Writer's Workshop: Mapping the Authorship Landscape
Publishing is constantly changing, and writers must learn to navigate the territory in their effort to become authors. Self-publishing and digital platforms have made it possible to reach readers worldwide. However, this increased accessibility also means that competition for attention has risen. This article will address the competing routes of self-publishing and traditional publishing, strategies for engaging with readers as well as the writing community, and promotional tactics.
Entering the Market
When it comes to getting books into marketplaces, authors really have two options: self-publishing or the traditional publishing industry. Each route has its pros and cons:
Self-Publishing
Pros:
Greater creative control over the message and process.
Higher royalty rates (up to 70% for KDP eBooks), though if you are managing the entire sales and distribution infrastructure, then some claim as high as 90%.
Faster time-to-market; you won’t have to deal with a chain of approval, and my production time can be as rapid as a single month for ebooks and audiobooks once the manuscript is ready.
Cons:
Responsibility for all aspects of publishing lies with the author.
Financial investment required for editing, cover design, and marketing.
Traditional Publishing
Pros:
Your book will receive professional editing, formatting, and distribution handled by the publisher.
Publishers can provide access to established networks and marketing channels, tested public relations campaigns, and promotional channels like bloggers and podcasts.
Some believe there is a level of prestige and credibility associated with traditional publication.
Cons:
The traditional route is bottlenecked by agents or publishers who control the selection process.
Royalty rates are typically much lower than self-publishing (around 10%), which can also be affected by the publisher’s need to recoup any advance they made to the writer, as well as percentages to agents and management. The cost of established logistics is high.
There can be long wait times for publication, it can take years. Also, a book can be shelved indefinitely, and you need to be aware of what rights are claimed as well as consider third-party components like ISBNs.
The choice to self-publish or pursue traditional publishing depends on your goals, resources, and preferences.
Engaging with Readers
Beta readers, writing groups, and critique partners also play a valuable role in polishing your writing.
Alpha/Beta Readers & Listeners: Share early drafts with trusted alpha and beta readers (or listeners for audiobooks) for feedback on character development, plot consistency, and pacing as well as audio quality or reflections on the mix if you produce audio dramas with music and sound effects.
Writing Groups & Communities: Join online or offline communities of writers to share experiences, receive support, and participate in constructive critiques. Seek out organizations like the Romance Writers of America (RWA) or Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers of America (SFWA) to infiltrate their ranks.
Critique Partners: Trade reads with authors who can provide detailed feedback on your writing style, tone, and narrative structure. I cycle through a collection of writers and friends who I think offer insightful feedback notes on the material, depending on how I think their interests or skills fit the work.
Collaborations: Partner on projects (e.g., anthologies or podcasts) that expand your reach and create new opportunities for everyone.
Building a reader community is crucial in today's digital age, we are all constantly combating the algorithms of online spaces. Here are some strategies for connecting with readers to establish an audience and initial demand for your launch.
Social Media: Leverage platforms like Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok to share updates about your writing process, engage with readers, and promote your work.
Email Lists: As dated as the concept might seem, building a mailing list of subscribers interested in receiving exclusive content, promotions, or news about upcoming releases is still a valuable mechanism.
Online Forums: Participate in online communities like Goodreads and other review platforms, Reddit forums, or Discord servers to connect with readers or other writers and stay informed about industry trends.
Promotions
Promoting your work is essential to making a book successful.
Reviews:
Prompt readers to leave reviews on platforms like Amazon, Goodreads, or Bookbub. People are busy, so it doesn’t hurt to give them a nudge or reminder.
Reviews can significantly impact visibility via algorithms, credibility, and sales.
Podcasts: Leverage popular podcasts in your genre to reach new audiences and discuss topics relevant to writers. You can even produce a podcast tour. I’m always looking for guests as well.
Discounts & Giveaways: Some would recommend you run promotions or offer free books to generate buzz around a release, drive sales, or boost visibility on platforms like Amazon Kindle Countdown Deals. I don’t consider this a great tactic, but then I haven’t had great luck with giveaways. It seems announcing that there will be a giveaway gets more engagement than the minimal steps needed to actually win the book. However, I have seen free downloads in coordination with the
have moved a significant number of books.
Other promotional strategies include:
Book Signings: Organize events at bookstores, libraries, or in-person meetups to connect with readers and promote your work.
Events & Workshops: Participate in writing conferences, workshops, or online courses to learn from industry experts and network with peers to gain insights into the publishing process.
Summing up the Landscape
Take advantage of the ecosystem around you to create a holistic set of mechanisms for developing work and an audience. The landscape is vast. Give careful consideration to how you want to enter the market, engage with readers, and promote your books.