"THE WAY WE WERE"

                                                        

                                            The Ever-Changing Publishing Industry

            We are all familiar with the analogy, "the more things change, the more they stay the same" Well, I'm here to tell you, this no longer applies.

            In many ways, the entire world has changed, and I doubt it will ever be the same again—some good and bad.

            We are experiencing events of which many of us have never seen before, and perhaps is only the start of future events to come.

            But let's talk about the good and leave the bad and ugly on the back burner for now.

            In many aspects, the publishing industry has taken a different direction; in ways, today's writers and authors can be thankful.

            No longer are you limited by the previous stipulations and entry into this industry by impossible guidelines of the past.

Now there's an easier path to obtaining your publishing dreams.

Self-publishing has kicked the door wide open for indie authors who have always dreamed of not only writing a book but publishing one also.

For all the world's aspiring authors, the change you might not have been waiting for or even knew existed is open and ready for you to display your talents.

Through indie portals, such as Amazon KDP, Smashwords, and Google Books, your avenues to living your dreams now have a cleared path.

Previously, books moved through intermediaries and sales departments. Now, both have shrunken, thanks to indie publishers.

In the past, for consideration of your book as marketable, you needed a reputable publishing agency backing you.

Aren't you glad that indie publishers are now part of this respected category? I am.

What was once considered exclusive has now become inclusive, not because they accepted every author with open arms, but because the competition has forced them to reconsider unagented authors, worthy as those with agents.

Now let me add this footnote, indie publishing is wonderful, but designed for writers who couldn't catch a break with traditional publishers.

And not for those who aren't serious about this business and only want bragging rights or a title.

We've come a long way and still have a journey ahead of us, but again the path is clearer and broader than before. Also, here's something more to consider when deciding which indie publisher is best for you.

Once upon a time, Amazon sales were 20-30% of the market. Now they are more than half and continue to increase as they offer and sign big-name authors to their publishing brand.

So remember, change is good and is necessary as we evolve from one level to the next.