic about and have real hopes might find a publisher. Hence, why I'm not so active on YWO at present. If this one goes nowhere, then I shall reconsider my options. x I get what you're saying, Sammy, I really do and I so hope that something good comes for you from your agent. What worries me about time being wasted hawking stuff around is the sheer volume of writers out there trying to get a place. Thousands upon thousands! You only have to see how many Indie books are listed on Amazon and Smashwords to see the competition. When you consider an agent can take months to even open the envelope. before chucking the MS on the slush pile and the fact that they only take on a handful of new authors a year, then it's small wonder people go it alone. I personally never bothered to go down the submissions path apart from my short stories. At my age now I simply couldn't be arsed waiting, but then that's just me. I'm very happy I took the path I did. I actually really enjoy writing, it's never a chore for me and I get such a buzz seeing the sales mounting up and chart placings on Amazon instead of YWO! But what I love most is doing it MY way, choosing a cover I like and not what someone else says I have to have. I'm a controller, I think! Like my own way too much. But whatever path you all take, the best of luck. For anyone thinking of "going Indie" I'm always around to answer any questions etc. Pam. 
"And, in the end, the love you take / Is equal to the love you make." Lennon and McCartney 1969 Three Steps to Heaven 'Til I Kissed You Always On My Mind A rock'n'roll romance series by Pam Howes all available on Amazon in paperback and e-Books. Visit my website for details. Fast Movin' Train - A stand alone love story. Amazon links on: website
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Sammy
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Quote: pam1234writing, Friday, 21 Oct 2011 19:37Quote: Sammy, Friday, 21 Oct 2011 19:12Quote: LTMS1479CSP, Friday, 21 Oct 2011 18:41Quote: Sammy, Friday, 21 Oct 2011 18:07While I don't want to take away from anybody's achievements, the fact is that most people turn to e-publishing because they are unable to get published the 'traditional' way. Now, a few of those may end up doing well. But I'm sure the majority would happily swap hawking books at 79p a pop on Amazon for having an agent who can command a little more for their efforts. I'm also willing to take a punt and say that those who have done well have done so partly because of the amount of time they are able to devote to marketing and promotion. And while I don't want to pee on anyone's parade when it comes to chart positions on Amazon, I wonder if the same books would rate so highly if they were priced at 3.99 or 5.99? Until 'indie' authors are able to command the same price for their work as mainstream authors - or at least a more realistic price that 79p - e-publishing, to me, still seems like a case of stack 'em high, sell 'em cheap. Please understand, I'm not knocking those of you who do it. I can see the appeal. And I understand only too well the frustration of taking the long road via agent and publisher. I may still buckle and take the Kindle route myself. I'm just not at that junction quite yet. x The other thing I'd be considering Sam, is that if you are not getting anything for your efforts now, it might be worth a go. After all, first time authors have quite a hard time to get anywhere even after a few books. Being on Kindle means a little money or maybe a fair return but also people are reading your work and who knows where that might take you? Something is surely better than a promise? True. And, as I said, I can see the appeal. But the situation is a little different for me as I actually have an agent. The work posted on here is kind of a sideline. After a difficult year and a half, I'm now working on my third 'agent' book; one I'm actually enthusiastic about and have real hopes might find a publisher. Hence, why I'm not so active on YWO at present. If this one goes nowhere, then I shall reconsider my options. x I get what you're saying, Sammy, I really do and I so hope that something good comes for you from your agent. What worries me about time being wasted hawking stuff around is the sheer volume of writers out there trying to get a place. Thousands upon thousands! You only have to see how many Indie books are listed on Amazon and Smashwords to see the competition. When you consider an agent can take months to even open the envelope. before chucking the MS on the slush pile and the fact that they only take on a handful of new authors a year, then it's small wonder people go it alone. I personally never bothered to go down the submissions path apart from my short stories. At my age now I simply couldn't be arsed waiting, but then that's just me. I'm very happy I took the path I did. I actually really enjoy writing, it's never a chore for me and I get such a buzz seeing the sales mounting up and chart placings on Amazon instead of YWO! But what I love most is doing it MY way, choosing a cover I like and not what someone else says I have to have. I'm a controller, I think! Like my own way too much. But whatever path you all take, the best of luck. For anyone thinking of "going Indie" I'm always around to answer any questions etc. Pam. Pam, I'm glad it's worked out for you. I certainly understand the buzz of doing it your own way, and doing it for yourself. Hell, it's why I'm self-employed. You're definitely right about the slog of getting an agent. And, of course, once you do, it still doesn't automatically mean you'll find a publisher. I've been with my agent for almost three years and I'm yet to see a publishing deal. Ah well, here's to 2012. x
'Stay away from your potential. It's like your bank balance. There's never as much of it as you think.'
