Is E-publishing for you?
There was a time when it was suggested authors had to make a choice ‒ traditional publishing or e-books. In this day and age, one can have the best of both worlds, via both digital download and print-on-demand versions of a book.
I went to a romance writer’s conference in Melbourne back in 2002 and felt like a fish out of water. I travelled 3000 km from a small regional town to the big city, seeking direction and inspiration. I was right out of my comfort zone. Many of the women attending this weekend function were already published writers of books, poems, and more. I distinctly remember one older lady being quite elated because she had finally become published after years of forwarding submissions to publishers. Of course, back in those days, my thoughts were … I don’t want to wait until I’m 55 to achieve publication. But I guess that’s life. Nothing happens until you are ready for it, and if the truth be known, I definitely wasn’t ready to unleash my books into the public domain.
E-books were relatively new at the time and seemingly not in favour. I heard during that conference that an author didn’t earn much from this electronic medium of publication and the traditional print publishing process was the more viable way to go.
Over the years, I have submitted my fair share of query letters to different publishing houses and magazines, all in the hopes that one day someone would respond with enthusiasm, but of course, they never did for one reason or another. The competition was, and still is, huge and maybe my style of writing just wasn’t what they were looking for at the time. But how does an unknown author get a foot in the door?
By the time 2014 rolled around, I was in two minds regarding E-publishing, but I liked the idea of my books being available to anyone at any time, day or night, as to pressing on with a traditional publishing house and having my novel sit on a shelf, not necessarily in a prominent position, only to be removed several weeks later to make way for someone else’s new release. I didn’t want to be pushed aside and possibly never thought of again … out of sight, out of mind. I wanted the opportunity to entertain people and provide a temporary relief from their daily routines.
Whether we like it or not, technology is changing the way we live and communicate, and making it more accessible for readers of all genres to pursue their passion. Keep the stories coming, I say, and add a little something to someone’s life.
