ISSN: 1554-0804
Issue 218
March 19, 2009Featured Product
Endorsement Quest
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In This Issue:
- This Week
- Fabulist Flash Recommends
- State of Self Publishing Revisited
- Submission Call
- 18Q
- Upcoming Events
- Book Cover Solution
- About the Editor
- About The Fabulist Flash
1. This Week
I've been working with several new clients over the past week, helping them decide how best to publish their books. These conversations motivated me to take a harder look at the current state of the publishing industry. It's changing very quickly these days. This week, I revisit the self-publishing vs. traditional-publishing debate.
One advantage to living in Las Vegas is that there's always some promotional event going on. My partner and I get into just about every drawing we can find. We figure, everything in Vegas is a matter of odds and eventually we'll win. Maybe the casinos count on this? Well, over the past week both Todd and I won a spot in a million dollar drawing at the end of the month. There are only 1000 entries, so combined we have a 1 in 500 chance of winning a million bucks! Think good thoughts in our direction...
Keep Expanding,
Gregory
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2. Fabulist Flash Recommends
Patchwork Path: Friendship Star
Mention friends and everyone has a memory or story to share. Choice Publishing Group (CPG) is collecting these stories and memories about, by, and from friends for their new book Patchwork Path: Friendship Star.
CPG is looking for original stories and essays from 250 to 2000 words about friendship. Each submission will be reviewed and considered based on creativity, originality, concept, and style. Reading will be continuous and submissions will be considered as they arrive. Not all works will be accepted. There is NO Entry or Reading Fee. The deadline for submissions is March 31, 2009.
Submission Guidelines
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3. State of Self Publishing Revisited
The self-publishing vs. traditional publishing debate continues. When writers ask me about the state of the publishing industry and my opinion on publishing options I've frequently said every book has a best way of being published. That might mean finding an agent and going the traditional route. Or, self publishing might be the best choice. There are advantages to both methods, I've always told writers.
I'm finding thought, that the gap between the two options is growing wider every day. It's becoming more evident to me that self publishing is fast becoming the best option for most book authors.
For years, traditional publishing offered three major advantages: 1. Distribution, 2. Reviews, 3. Warehousing.
It used to be impossible for a self-published author to get national distribution of their books at an affordable rate. This is no longer true. With the passing of time and changes in technology, these hurdles no longer exist. Using a POD printer like Lightning Source will gain you national distribution of your self-published book through Ingram Book Distributors, and Baker and Taylor also offers self-published book distribution.
Like distribution, it was virtually impossible to get reviewers to even look at a self-published book, let alone grant a review in the major papers. These days, we're watching more and more newspapers fold. Both the LA Times and the New York Times both accept and occasionally review self-published books. More importantly, with all the online self-promotion options, getting a newspaper review isn't all that important for authors.
Economy of scale was another advantage of traditional publishers. They have the space to print large print runs and store them in their warehouses. This, of course, cuts down on printing costs because the more books you print, the cheaper each book becomes. Most self-published authors faced the reality of a garage full of books, in an attempt to get printing costs low enough. Again, this is no longer an issue. POD publishers, like Lightning Source, make short runs affordable. Sure, authors pay a little more for each book to be produced, but the average book profit is still 3-4 times that of traditional royalties.
Over the past few weeks I've had three writer friends become traditionally published and two go the self-published route. The one, absolute truth is that they're all throwing themselves into marketing and promotion. A second truth: they're ALL basically going it alone. My self-published friends have a distinct advantage, they're going to see the financial results of their efforts in a larger earning for each book sold.
If you get the impression that I'm leaning toward self publishing, you're correct. With current printing technologies and internet marketing solutions, it simply makes more sense. Of course, you still need to write an excellent book that you can publish and market with pride. But, you were already planning on that anyway, right?
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4. Submissions
Patchwork Path: Friendship Star
Choice Publishing Group is seeking stories and essays about friends and friendship.
Submission Deadline: March 31, 2009.
Submission Guidelines: PatchworkPath.com
Patchwork Path: Wedding Bouquet
Choice Publishing Group is seeking stories and essays about weddings.
Submission Deadline: August 31, 2009.
Submission Guidelines: PatchworkPath.com
Presenters & Programs 2010
Advertise to 30,000 meeting and event planners in this full-color, glossy catalog from Fabulist Flash Publishing and Turning Point International.
