Can self-published books gain respect?
By Marjorie Kehe | 05.27.09
“It’s rough world out there” for self-published authors, acknowledges IndieReader.com. Self-published works get “no respect from publishers and little attention from consumers.”
That’s why the new site (to be launched in June by public relations professional and author Amy Edelman) aims to offer self-published authors increased visibility. For an annual fee of $149, writers who sign up with IndieReader.com can feature their books on the site. They’ll set their own retail price and be able to keep 75 percent of any profits.
Readers will come to IndieReader.com, the group’s website insists, because, “People are naturally drawn to what’s unique and genuine…. They are tired of hearing about the next John Grisham, of taking their cues from traditional publishers who are afraid of what’s new, niche and different.”
“What Sundance has done for Indie films – making what’s outside the mainstream ‘cool’ – IR will do for Indie books and authors,” the site suggests.
Not every offering will be accepted by IndieReader.com.”We reserve the right to exclude books that don’t meet certain standards of quality,” states the website. “All books must be well written and offer something of value to our customers.”
Edelman told Publishers Weekly that although she plans to market the site to consumers, she believes that it will also “attract publishers and editors looking for books they missed.”
Those who do come will undoubtedly be looking for titles like “The Shack” a self-published novel that explores the question of God’s role in human suffering. The author, William P. Young, is an Oregon man and pastor’s son who describes himself as “a very simple guy” who “work[s] as a general manager, janitor and inside sales guy.”
Young says he wrote “The Shack” for his six children with no thought of a wider audience. The book is now a global bestseller – over 6 million copies sold – that will soon be available in 30 languages.
(Chapter & Verse readers are reminded that they can access the 5/26/09 Monitor Books podcast here.)
Comments
2. Philip Williams | 05.27.09
“The Shack” may have sold six million copies but it is awful. My sister gave us a copy at Christmas and the writing is limp,limp. There are so many “vanity publishers” out there that honest self-publishing would be a blessing if even a few John Clares are discovered, however.
3. Fabi Preslar | 05.29.09
This article makes a point that we found to be very true. That is, an author has to be “intentional” about getting the word out. SPARK Publications works with clients to self-publish their books. Our authors have seem great success when they make a plan to get the word out-create a “BUZZ” about their title.
4. Jack Joseph Prather | 06.10.09
Want to know why I chose to go the POD route with my 426-page modern epic novel “The Day of the Knights,” my 50-piece “Speaking Up in Poetry & Prose” and two public relations guidebooks? Well, after much querying, pitching and stalking of traditional publishers and agents (authors reading this know the drill), I went with PublishAmerica (which brands itself ‘traditional’). Oh, I evaluated the hit pieces about PA on the internet and asked a lot of questions before I realized it was my best choice. Although the cover price PA asks for my novel is too high and discourages sales, I purchase copies for my events during online discount sales. Also, since I’m an editor, I didn’t have to rely on PA’s editing promises (which are often unfulfilled, or so I hear). The great benefits are that neither of my books cost me one dime to produce, including artwork for the cover of the poetry book that shows the Statue of Liberty with a tear in her eye, if you get my drift, and the dramatic cover on The Day of the Knights. This isn’t a testimonial about one publisher: its a testimonial for careful POD research to encourage you to find the best outlet. Also, I’m looking to the new Indie Reader and Bookshop to help promote my books. Good luck.
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1. Mary Chase | 05.27.09
Come buy a SIGNED book and support an Author by being a Christian Author Angel at http://www.BarnabasWorks.com Where the mission is to support Christ’s message in today’s literature! Christian Authors are losing money self publishing books and have no cost effective way to distribute them to the world!