Created and hosted by the Ninja himself, Alex J. Cavanaugh, the Insecure Writers Support Group posts the 1st Wednesday of every month. Click here to learn more or sign up.
I was unable to participate last month due to addressing a medical emergency. I am still addressing health issues at this time, but I wanted to post anyway. I have doctor’s appointments today, but I will start visiting people beforehand and see how the day goes. I appreciate everyone who commented on my last post and gave me well wishes. I’ll be sure to visit all of you this month.
Optional Monthly Question: What is the most unethical practice in the publishing industry?
Right now, I feel very out of touch with the publishing industry. I’m not sure what the current “good” or “bad” practices are, but here are a few I think might be a concern. I guess these may simply be conspiracy theories.
Celebrities using ghost writers and not being transparent about it, or having more established authors put their names as co-authors on books they really had nothing to do with, in order to boost sales. I have no proof of this, but I, personally, doubt that James Patterson has co-written as many books as I’ve seen advertised. Still, the other author and the publishers have to agree to all this, so he’s not totally to blame (if this is even true).
No proof of this as well, but it’s curious to me how an indie title can struggle to reach an audience, break through and create a fandom, only for a very similar story or premise to be released by a more established author or a bigger publisher with an outrageous marketing campaign that buries the original indie book’s sales.
I’m also leery of up-and-coming or newly published authors from large publishers who manage to gain rave reviews from other best-selling authors and highly praised publications. Seems like, sometimes, more money goes towards marketing than editing and writing.
Like it or not, the Zon, is a major player in the publishing industry, and I don’t like that consumers don’t own their eBooks after purchasing through their e-reader services and devices. If I wanted to rent an ebook, I’d use their dedicated subscription service. These were two different things for a reason, at one point, but now, why do they even bother?
I’m eager to see what others have shared. Hopefully, others have something more solid than my theories to offer. I’m not healthy enough to return to YouTube, so no video this month.
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Personal Updates…
Currently addressing health concerns and doing very little writing and other creative pursuits.
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What publishing practices have you had enough of?
It may take some time, but I promise, I will eventually stop by your blog.
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After hanging out with Alex, be sure to stop by and visit this month’s co-hosts:
Ronel Janse van Vuuren
Natalie Aguirre,
Sarah – The Faux Fountain Pen,
and Olga Godim!
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Click here to visit other IWSG blogs and sites to receive and share more inspiration and support. (This month, I’m #22).
Thank you for making it this far down the virtual page. Kudos to you! I’d love to know what you thought of this post in the comments below. Stay safe and be blessed.
