| Since its introduction, the internet has made life | | | | return unsold copies but that doesn't make up for |
| much simpler. However, it has also caused drastic | | | | the lost revenue that the title caused by taking |
| changes in some ventures. Publishing a book is no | | | | up shelf space and not producing revenue. |
| different. | | | | So, what is an Author to do? You may be that |
| Prior to the internet, bookstores and libraries | | | | one in a gazillion that is picked up at a big |
| were the main resources for any type of | | | | publishing house, given advances and a fantastic |
| information. People either bought or rented their | | | | contract. But, it is unlikely. |
| reading materials. If you were looking for any | | | | Times have changed and so must authors. |
| type of reading materials, you got in your car and | | | | Nowadays, there are publishing companies that |
| were destination oriented. | | | | are truly looking for manuscripts but it is much |
| The downside of the internet gaining popularity is | | | | more of a joint venture. |
| retail outlets for books and informational material | | | | Authors are now being encouraged to purchase |
| have been forced to change the way they do | | | | large volumes of their own books. And, they are |
| business. | | | | expected to personally promote their book. |
| They no longer can carry all of the titles available. | | | | Publishers have turned the table and somehow |
| With the cost of brick and mortar, along with | | | | have forced authors into being entrepreneurs. |
| employees and standard expenses, the | | | | Some authors excel in this arena and others |
| bookstores must be far more selective in the | | | | won't even venture into the circle. |
| titles they carry. Therefore, publishers must be | | | | Although the internet had much to do with these |
| more on the lookout for that sell-out titles. They | | | | rather unpleasant changes, it is also a solution. |
| no longer can afford to take many chances on | | | | Many authors are now opting to self-publish. |
| unknown authors or chancy materials. | | | | Why not? Authors are writing, editing, purchasing |
| There still are those "Wow" moments (rarely) | | | | and promoting their own books. The only part |
| when an unsolicited manuscript hits the desk of an | | | | they have not done was print them. And, with |
| Editor and is bought up immediately. It will then | | | | the internet, printing is simply one option. You can |
| make it to a national bookstore chain and hit the | | | | print the book and begin your own marketing |
| shelves. How long it will stay there depends on | | | | campaign, or you can publish it on the internet as |
| consumers. If the book doesn't sell, and sell | | | | an ebook. Either way, there is not much |
| quickly, it will be packed up and shipped back to | | | | difference between that and working directly with |
| the publisher for a full refund. In general, | | | | a publisher. |
| bookstores ultimately only pay for what they sell. | | | | Some will call this "Vanity" publishing. So be it. |
| Retailers have total control of what is on their | | | | Taking control of your writing and its destination |
| shelves. They only make money when books sell. | | | | may be the path of least resistance and the road |
| Therefore, they are looking for the titles that | | | | to success. |
| actually sell. It may be much less of a loss if they | | | | |