What future is there for small and self publishers?

What future is there for small and self publishers?

Looking at the present situation of ridiculously cheap novels in circulation and, I might add they are well made paperbacks with good covers, it seems to me that small and self publishers are going to find it exceedingly difficult to get a foot in the door when it comes to selling books. With books by top authors — some of them with two stories — costing three for a fiver, an unknown cannot possibly compete with either traditional or POD books. The cost of printing small batches is just one thing. Discounts and shipping costs mean tiny profits, if any. And that is IF books can be sold. Established publishers can afford to invest thousands getting an author known but they are unlikely to take on new authors unless they look very promising indeed. Pulping thousands of unsold books is bad for business.

Of course authors can do much to get known themselves but few make the big time. Good editing and attractive covers can help but the book world is still full of hopefuls trying to sell books that may be very good but will never make the ‘known author’ gold standard! It has to be an exceptional book for a reader to pay the same as he can buy up to six books for. Another add-on cost for books are those that are printed or published abroad.

It could be that as eBooks become more popular, the self-publisher and small publisher will both get better sales with profits per book to equal (or almost equal?) those of large publishers. Of course there is nothing to equal the feel of that first book in your hand. And that giddy feeling when someone actually says ‘please will you sign my book?’ What a thrill and yet a feeling of wonder too, when people actually want to read what you have written, and even more so when they tell you how much they have enjoyed the book. At that moment does it really matter that your book is not reaching best seller status?

It is rather lovely when people tell you that they enjoyed your book so much that they have passed it on to friends who also passed it on to friends and family. Not good for sales but at least it is READ and giving people pleasure. Isn’t that the purpose of every book?

What makes a successful writer?

What makes a successful writer?

A simplistic answer — writing books that are a 'must' read.
But there are thousands, if not millions, of titles that no one has heard of. Many thousands do not get into print, Of those that do, a high percentage are self-published and lack the 'stamp of approval' that known publishers provide, and without which. a book is unlikely to reach bookstore shelves. (God bless the independents that accept them!) Of course, those authors who are of celebrity status (not necessarily good writers) get the publicity needed.

But there is a different kind of success. To actually complete a novel, which can take many months to write, more still to complete edits and so on, is a success story in itself. You really have to WANT to write. Have to be inspired and be true to that 'calling'.

There is little room for a biography in the place provided so I am writing a longer one here.

I was born in 1932, the sixth child of working class parents. We had little more than a dictionary to read in our house. I confess that I would look through it to find rude words — like hospital. (Not rude? Well I found spit in the middle of it). If we had few books, we at least had comics each week — Dandy, Beano, and, later, Film Fun. Maybe not the most prestigious reading matter but they did help and encourage me to read books from the library. Having failed the oral part of the 11 plus, I later took a test to enter the Nottingham Junior Art School. The two -year course did wonders to increase my skills in all subjects.
At sixteen I worked in a clothing factory, training in designing. In less than two years I had my own workroom and was designing for the younger end of the ranges. It was this experience that later enabled to write my first book Awakening Love (which turned into a three book series).
After some years as a freelance designer I trained for teaching. This also has influenced my writing.
I took early retirement from teaching to train for Church ministry. Since I was engaged in duties usually the prerogative of male clergy, it might be said that I helped pioneer the way for women’s ministry within the Church of England. (No women priests and few women preachers, chaplains or women conducting funerals when I was licensed.) Being familiar with Church practices, and issues, enabled me to write When Angels Lie (initially with the pen name Richard L Gray.) Since the main characters are gay priests, I was told by a churchwarden that it would cause a storm in the church. So far only good reviews! (The book is now called The Dark Mirror by G B Hobson and to be published by Storm Moon Press)
Ten years ago, I gained a BA (hons) and it was the freedom I found by using a computer and the pleasure of writing my assignments that took me forward to writing fiction. Not only fiction but an illustrated, humorous book about my early years, When Phones Were Immobile and Lived in RED BOXES. I was a naïve and daft kid and this not only comes out in RED BOXES but a later book called Blazing Embers (initially with the pen name Angela Ashley), a humorous novel with flashbacks to the main character’s youth. Blazing Embers concerns a gran who watches late night TV and decides it is time to get some of the action! (Hubby not so keen!) (Now called Smouldering Embers by G B Hobson)
More recent publications: an anthology called Northern Lights with contributions from nine authors, and my own anthology, Still Waters Run Deep, stories of hidden depths.
The whole Trilogy — Awakening Love, Desire, Checkmate, plus Smouldering Embers, all in the name of G B Hobson are now to be published by Turquoise Morning Press

I have been married 57 years, and have three sons and six grandchildren
A couple of awards maybe, but alas, no glittering prizes— so far! But who knows... at least I have some very good reviews for all my books.

Blogspots: Writing For Joy http://askgranhobson.blogspot.com
See also Wrinkly Writers
Read chapters at Magpies Nest Publishing