Debunking myths on genetics and DNA

Wednesday, June 4, 2014

Insecure Writer's Support Group: What's up with Technothrillers?


This is a monthly event organized by the Insecure Writer's Support Group. Click here to find out more about the group and sign up for the next event.

I see this event, organized by the awesome Alex J. Cavanaugh, as an opportunity to share my writing drive. I'm hoping that what inspires me to overcome my fears and insecurities can help other writers as well. Last month I talked about grit. Today I want to discuss a post written by author Matthew Mather in which he shares his experience in the publishing world .

Read the whole post because it's a mind-opener: Mather tells his story, from when he was rejected by publishers, to becoming an acclaimed author (in just two years) and even selling movie rights for his last book, Cyberstorm. He's now sold foreign rights to one of the Big-5 publishers, but he still self-publishes in the US.

My first reaction after reading Mathew's post: What's up with publishers rejecting technothrillers that later go on and become bestsellers? It's become a pattern. People love technothrillers. The genre is indeed very successful, as Matthew Mather's experience is not unique. JA Konrath is another blatant example. I will be the next example. Um, did I just type that out loud?? Heh, sorry, that was wishful thinking that just overtook the keyboard. ;-) Seriously, though: AG Riddle. BV Larson. The list is LONG! All self-published, all in the top 100 Amazon bestselling lists.

Second reaction: What Matthew Mather is saying makes A LOT of sense. These days authors have to push their own promotion even when they publish traditionally. If the big publishers gave us the opportunity to just do the writing while they take of the rest (promotion in particular), then I'd have different thoughts on the matter. But today even traditionally published authors have to spend a good deal of time promoting and advertising. If this is the case, we might as well publish on our own and get a bigger chunk of the pie. After all, indie publishing is just another aspect of a global movement that's aiming at cutting the middle man: self-pubbed authors are providing their products directly to the consumer. The trend is growing and the message is clear: the consumers are loving it. They get good quality products for less than half the price.

Not convinced yet? Then go read this post, from which two points are worth highlighting:
  • "Very few authors who debut with major publishers make enough money to earn a living—and modern advances don’t cover the difference."
  • "In absolute numbers, more self-published authors are earning a living wage today than Big-5 authors."


26 comments:

  1. I took the leap to self publish after I had my heart broken twice by two publishers who went out of business. It's been a learning experience for sure. I do love having the control, but it ain't for the faint of heart.

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    1. publishing, whether self or not ain't for the faint of heart! I have many trad. pubbed friends whose hearts were broken...

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  2. I, too, am self-published--okay, a hybrid since I am pubbed by The Wild Rose Press, too. I like getting a bigger piece of the pie & I'm willing to do the work & hire out what I'm not good at (editing & cover). I'm doing just as much work for the self-pubbed books as for the pubbed by TWRP. Good luck to you!

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    1. I figure it's just as much work -- thanks, Diane and feel better soon !!

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  3. No matter what, you have to work to make sales. It's worth it, though. Do what you love and make it happen!
    Play off the Page

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  4. My publisher does some promotion, and I do the other half. And it is a lot of work. Not sure I'd be ready to self publish anytime soon though.
    Keep believing you're the next big hit!

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    1. that's my point, Alex! even half is a lot of work... :-(

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  5. Add me to the self-published, but I know I have to do my own promotion. The big publishing companies are getting out of hand, IMHO.

    D.B. McNicol
    Romance & Mystery...writing my life

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  6. I think it's on the upswing. Consumers know what they want and don't care where it's coming from. Self-publishing is on the rise.

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    1. it is and it's more power for both authors and readers!

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  7. I enjoyed your blog and the article. I love reading stories like that. I desire to be a hybrid. I will start out probably self-publishing. I like the term "Hybrid and Virtual Team" it sounds so cool, and futuristic.

    Juneta at Writer's Gambit

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    1. hehe, it does! you're so talented Juneta, keep at it and you'll succeed! :-)

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  8. Whether self-pubbed or traditionally pubbed, the writer has to put in a ton of work when it comes to marketing/promo...
    So either way, the keyword is hard work.
    Writer In Transit

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  9. There's still a whole section of readers who give self-publishing a wide berth. Those who become household names have a huge chunk of luck to go with their hard work. I imagine it will change, but slowly.

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    1. yes, it does take a lot of luck -- I noticed a lot of it is whether Amazon picks you up or not ....

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  10. Valid points by both of you. I have a friend who I guess would be considered hybrid published. What I've noticed from her is that it comes down to working hard, getting yourself out there, and having a lot out there to choose from. It seems to be working well for her.

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    1. thanks Shannon, yes, the hard work is the one essential thing :-)

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  11. No mater which route you take there is a certain dedication that can't compare to anything else. I find it exhilarating.

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  12. I wonder if some of it is luck & timing. The story needs to sell. If they can't sell it, it doesn't matter how awesome it is. :-)

    Anna from Shout with Emaginette

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    1. Well, people like Matthew can say that they thought they couldn't sell his book and they were wrong -- or at least he was able to prove them wrong. :-)

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  13. Excellent post - it's definitely hard work to self publish but so far I feel like it's been worth it. :)

    P.S. I started reading Chimeras last night. :)

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    1. oooh, I hope you like it! I'm eagerly waiting for your sequel, Kimberly ! :-)

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