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These days, there are myriad publishing options available to those who wish to record and share their words and musings with others. Or for those who wish to simply write for the pure enjoyment of it. Anyone who dedicates the time to it can write, and then there are those who, having worked regularly to hone their craft, write well. Some write for personal satisfaction and clarity of mind, while others write professionally to pay the rent. There are journalers, journalists, web writers, web "bloggers", article writers and book authors. There are people who scribble notes on napkins, and others who write speeches for presidents. Yet all writers have something in common: they write, regularly. They face the blank page, the blinking cursor, and the wandering mind. They incubate myriad ideas for expression in the world. They write, rewrite, and write again. Some find the courage to share what they've written with the world, and subject their most personal efforts to the inevitable hammering of critics and "arm-chair" wannabe-writers. Like many others for whom writing is a primary or high-priority part of one's livelihood, I've experienced both the traditional trade publishing world — the books and a wide variety of articles over the years — as well as the work that I've elected to experiment with or publish independently. Mainstream Publishing For traditional book publishing, there are the large, corporate commercial publishers, and independently owned publishers who are still part of the traditional publishing world. Independently owned commercial publishers are lauded for remaining so during an era of acquisition by publishing conglomerates, who have made it difficult for smaller enterprises and non-famous authors to operate in the corporate-publishing system. Large corporate publishers almost always require a literary agent for entry, though as in sports, they're always scouting for bankable talent. Most publishers receive so many proposals that their book lists stem primarily from established authors and referrals from authors or agents. If you dream of seeing your book in bookstores, working with commercial publishers who are "part of the system" is the route more likely to lead to such ends. While it can be more difficult to get your work published by a traditional publishing house, their access to mainstream distribution routes makes it more possible to see your work in book stores, which are often, though not always, closed to small-press and individual publishers. This is even true of independently owned book stores, though you'd think they would be more supportive of independent and alternative publishers. Independent Publishing And then there is the world of true independent publishing, which includes very small, alternative presses and 'zines, and individual or self-publishers. Indie and self-publishing has a long and distinguished history, with our founding patriots and well-known authors such as Anais Nin, William Blake, James Joyce, Mark Twain, D.H. Lawrence, Virginia Woolf, and many others having self-published. The main priority for truly independent publishers is a love for writing, a passion for expression, and an unquenchable desire for communicating, not whether what's written will sell or be popular. This is one of the reasons why true creativity and innovation comes from edges, not from the protectors of the profitable, commercial status quo. Some indies — including some who also publish select work through traditional venues — elect to publish some of their own books, e-books, booklets, and other writings, using book manufacturers and freelance editors, and designers. There are several established associations that act as clearinghouses for resources and advice. As with independent film, art or music, some self-publishers prefer to remain independent, while others publish independently with the goal of getting picked up by a commercial mainstream publishing house. One avenue of publishing that many in the trade issue warnings about is the "vanity publisher", so proceed with caution if you choose to explore that path. With the advent of the web, of course, you can write and publish your own works — articles, e-books, journals, blogs — on your own web site. You can also find print or online magazines and journals that contain content aligned with your writing, and send inquiries proposing articles or the actual articles you've written. Cyberspace venues, such as blogs, also offer an excellent playground for exploring themes, daily writing practice, or enjoying a different type of writing than your primary genre. Take up your pen (or laptop), and write There are so many possibilities, and the writer's path can lead to wondrous insights and magical discoveries, particularly if you don't let temporary set-backs and closed doors stop you from finding outlets for your work. We hope this offers a doorway for exploration of the various options that serve you best along your writing journey, and in sharing what you write with the world. |
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Live your vision. Love your life. Ivy Sea Founder Jamie Walters and Ivy Sea collaborators provide skillful, realworld, and caring guidance to help catalyze your vision and revitalize your livelihood, communication, marketing, and leadership -- in alignment with your truest vision, values, and priorities. Do you want to find ways to write and publish as part of your life and livelihood, or to expand your reach in your visionary small-business or healing practice? Schedule one of Ivy Sea's dialogues, sessions, coaching series,or indepth consultations. Learn more... |
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| • Inspired Livelihood: Live True, Work Well
• Engaged Spirituality & Mystic Activism |
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WEB RESOURCES — Good tips about agents & publishers
BOOKS and DECKS
If You Want to Write, by Brenda Ueland. A fabulous little book about "art, independence, and spirit" which Carl Sandburg called "The best book ever written about how to write." The Publish It Yourself Handbook, edited by Bill Henderson. Though this book has an end-section of 'how to' tips, it's brilliance rests in its collection of real-world stories from real-world indie and self-publishers. It'll give you a whole new level of inspiration and appreciation for the truly independent publishing movement. Highly recommended. It's one of my favorites. Creators on Creating, by Frank X. Barron, et al, offers a collection that features many creative people - artists, writers, scientists, filmmakers and others - talking about their creative process. The Self-Publishing Manual: How to Write, Print and Sell Your Own Book, by Dan Poynter. This is considered to be the most prominent guide to "self-publishing." Covers everything from production, distribution, sales, and marketing. On Writing Well: The Classic Guide to Writing Non-Fiction, by William Zinsser. A must-have for any writer who is serious about the craft. The Observation Deck: A Tool Kit for Writers, by Naomi Epel. A creative collection of cards that prompt brainstorms and help get the words flowing. ASSOCIATIONS— Small Publishers, Artists and Writers Network |
