I follow a few blogs and many times I find something that I want to post, just because it’s so good. Such is the following, from Joe Konrath’s blog, “A Newbie’s Guide to Publishing.” He’s been writing for several years, first published in 2004 and has published 40 books, most are e-books and many are very successful-meaning they are selling big time. I love his blog. He’s direct, smart and shares his knowledge.
Here’s some of the quotes I want to share and remember myself for when I need a kick in the pants:
Joe Konrath Motivational Quotes
There’s a word for a writer who never gives up… published.
You want the real secret for success? Work your ass off until you succeed, no matter how long it takes.
Ebooks are forever, and forever is a long time.
When you’re learning how to walk, you don’t take classes. You don’t read how-to books. You don’t pay experts to help you, or do it for you. You just keep falling until you learn on your own.
Before you make the key, study the lock.
It’s about what you have to offer, not what you have to sell.
You have a better chance of getting struck by lightning than becoming successful in this biz. But if you really want to get hit by lightning, you can improve your odds.
No one is entitled to anything.
What are the last ten books you bought, and what made you buy them? Use those techniques to sell your books to other people. Do what works on you.
Hard work trumps talent. Persistence trumps inspiration. Humility trumps ego.
Praise is like candy. We love it, but it isn’t good for us. You can only improve by being told what’s wrong.
Your book is your child. You can’t recognize its shortcomings, any more than a proud parent can consider their child dumb and ugly.
The experts don’t know everything, and they might not know what’s right for you.
Fate is a future you didn’t try hard enough to change.
Anyone looking for you can find you. Get them to find you when they’re looking for something else.
Life gives you wonderful opportunities to conquer fears, learn skills, and master techniques. “I can’t” shouldn’t be synonymous with “I don’t want to.”
People seek out two things: information and entertainment. Offer them freely, and they’ll come to you.
Writing is a profession. Act professional.
No one said it would be fair, fun, or easy. But it can be worthwhile.
We’re all in the same boat. Start rowing.
If you can quit, quit. If you can’t quit, stop complaining–this is what you chose.
There are a lot of things that happen beyond your control. Your goals should be within your control.
Just because something is publishable doesn’t mean it will get published. Just because something is published doesn’t mean it will do well.
Write when you can. Finish what your start. Edit what you finish. Self-publish. Repeat.
The most successful people on the planet have one thing in common: nothing can stop them. Don’t expect to reach your goals without sacrificing things that are important to you. You can’t be both happy and ambitious.
Maybe you can’t win. But you sure as hell can try.
Always have two hands reaching out. One, for your next goal. The other, to help people get to where you’re at.
If you can’t be smart or funny, be brief.
If you’re not in love with the sound of your own voice, how can you expect anyone else to ever be?
Knowing you’re not original is the first step in becoming unique.
There’s a word for a self-published writer who never gives up… rich.
Category: E-books
E-Books and New Authors
For the past couple of days I’ve been catching up with my dashboard blogs. One of them, Joe Konrath’s “Newbie Guide to Publishing,” has an ongoing dialogue about publishing your work on e-books versus the ‘legacy’ big 6 publishers or print publishing. There are several valid points to consider when deciding whether to go e-book self publishing or through the traditional method.
Today the Wall St. Journal featured an article about the same subject, “Cheapest E-Books upend the charts.” The writer believes that 99 cent titles from unknown authors puts big pressure on the big publishers.”As digital sales surge, publishers are casting a worried eye towards the previously scorned self-published market.”
The link to the entire article is at the bottom of this blog.
Digital sales are surging. Just look at the latest figures from booktrade.info:
E-book sales growth showed no signs of letting up in February, increasing at an even faster rate than they did in January. According to AAP’s monthly sales estimates, e-book sales jumped 202.3% at the 16 publishers that reported results, hitting $90.3 million. The rest of the trade segments, however, all had declines in the month with adult hardcover sales plunging 43%, to $46.2 million at the 17 houses that reported figures, while mass market paperback sales tumbled 41.5%, to $29.3 million at the nine reporting houses.
Then we have the recent article that announced that owners of the Kindle e-Reader will be able to download products from their local libraries later this year. Humm, now libraries across the country will begin buying e-books.
To be fair, I need to let you know that the other blogger I follow, JM Tohline, has the opposite view. His post today reads, ” Hey look, I can avoid the fiery hoops of the Publishing World.” Some good points there too.
IMHO, I think one has to make a personal ‘pro/con’ list of what publishing path to take. One size doesn’t fit all and all that. I do think that self publishing, with an Amazon platform, right price point and hard work can outweigh the traditional venue. This is particularly true for authors who have already published books in the traditional manner and/or have name recognition.
Although I haven’t made a choice, the writing on the wall, for this newbie, has become more clear.
Although I haven’t made a choice, the writing on the wall, for this newbie, has become more clear.
alvaradofrazier.com 