Enjoyed this post very much. In pre-pub craziness right now with a new novel coming out in fall, so moving into the later stages of what you describe--and describe very accurately, to my experience.
Will do. Had a long conversation yesterday with Bill Patten‘s son, Sam, who is publishing a book this coming spring. I was reminded of your connection to Bill. Please give my best to Susan.
Interesting and informative article, Peter. My memoir, DAUGHTER OF SPIES, has just come out with Regal House, an independent publisher. Not unlike traditional publishing these days, I've had to do all the heavy lifting when it comes to marketing and publicity. Very few review outlets so authors are turning to podcasts. Here's a figure to keep in mind. About 2700 new titles are released EVERY DAY in the United States. When I asked Jim Milliot at Publishers Weekly how many books they review a year, he said, about 9,000. 4.5 days of books published...
Best option: return to 19th century concept of private limited editions. Bypass all the impediments. Pre-sell 1000 copies at 100 bucks each (or 2000 at 50 bucks each). Write the book, pay a copy editor, and then a book binder. Ok it's not a lot of money but it is more than nothing and your life does not depend on kids indoctrinated at elite universities killing off another book by a white guy about a white guy. or being dependent on marketing people who will fail to get your books into shops and then being dropped by your publisher AND agent because they blame you for your book not selling.
I'm writing one now and putting extracts up at substack ... will flog the book this way when closer to being done.
Thanks. You have the energy and commitment. Great start.
Enjoyed this post very much. In pre-pub craziness right now with a new novel coming out in fall, so moving into the later stages of what you describe--and describe very accurately, to my experience.
Will do. Had a long conversation yesterday with Bill Patten‘s son, Sam, who is publishing a book this coming spring. I was reminded of your connection to Bill. Please give my best to Susan.
Interesting and informative article, Peter. My memoir, DAUGHTER OF SPIES, has just come out with Regal House, an independent publisher. Not unlike traditional publishing these days, I've had to do all the heavy lifting when it comes to marketing and publicity. Very few review outlets so authors are turning to podcasts. Here's a figure to keep in mind. About 2700 new titles are released EVERY DAY in the United States. When I asked Jim Milliot at Publishers Weekly how many books they review a year, he said, about 9,000. 4.5 days of books published...
Thanks. We're singing the same song. The way to build Substack readership is to recommend. I'll do yours and please do mine. Best Peter
Best option: return to 19th century concept of private limited editions. Bypass all the impediments. Pre-sell 1000 copies at 100 bucks each (or 2000 at 50 bucks each). Write the book, pay a copy editor, and then a book binder. Ok it's not a lot of money but it is more than nothing and your life does not depend on kids indoctrinated at elite universities killing off another book by a white guy about a white guy. or being dependent on marketing people who will fail to get your books into shops and then being dropped by your publisher AND agent because they blame you for your book not selling.
I'm writing one now and putting extracts up at substack ... will flog the book this way when closer to being done.
In other words, self -publishing, an honorable course. And good luck. Peter
Thank you, Peter. I will offer you an opportunity to purchase an autographed copy when the time comes.