Deadline: October 31, 2009
Details: PresentersandPrograms.com
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5. Michael G. Hurston takes the 18Q
Michael G. Hurston takes the Eighteen Questions
1. Did you choose the writing profession or did it choose you?
I've chosen to write, though I would not call it much of a profession as yet. I still have to keep my day job, for now at least, but in any case I have always found myself writing about all kinds of things. If you told me today that I would never have another poem, story or book published or read by another living being - I'd be ok with that. I write for myself.
2. What is your background? (education, work, etc.)
I was born in San Jose, but grew up in upstate New York, went to school in Connecticut, moved back to the Bay Area, traveled Western Europe for a spell and now reside in Las Vegas.
I never had the patience for college, though I tried to go to a junior college somewhat consistently for almost two years. I ended up working a lot of odd jobs, mostly with either print or web design related positions and found myself a Marketing and Design manager for a commercial real estate firm. It's been over a decade now with the same career, so I guess I must enjoy some aspect of it. Although I'll always complain about something if you ask me too.
3. When did you 'know' you were a writer?
You either write or you don't. At least that is my experience. I forget how the saying goes, but there are many writers in the world, but not a lot of authors. I think a good deal of people have more potential than they think, but are sometimes to afraid to put themselves out there. It's unfortunate because given the latest New York Times bestseller lists we really could use a change.
4. How would you describe your style of writing?
I spend most my time writing fantasy based fiction for role-playing games. So often my style goes from sober to laughable depending on if it's a gritty Ave Molech story or an Alice Wonderland tale or a supplement dealing with pirates or drug addiction.
5. What is your writing process?
I typically write a lot of notes and ideas down as they come to me, or at least try too jot them down when I get my hands on my computer or a piece of notebook paper. When I actually sit down to write I read them over, toss them out and then start from scratch. I'm rarely ever happy with my initial draft and will end up rewriting sections or whole stories over multiple times before I feel I've gotten it right.
6. What was your path to publication?
I had been writing a lot of poetry, which I was posting online since I was in high school, which wasn't very good. But it had some dark moody qualities that many people within my circle enjoyed. I have also been an avid RPG player since I was old enough to roll a twenty-sided dice, which lead me down the path of writing fiction based on various pen and paper games. Eventually I started on my own campaign setting for a world I called Ave Molech. At the time I had it finished Wizards of the Coast released Eberron and Privateer Press released Iron Kingdoms which both felt very similar to my ideas and writings. I then went back and reworked a lot of the game mechanics and stories and released my work under Morbidgames.
7. What is your favorite self-marketing idea?
I don't really market myself. This coming from a guy who has a day job as a Marketing and Design manager – I Know! While I can sell anyone on anyone else's ideas, I could never be a salesman for myself. Since writing isn't my primary source of income I prefer to take a back seat and watch news and buzz spread without any help. It's a huge ego boost to release a product and see people I have never met or spoken too posting about it on forums.
8. What are the biggest surprises you've encountered as a writer?
You mean you can't write a whole new book in a single evening? I kid, but really, my biggest surprise would be my wife's support. She's not into reading, let alone the thought of even purchasing a printed item that does not have pictures of the new hip young actress or performer of the week on the cover. Yet with that said, she's very loyal and enjoys talking to friends, family and even strangers who she feels would be interested about my books.
9. How do you inspire yourself? What are your sources of creativity?
I have still to figure this out. My brain seems to create ideas and thoughts at the most random of times and I often find myself either at work or in the middle of the night springing up to write down a sentence or two and decipher it's meaning at a later time.
10. What is your proudest writer moment?
Definitely the release of Ave Molech second edition. I got my favorite artist in the world Brom to let me use one of his drawings for my cover. He didn't gouge me on the price like he could have, instead he new I was doing the independent publisher thing and gave me a great deal. He honestly is one of the nicest guys out there.
11. What's the best advice you were given about writing?
If you want to write, write. Really, there isn't any other way around it, and that short statement works for anything you do in life. Whatever it is you want to do, do it.
12. What is your most embarrassing writer moment?
The first edition of Ave Molech had several spelling and grammar mistakes that neither my editors nor myself caught and we got flamed for it pretty bad. Since then I've learned to always have someone not working with you take a look at pieces before they go out to print.
