Is it worth giving a shot?
RFW2nd
They should develop a rating system.
Note, it is tatamount to, if not actually, first publication. Anything posted there will consume that potentially most profitable right. On the other hand, as self-publication goes, it's low risk, low effort, no expense, and potentially high volume traffic. There is also potential for income.
One question I have is how much are people earning from publishing there. For me it would be a foray into the digitial self-publication marketplace; however, I don't have any story on which I'd want to exhaust first publication. It could be a valuable audience testing tool.
[This message has been edited by extrinsic (edited June 05, 2008).]
Was it Scott Seigler that did all the free podcast and got so much buzz that it launched him into a successful career?
perhaps it was another author, but all these new mediums seem to be shifting the way artist's works can be "consumed"
It seems that if you have unsuccessfully submited to pro rate markets that his could be a logical solution. Even if you make less than ten dollars on a story, it is comparable to what you would make in a token market. You also have more control it seems, and in theory it could do more to build a name for yourself.
Another outlet worth considering is Lulu, which is not a vanity press. It's exactly what it claims to be, a book manufacturer. Steep learning curve there, though, one that I've no problem with.
Lulu is probably not the best outlet for an emerging fiction writer to publish in, but it too has its advantages for writing consumers. I'm writing a nonfiction book for which I plan to use Lulu to manufacture advance reader copies. I'll circulate them to reviewers and selected targeted audience readers for marketing purposes.
quote:
I've never heard before that it was a drawback in terms of getting your first paid publication.
That is not the first publication I think extrinsic was meaning, I think first publication rights for that story--as in many publications won't touch it afterward--is what I think was meant.
Bent Tree, the only requirement for expenditure of money at Lulu is for the proof review copy. Even that's not mandatory if a project is withdrawn before release. It's all free until a book is ordered. You can order one, ten, a hundred, a thousand. Marketing packages range from $40 and up. The basic marketing package for self-publishing is for purchasing an ISBN, which might automatically get a title listed at Barnes & Noble and Amazon. The ISBN will get it listed in Books in Print.
How much software or computer time a consumer would need to purchase in order to post the manuscript in the mandated PDF file is variable. I have several applications that convert output to PDF. My preference is through Corel Draw. InDesign has the same capability. Quark, I don't know about nor any other similar apps. If you've got Adobe Distiller, you're in. I can't afford it and don't need it.
Otherwise, if you've got all you need, it's just a matter of time and effort, and whether that effort is worth it. Most writers I've heard from say it's not.
I've heard somewhere that Travis Tea's Altanta Nights has sold on the order of five hundred copies through Lulu, which I'm given to understand is a runaway bestseller in terms of self-published fiction.
I am going to look into this a little more. I have a knack for guerilla marketing.
One under realized potential in the creative writing marketplace is audio books. An audio book on CD or DVD or available for download might have higher sales potential than the printed word.
The interesting to me feature is a single book can be ordered at a time. Lulu uses POD printer/binders. They offer bulk discounts, more books, less cost. The first break point is 26. There is an upper limit that kicks in before they'll farm it out to a mainstream book printer. I think it's somewhere around five thousand.
I too have some interests and success in querilla marketing. One thing I've found is that most of my local booksellers, probably all, won't touch a book that doesn't have an ISBN. Other retailers don't care as long as the books move. I have marketed chapbooks successfully. One was a local history compilation that sold 700 copies. I published them in my home shop and netted $1400 over three years of sales.
quote:
One under realized potential in the creative writing marketplace is audio books. An audio book on CD or DVD or available for download might have higher sales potential than the printed word.
Do you think Lulu is cheaper than producing one in a professional studio? CD's that is?
[This message has been edited by extrinsic (edited June 05, 2008).]
Does this plan seem crazy?
Grant John
I say publish as you would if you had sold a story. I have one out to market on its second try. If I get another rejection on it, I intend on putting it up as a trial on this site. It is a flash, but slipstream and the speculative probably isn't that appealing to genre publications, so I will test the waters with it if it comes back a no.
I will be sure to keep everyone posted on my experience. It could take awhile though. I just re-submitted last week. Otherwise, I have no stories in my barrage that have been shot down by too many markets. We will have to see how there outcome unfolds. If the story does well, I might send them their after they have faced all the pro and semi-pro markets without acceptance.
I'd like to feel this new market out while it is still fresh. I will be sure to share the results.