 |
| Photograph by KellyB |
A number of interesting things are happeing in publishing this month. Specifically 'General Market' or secular publishing but we see the effects trickle down into other markets. Publisher's Weekly reported that Dorchester, a publisher of mass market romance, has dropped its print publishing business in favor of an e-book / print-on-demand model.
This ties in with something Terry Burns wrote in his blogpost for From the Heart, Heartline Literary's webiste, an excellent post explaining the difference between self-publishing and print-on-demand. It seems that the idea of e-books being a growth market is catching on big time.
Speaking of technology. Writer's Digest recently posted an article on the Anatomy of a Writer's Website that was timely in its advice. They likened the author website to a business card and that it shows editors and publishers that you are a professional that can be reached by readers, or for assignents like articles and speaking engagements.
The article goes on to list some of the mainstays of the do-it-yourself web domains and some 'for hire' professional sites. The thrust of the article is clear though...Your blog and your book website are two different things meant for two different audiences. I urge you to take a look at the post.
Over all the trends in publishing and technology aren't unexpected. No one is hailing the reign of the e-book just yet or predicting the demise of brick-and-mortar retailers anytime soon. Small steps in the direction of more effiecient, less costly ways of doing business are the order for now. For writers, the message is clear. Keep honing your craft and refining your work because no matter what the venue...it still is all about the quality of the product.
Until next time...Go Write!
***update***
Judging from the comments, there seems to be some confusion over what the article says. The writer suggests using BOTH sites, the blog AND the book site, to complement each other.
I don't think its a matter of choosing one over the other, only recognizing the different audiences.