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LTMS1479CSP
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Quote: pam1234writing, Friday, 21 Oct 2011 19:37Quote: Sammy, Friday, 21 Oct 2011 19:12Quote: LTMS1479CSP, Friday, 21 Oct 2011 18:41Quote: Sammy, Friday, 21 Oct 2011 18:07While I don't want to take away from anybody's achievements, the fact is that most people turn to e-publishing because they are unable to get published the 'traditional' way. Now, a few of those may end up doing well. But I'm sure the majority would happily swap hawking books at 79p a pop on Amazon for having an agent who can command a little more for their efforts. I'm also willing to take a punt and say that those who have done well have done so partly because of the amount of time they are able to devote to marketing and promotion. And while I don't want to pee on anyone's parade when it comes to chart positions on Amazon, I wonder if the same books would rate so highly if they were priced at 3.99 or 5.99? Until 'indie' authors are able to command the same price for their work as mainstream authors - or at least a more realistic price that 79p - e-publishing, to me, still seems like a case of stack 'em high, sell 'em cheap. Please understand, I'm not knocking those of you who do it. I can see the appeal. And I understand only too well the frustration of taking the long road via agent and publisher. I may still buckle and take the Kindle route myself. I'm just not at that junction quite yet. x The other thing I'd be considering Sam, is that if you are not getting anything for your efforts now, it might be worth a go. After all, first time authors have quite a hard time to get anywhere even after a few books. Being on Kindle means a little money or maybe a fair return but also people are reading your work and who knows where that might take you? Something is surely better than a promise? True. And, as I said, I can see the appeal. But the situation is a little different for me as I actually have an agent. The work posted on here is kind of a sideline. After a difficult year and a half, I'm now working on my third 'agent' book; one I'm actually enthusiastic about and have real hopes might find a publisher. Hence, why I'm not so active on YWO at present. If this one goes nowhere, then I shall reconsider my options. x I get what you're saying, Sammy, I really do and I so hope that something good comes for you from your agent. What worries me about time being wasted hawking stuff around is the sheer volume of writers out there trying to get a place. Thousands upon thousands! You only have to see how many Indie books are listed on Amazon and Smashwords to see the competition. When you consider an agent can take months to even open the envelope. before chucking the MS on the slush pile and the fact that they only take on a handful of new authors a year, then it's small wonder people go it alone. I personally never bothered to go down the submissions path apart from my short stories. At my age now I simply couldn't be arsed waiting, but then that's just me. I'm very happy I took the path I did. I actually really enjoy writing, it's never a chore for me and I get such a buzz seeing the sales mounting up and chart placings on Amazon instead of YWO! But what I love most is doing it MY way, choosing a cover I like and not what someone else says I have to have. I'm a controller, I think! Like my own way too much. But whatever path you all take, the best of luck. For anyone thinking of "going Indie" I'm always around to answer any questions etc. Pam. Hi Pam, I'll take you up on that when I'm ready. To me it sounds exciting. I've just downloaded your book 'Til I kissed you!
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LTMS1479CSP
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Quote: Sammy, Friday, 21 Oct 2011 20:17Quote: pam1234writing, Friday, 21 Oct 2011 19:37Quote: Sammy, Friday, 21 Oct 2011 19:12Quote: LTMS1479CSP, Friday, 21 Oct 2011 18:41Quote: Sammy, Friday, 21 Oct 2011 18:07While I don't want to take away from anybody's achievements, the fact is that most people turn to e-publishing because they are unable to get published the 'traditional' way. Now, a few of those may end up doing well. But I'm sure the majority would happily swap hawking books at 79p a pop on Amazon for having an agent who can command a little more for their efforts. I'm also willing to take a punt and say that those who have done well have done so partly because of the amount of time they are able to devote to marketing and promotion. And while I don't want to pee on anyone's parade when it comes to chart positions on Amazon, I wonder if the same books would rate so highly if they were priced at 3.99 or 5.99? Until 'indie' authors are able to command the same price for their work as mainstream authors - or at least a more realistic price that 79p - e-publishing, to me, still seems like a case of stack 'em high, sell 'em cheap. Please understand, I'm not knocking those of you who do it. I can see the appeal. And I understand only too well the frustration of taking the long road via agent and publisher. I may still buckle and take the Kindle route myself. I'm just not at that junction quite yet. x The other thing I'd be considering Sam, is that if you are not getting anything for your efforts now, it might be worth a go. After all, first time authors have quite a hard time to get anywhere even after a few books. Being on Kindle means a little money or maybe a fair return but also people are reading your work and who knows where that might take you? Something is surely better than a promise? True. And, as I said, I can see the appeal. But the situation is a little different for me as I actually have an agent. The work posted on here is kind of a sideline. After a difficult year and a half, I'm now working on my third 'agent' book; one I'm actually enthusiastic about and have real hopes might find a publisher. Hence, why I'm not so active on YWO at present. If this one goes nowhere, then I shall reconsider my options. x I