Publishing Successfully Without a Net: A Myth?
Danny Goldberg wrote a book called Bumping Into Geniuses — as in you become a success as a music executive by walking around Hollywood until you bump into a genius.
Recently Goldberg was promoting his book on KCRW’s The Business where he said that publishing to the internet on your own and becoming a success is somewhat of a myth. You need someone to invest in you — invest time or invest money.
When I heard that I nodded quietly in agreement. That fits with my pro-publishing-industry bias and it fits with my experience.
A couple days later I was reminded that some authors become successful on their own simply because they don’t know any better. Terry Fallis appeared in my feed reader. He won Canada’s Stephen Leacock award for his book The Best Laid Plans. Not a traditional publisher in sight. Then M&S pounced.
Today I came across Julie Trelstad’s post “10 Things to Keep in Mind When You’ve Signed a Book Distribution Contract” at her Julie Ink. blog.
Both items made me reconsider Goldberg’s assertion. It is never been easier to succeed on your own.
Does Seth, Meerman Scott, Brogan, or the Problogger really need ‘publishers’ or would they do fine with distribution agreements? They are probably OK on their own.
But Goldberg also mentioned that U2 didn’t break out until their third album. Some talent needs time. He should know. And I think every acquiring book editor knows it too. If the longtail is a lie? And if 360 deals are a nonstarter for book authors then where is the wiggle room for upcoming talent?
How about if book publishers internalize the farm system? What if every a-list hardcover had a cliffhanger chapter from a c-lister appended at the end? What if publishers offered a book publishing beta program where young authors could find their audience? Has anyone checked out the revision3beta?
Authonomy.com is that kind of outlet. It is one of a kind and should be applauded, but it alone isn’t going to sustain everybody. Frankly traditional publishers aren’t very good at nurturing talent. They are too busy moving volume. A different mindset is required.
Journals, magazines, newspapers — those places where book authors have traditionally cut their teeth — are dying (some are dying, some are changing but that is a separate post). The great incubator of new talent is the internet. The great editors of the next generation aren’t going to be the ones that work hard or pay their dues or figure it all out. The great editors of the next generation will be the ones that go around the internet and randomly bump into geniuses. The time investment is still needed, the publishing house as-institution is not.
http://www.dannygoldberg.com/
thanks to KatMeyer
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