Web 2.O and Publishing Followup

What is involved with getting published and how is web 2.0 going to make a difference? After all, promoting a book is an arduous process.  Publishing houses want you to have exposure, figuring that if you do, you will sell more books.  People follow authors, and spend the money on them.  Does the social networking make any difference?

Some of the questions started bubbling up during a previous blog, and I thought it a good idea to explore it a bit. I was about to write some comments back in a dialogue with Writing, then decided it was too long of a comment, and it deserved to be just another entry.

First, a definition.  Web 2.0 is a second generation of web design and development, according to Wikipedia.  It encompasses everthing from designing the website to how it's used.   Businesses, careers, products, and arts can all be promoted on the web using blog sites, Facebook, social networks such as PNN, and professional groups such as HR Guru (human resources).  It's not as complicated as it sounds, but can make a huge difference for writers who are just starting.

No doubt having exposure on this blog has helped get my name out there as a writer, but don't put the cart before the horse. If you are going to become known as a writer you need to make build your writing reputation.  That means entering those "calls for submissions" whenever you see them.  These are not contests; they are usually compilations that editors put out to get work for whatever books they are putting together. Usually they are literary in nature.  They are a great way to begin to get your name out there as a serious writer and they will recognize you for your literary talent.  (By the way, there is tons of talent here on PNN.)

Writing contests that are around the internet are tough to win.  Think of the thousands of submissions these sites get versus the hundreds a regional writing journals will get.  That's why I encourage writers to submit for regional submissions.  Colleges, too, put out writing magazines that are known for their literary quality, and if you are going to promote yourself as a writer and get taken seriously, your name just needs to get out there. Think of it like building yourself a portfolio.

If you want to write and publish a book, blogging is a good idea in today's world.  Keep this in perspective:  just because you blog on a channel doesn't mean your fan base is big enough to publish a book. It helps to have thousands of readers to get noticed by a publishing house (and I sure don't have that!)  It also helps to be an expert in something such as gardening, designing, etc.  I was surprised to discover that a local woman here in mid central Minnesota is frequently publsihed for her work on decorating. Those books are gorgeous coffee table types, but consider that she has a doctorate on the subject. Talent, education, and the ability to write on a particular subject can be a huge help in getting published.

I subsidy published my little Abby story for my boys, and I'm glad I did because I cut my teeth on something safe. However, this fall I'm expecting/hoping to be published in a regional complilation.  Now here's  a question:  will blogging help promote that book?  It certainly didn't get me published.  The eiditor doesn't even know I'm blogging!  No, the work has to be accepted on it's own merit. However, I am hoping that as I build my portfolio, and maybe even my blog readership, that the two will benefit each other. I am hoping to convince him to allow me to put the book cover on this site, and maybe even reproduce one poem here.

Nothing will get you away from two basic things when wanting to publish a book:  1. Find a good agent to help get you published.  2.  Self-publish.

Agents are essential if you have an excellent book.  They meet with publishers over dinner and pitch the best of their books.  A good agent helps you edit.  And a good agent takes a cut of your profits, but you'll sell so many books that you won't care.

Self-publishing should be done for the audience for a niche market.  One such example are hospitals or churches that want to capture their history. Beware of self-publishers. Ask around for good suggestions.  One local family helped their daughter publish her book, and now Peachtree has made noises about picking it up. But if you ask that family, the publishing firm did "editing" that wasn't needed and then charged for it.  My subsidy publisher included all editing in their fee.  But for what I paid for that work, there is no way they can stay in business, so I know they are selling books.

Once the book is written and published, web 2.0 begins to play into it.  Facebook is a great way to meet other writers, but you have to have the time to devote to it.  It's a great place to put your book's picture and just let people see it. I should have a website for my book, but haven't done that just yet.  Getting name recognition through Twittering would be helpful, and that's my next move.

Yes, I'm working on building a career as a writer. I should have started when I was 20.  If you are in your early 20's and reading this, pay attention.  Start writing for those literary magazines now.  Build your career as a writer.  But if you are older, don't despair.  I believe most excellent writers come because they have gained life experiences.  Blog to build fluencey.  Blog to build a following.  Blog to build a career. Just blog. Remember, what you say on that blog is there for the world to see, captured for history.  Don't put on anything you might regret ten years from now.

Most of all, keep Web 2.0 in perspective.  Is it important for a new writer? Definitely.  Is it critical for someone who is already high profile? Not likely.  Is it the only way to "get your book out there?" No way.  Is it the "wave of the future?" Probably in some fashion.  For now it's just the way it is.  And that's good enough to know.