Authors are scratching their heads about the future of printed books and venting their frustrations about traditional publishers. “I know my book is good, but how can I get it published?”
Others are casting aside any dreams of traditional print books and are hopefully riding on the wave of EBooks. Electronic books seem to be the future of reading, but will our society forget what it feels like to hold a book in one’s hand?
Perhaps indicating the future of publishing, Janalyn Voigt can be increasingly seen as an example of an insightful blogger defining what the future of reading will be. Her take? Media books will appear. Face it; our society is addicted to the screen.
On the other hand, writer/producer/actor Gregor Collins speaks out about his unwillingness to give up on traditional publishing. He has a great book written and the guts to keep marketing it to publishers. His point? No one appreciated Van Gogh or Emily Dickinson in their lifetimes.
“Do not quit," he says, "before the world opens its eyes.”
Article comments
1 - Holly Weiss
The author apologizes that the link to Gregor Collins erudite article doesn't link. The correct link.
2 - Janalyn Voigt
Thanks for mentioning me, Holly. While I agree that media books will appear and gain in importance, I believe print books will still take the lion's share of the market. The "head" of publishing is expected to shrink no more than 10%. For one thing, it's proven that people read more slowly from a digital device. I suspect that will annoy some die-hard book readers. It remains to be seen whether the price points and instant access of digital books will continue to drive the market. Go here to read my 10 Publishing Predictions You Don't Want to Miss.
3 - Gregor Collins
Thanks for mentioning, Holly. May it be known that I absolutely believe self-publishing is a viable option and one that I've considered, however their are certain times you know you are sitting on something big that deserves to be brought to the public with a ribbon on it. Though creatively satisfying, being bogged down with the work and costs associated with self pub can really hinder this process. So people are telling you your concept is brilliant, I believe you should at least try and exhaust the agent/traditional pub route. But listen, I'm a Do-It-Yourself-Guy, if you are in the entertainment business and you are not, you are behind and will most likely quit due to your phone not ringing.
4 - Holly Weiss
Thank you for your comments, Janalyn and Gregor. You both make salient points.
5 - Jeanne Wright
Mr. Collins, I hope your book is published, but your advice not to quit until someone opens your eyes leaves you open to the possiblity of a posthumous publication.