get what you're saying, Sammy, I really do and I so hope that something good comes for you from your agent. What worries me about time being wasted hawking stuff around is the sheer volume of writers out there trying to get a place. Thousands upon thousands! You only have to see how many Indie books are listed on Amazon and Smashwords to see the competition. When you consider an agent can take months to even open the envelope. before chucking the MS on the slush pile and the fact that they only take on a handful of new authors a year, then it's small wonder people go it alone. I personally never bothered to go down the submissions path apart from my short stories. At my age now I simply couldn't be arsed waiting, but then that's just me. I'm very happy I took the path I did. I actually really enjoy writing, it's never a chore for me and I get such a buzz seeing the sales mounting up and chart placings on Amazon instead of YWO! But what I love most is doing it MY way, choosing a cover I like and not what someone else says I have to have. I'm a controller, I think! Like my own way too much. But whatever path you all take, the best of luck. For anyone thinking of "going Indie" I'm always around to answer any questions etc. Pam. Pam, I'm glad it's worked out for you. I certainly understand the buzz of doing it your own way, and doing it for yourself. Hell, it's why I'm self-employed. You're definitely right about the slog of getting an agent. And, of course, once you do, it still doesn't automatically mean you'll find a publisher. I've been with my agent for almost three years and I'm yet to see a publishing deal. Ah well, here's to 2012. x Hope it works out for you, Sam. Good luck for the future of your work with your agent.
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Sammy
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Quote: LTMS1479CSP, Friday, 21 Oct 2011 21:35Quote: Sammy, Friday, 21 Oct 2011 20:17Quote: pam1234writing, Friday, 21 Oct 2011 19:37Quote: Sammy, Friday, 21 Oct 2011 19:12Quote: LTMS1479CSP, Friday, 21 Oct 2011 18:41Quote: Sammy, Friday, 21 Oct 2011 18:07While I don't want to take away from anybody's achievements, the fact is that most people turn to e-publishing because they are unable to get published the 'traditional' way. Now, a few of those may end up doing well. But I'm sure the majority would happily swap hawking books at 79p a pop on Amazon for having an agent who can command a little more for their efforts. I'm also willing to take a punt and say that those who have done well have done so partly because of the amount of time they are able to devote to marketing and promotion. And while I don't want to pee on anyone's parade when it comes to chart positions on Amazon, I wonder if the same books would rate so highly if they were priced at 3.99 or 5.99? Until 'indie' authors are able to command the same price for their work as mainstream authors - or at least a more realistic price that 79p - e-publishing, to me, still seems like a case of stack 'em high, sell 'em cheap. Please understand, I'm not knocking those of you who do it. I can see the appeal. And I understand only too well the frustration of taking the long road via agent and publisher. I may still buckle and take the Kindle route myself. I'm just not at that junction quite yet. x The other thing I'd be considering Sam, is that if you are not getting anything for your efforts now, it might be worth a go. After all, first time authors have quite a hard time to get anywhere even after a few books. Being on Kindle means a little money or maybe a fair return but also people are reading your work and who knows where that might take you? Something is surely better than a promise? True. And, as I said, I can see the appeal. But the situation is a little different for me as I actually have an agent. The work posted on here is kind of a sideline. After a difficult year and a half, I'm now working on my third 'agent' book; one I'm actually enthusiastic about and have real hopes might find a publisher. Hence, why I'm not so active on YWO at present. If this one goes nowhere, then I shall reconsider my options. x I get what you're saying, Sammy, I really do and I so hope that something good comes for you from your agent. What worries me about time being wasted hawking stuff around is the sheer volume of writers out there trying to get a place. Thousands upon thousands! You only have to see how many Indie books are listed on Amazon and Smashwords to see the competition. When you consider an agent can take months to even open the envelope. before chucking the MS on the slush pile and the fact that they only take on a handful of new authors a year, then it's small wonder people go it alone. I personally never bothered to go down the submissions path apart from my short stories. At my age now I simply couldn't be arsed waiting, but then that's just me. I'm very happy I took the path I did. I actually really enjoy writing, it's never a chore for me and I get such a buzz seeing the sales mounting up and chart placings on Amazon instead of YWO! But what I love most is doing it MY way, choosing a cover I like and not what someone else says I have to have. I'm a controller, I think! Like my own way too much. But whatever path you all take, the best of luck. For anyone thinking of "going Indie" I'm always around to answer any questions etc. Pam. Pam, I'm glad it's worked out for you. I certainly understand the buzz of doing it your own way, and doing it for yourself. Hell, it's why I'm self-employed. You're definitely right about the slog of getting an agent. And, of course, once you do, it still doesn't automatically mean you'll find a publisher. I've been with my agent for almost three years and I'm yet to see a publishing deal. Ah well, here's to 2012. x Hope it works out for you, Sam. Good luck for the future of your work with your agent. Thanks, Catherine. Appreciate that. All the best with your writing. x
'Stay away from your potential. It's like your bank balance. There's never as much of it as you think.'
