How to ‘Fix’ the Book Industry
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There are many reasons for authors and publishers to get frustrated by the book industry. Lack of access to many mainstream retail and distribution outlets. Newspapers and radio stations that don’t seem to support new authors. Publishing houses that are mostly concerned with safe, least-common-denominator hits.http://reteks.ru
When these factors rip at an author’s heart, there are often two results:
Well, if you’re truly passionate about writing a book, walking away from it should not even be an option. And if you’re one of those creative types who wants to cure all the ills of “the industry,” here are some thoughts for you …
Changing the book industry is not unlike trying to change where and when the sun rises every morning. You can expend all the anger and energy you can muster, but the sun is still going to do its thing — blissfully unaware that you’re unhappy with it.
Stop trying to fix everything and change everybody else. Your focus on frustration just creates more of it. The best way to make an impact in areas that need improvement is to take Gandhi’s advice:
“Be the change you want to see in the world.”
Unless you’re Dan Brown or Stephen King, you won’t be able to influence the industry at large anyway. You can’t control what happens to the overall book business, but there is something you can control directly: How you conduct yourself and your own place in publishing. Focus on pursuing your book and its topic on your own terms — not terms imposed by the industry.
The more successful you are living by your own set of standards, the more energy and attention you’ll create. And if other authors are likewise successful operating outside the traditional lines, that influence will grow stronger.
Rosa Parks didn’t set out to change the entire civil rights system. She simply did what see thought was right and sat down where she felt she was entitled. That simple act of conviction created a social tidal wave that’s still being felt today.
Use that same philosophy as you work toward publishing your next book. Be the change you want to see in the book world. Steer away from people who don’t support your values. Find victories where you can. Build on them.
Through your positive example, people will take notice and … the book industry may be slightly altered forever. And that’s the best way to truly “fix” the book business.
To your publishing success!
-Bob
Hi Bob. Great advice. As a publisher, I can tell you that the industry is already going through many changes, quite a few for the better! Self-publishing, better online options/alternatives, print-on-demand, etc., are all forcing publishers to look at their businesses differently. If anything, I think many of these disruptive technologies, if you will, are only forcing publishers down from their ivory towers. I’ve been in the business for more than 20 years now (as both an author and a publisher) and I’m thrilled to see many of these changes taking hold!