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The Insecure Writer's Support Group
When I first got into this crazy business of publishing, as
opposed to writing, I was stunned by some of the ideas put forth as “truths.”
But being a newbie, I ducked my head and kept writing. It didn’t change the real
truth, one that too many writers either forget or never figured out. One very
serious problem I’ve witnessed over and over throughout my years of being a
published author is that too few of us realize our own value. This must change
- and it is changing.
There is no one more important to the publishing world than
the author.
The entire publishing industry rises and falls with those
authors willing to publish their intellectual property.
Without the author, there are no stories.
Without the author, there are no books.
Without the author, there are no readers.
Without the author, there is no publishing.
Each and every one of us is absolutely vital to our
industry. There are no exceptions.
Each and every one of us has something so unique to offer
that only the individual can provide it.
Each and every one of us is deserving of the respect of our
peers and our publishers. We are created equal and that equality has nothing to
do with sales numbers.
Each and every one of us is entitled to the protection of
copyright.
It’s 2016. Publishers need authors far more than authors
need publishers.
Let us always remember: Authors are the publishing industry.
Rayne
Website
So true. So many of us writers do not recognize our own worth. We wait or expect others to tell us how valuable we are. I like your article. I too want to be a published author. However, on one point I tend to disagree because I believe that the author and the publishing world need each other. No man is an island as John Donne said.
ReplyDeleteShalom aleichem,
Patricia
Here, here. Until we get to the point where a computer program can generate a story (which to be fair, isn't that far off), you still need SOMEONE to write the thing, even if it's done in committee or if it's not very good. We all have some value to share, and I sincerely hope that even after the machines start churning out bestsellers, there will still be some readers who prefer tales penned by bloodbags.
ReplyDeleteIWSG July
Wow, good words and amazing thoughts. I'm not sure if I ever looked at it that way. Still, I'm working towards getting anything published, then perhaps I'll feel that much more important, because it's so hard to feel that way when I keep struggling to get something accomplished.
ReplyDeleteThanks again for the post.
Thanks for stopping by the blog for IWSG. I've been published since 2003. I've "worked" with TEN publishing houses. When you sign a contract with a publisher, you lose control of your intellectual property. The wrong editor can turn your story into something unrecognizable.
ReplyDeleteWith that said, I do think anyone just starting out can benefit from and gain valuable experience through a publisher. In the long run, what you do with that knowledge should be what makes you happy.
Rayne, Good morning,
DeleteI just want to say thank you for getting back to us regarding your article. When I wrote my comment, I really wanted to hear back from you, because I felt there was more to it than you put there. Now hearing that you have worked with TEN publishing houses and that you are speaking from experience has really given me food for thought and got me thinking heavily. I am not saying that I will not try to go traditional but I am saying that I am considering both traditional and self-published. I don't want an editor changing what I've written and making my book unrecognizable. If that is the case, the editor should write his own book.
Shalom aleichem,
Patricia
Wow! This is a fantastic post. Your message really resonated. I'm self-published, and often I still don't see the worth in my writing. Anytime I find myself wondering why I bother, I'll come back here and read this post. Thanks!
ReplyDeletewww.smpace.com/blog