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LTMS1479CSP
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Thanks, Catherine. Appreciate that. All the best with your writing.
x
I'm having another bash at my story and this time forgetting everything and just being totally immersed in it, so thanks, Sammy. All good wishes accepted gratefully. I'm just off to do some immersing!
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marley_blues
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The self-publishing crew have missed the point!
I would love to see some indie authors--in a retail outlet. I know that in ten years time we're all going to be reading books from our ipads/kindles in some terribly inventive way, but the way I shop for books will still be important. I don't want to be staring at a list of badly edited e-fiction, by myself, at night- I still want to go into a shop and physically browse, with other people. Waterstones represent the last foothold on the high street- if they go down, amazons will take over for good. And one seller with no competition...you'll be getting less that 0.79 pounds for your e-book.
And btw, can you really imagine the self-publishers taking over? I suspect the people buying e-fiction like their specific genres r.e crime, women's and are fast at reading- you know, the freaky 0.5% of the population who bring 30 books on holiday! The other 99.5% who are pleased with 1 book/month(myself included) don't find the volume of e-fiction attractive. It's not like music where I can listen for a few seconds and move on- I have to invest in the story, which takes time, a week even...and 1 crappy e-book will be enough for me to go back to print.
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salvino bird
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e-books give the reader every oppurtunity to browse by sampling before buying.
I agree about bookstores and the lovely things that most of them are, but we'll appreciate them more soon as the best will be at the heart of reading communities.
There's room for all, but the book as it was makes little sense now, like the steam-engine or the hard-back only, or the leather bound illuminated lettering copies of the bible.
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salvino bird
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The agents are also now in their own dilemas. How can they honestly represent an author who can achieve such a better deal with Amazon if they self=publish? Quote: pam1234writing, Friday, 21 Oct 2011 19:37Quote: Sammy, Friday, 21 Oct 2011 19:12Quote: LTMS1479CSP, Friday, 21 Oct 2011 18:41Quote: Sammy, Friday, 21 Oct 2011 18:07While I don't want to take away from anybody's achievements, the fact is that most people turn to e-publishing because they are unable to get published the 'traditional' way. Now, a few of those may end up doing well. But I'm sure the majority would happily swap hawking books at 79p a pop on Amazon for having an agent who can command a little more for their efforts. I'm also willing to take a punt and say that those who have done well have done so partly because of the amount of time they are able to devote to marketing and promotion. And while I don't want to pee on anyone's parade when it comes to chart positions on Amazon, I wonder if the same books would rate so highly if they were priced at 3.99 or 5.99? Until 'indie' authors are able to command the same price for their work as mainstream authors - or at least a more realistic price that 79p - e-publishing, to me, still seems like a case of stack 'em high, sell 'em cheap. Please understand, I'm not knocking those of you who do it. I can see the appeal. And I understand only too well the frustration of taking the long road via agent and publisher. I may still buckle and take the Kindle route myself. I'm just not at that junction quite yet. x The other thing I'd be considering Sam, is that if you are not getting anything for your efforts now, it might be worth a go. After all, first time authors have quite a hard time to get anywhere even after a few books. Being on Kindle means a little money or maybe a fair return but also people are reading your work and who knows where that might take you? Something is surely better than a promise? True. And, as I said, I can see the appeal. But the situation is a little different for me as I actually have an agent. The work posted on here is kind of a sideline. After a difficult year and a half, I'm now working on my third 'agent' book; one I'm actually enthusiastic about and have real hopes might find a publisher. Hence, why I'm not so active on YWO at present. If this one goes nowhere, then I shall reconsider my options. x I get what you're saying, Sammy, I really do and I so hope that something good comes for you from your agent. What worries me about time being wasted hawking stuff around is the sheer volume of writers out there trying to get a place. Thousands upon thousands! You only have to see how many Indie books are listed on Amazon and Smashwords to see the competition. When you consider an agent can take months to even open the envelope. before chucking the MS on the slush pile and the fact that they only take on a handful of new authors a year, then it's small wonder people go it alone. I personally never bothered to go down the submissions path apart from my short stories. At my age now I simply couldn't be arsed waiting, but then that's just me. I'm very happy I took the path I did. I actually really enjoy writing, it's never a chore for me and I get such a buzz seeing the sales mounting up and chart placings on Amazon instead of YWO! But what I love most is doing it MY way, choosing a cover I like and not what someone else says I have to have. I'm a controller, I think! Like my own way too much. But whatever path you all take, the best of luck. For anyone thinking of "going Indie" I'm always around to answer any questions etc. Pam.
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Waterstones
21 Oct 2011, 19:37