13. What business challenges have you faced as a writer?
Hiring people. It's been really difficult to find people, which is surprising, especially in today's economy. I've been trying to hire some authors to do some supplements to my RPG world, and while I have a lot of people who have offered to do it for free and submitted partial items, I can't find anyone who wants to actually work on specific projects I give them for a monetary value. Not that I'm apposed to free help, but I've found that the people willing to work for free can sometimes flake on you since they don't really have any vested interest in helping you.
14. What is your writer life philosophy?
This question sounds pretentious to me. I believe it must be a trick.
15. When you're not writing what do you do for fun?
I play a lot of RPG, mostly on the computer or my consoles these days, but I'm always looking for a fun group of people to game with. My wife and I enjoy wine tasting and good conversations with strangers at the local pubs or at a friend's house. Our teacup yorkie and chinchilla keep us busy as well.
16. Who do you like to read?
It depends on which genre I'm in the mood for. If it's something slightly modern I'd reread one of my many Bukowski books. If I'm looking for fantasy I'd probably grab a Weiss and Hickman novel. For cutting edge new fiction I'd head to one of the many online PDF publishers for some independent pieces. Of course with that said, the last book I just finished reading for enjoyment was I Am American (And So Can You!) by Stephen Colbert.
17. What's your advice for new writers?
Don't stop writing. Ever.
18. What are you currently working on?
With Ave Molech Second Edition out, I have a novel I am currently working on that fleshes out more of the story behind the campaign setting as well as I am working on a short story I've loosely titled Alice Wonderland and the Abyssal Rabbit Hole to Perditious Netherland. Also there is always the Ave Molech Journal series I have which I hope to release the 5th installment before this summer.
Bibliography
Ave Molech
Read more 18Q interviews
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6. Upcoming Events
March 25
Writer's Pen & Grill
A social evening for writers in Las Vegas, NV
April 9-12
Clark County Fair & Rodeo
Fabulist Flash Publishing & Choice Publishing Group co-host an exhibitor's booth for published authors. Details
April 16-18
Las Vegas Writer’s Conference
Gregory will present Internet ACE: Online Self Promotion
April 29
Meet the Authors
(Clark County Library, NV)
Gregory, and members of Laudably Tarnished: A Poetry Workshop, host a poetry workshop.
June 18
Las Vegas Writer's Group
Gregory presents 21 Elements of an Author Media Kit
July 29
Meet the Authors
(Clark County Library, NV)
Gregory and the production/publishing team for the Patchwork Path anthology series host a Q&A panel on getting published in anthologies
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7. Book Cover Solution
BookCoverPro was designed with a lot of thought, time, and attention to the specific design needs of a bookwriter. Sure, anyone can use those big name programs to create their cover...if they want to spend $800 and up, and take the extra time to learn and apply a program that can be quite daunting, not to mention frustrating at times, to master. On the other hand, a professional (and good!) book cover designer can easily charge $1000 and higher. BookCoverPro was created for the busy self-publisher who wants quality design and complete control of his/her project, while maintaining an often tight budget and deadline. This program allows the user to either create a custom cover from scratch, or select one of our templates and/or backgrounds – using their own images, fonts, and other elements.
Click here to visit BookCoverPro website!
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8. About the Editor
Gregory A. Kompes
Gregory A. Kompes (www.kompes.com), The Writerpreneur, is the author of the bestselling 50 Fabulous Gay-Friendly Places to Live, and the Writer’s Series that includes Endorsement Quest, Your Online Media Kit and Should You Write an eBook. He is also a contributor to The Complete Writer’s Journal, Writer’s Bloc I, Writer’s Bloc II, Chopped Liver for the Gentle Spirit, and Chopped Liver for the Kindred Spirit. Gregory speaks frequently on internet marketing and publishing at writer and speaker events and conferences. He also teaches an interactive, ten-week, online course: Internet ACE: Online Self Promotion. The author is a monthly columnist for Writers on the Rise, Production Director for Presenters & Programs, and editor of The Fabulist Flash, an informative newsletter for writers, and the award winning Eighteen Questions, a Q&A series that collects and shares the experiences of published authors. Gregory is co-founder of the Patchwork Path anthology series, Presenters & Programs (the Premier Catalog of Speakers), and the Writer’s Pen & Grill, a writer’s social evening held monthly in Las Vegas, NV. Gregory holds a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from Columbia University, New York, a Certificate in Online Teaching and Learning, and a Masters of Science in Education from California State University, East Bay.
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9. About The Fabulist Flash
ISSN: 1554-0804
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The Fabulist Flash
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