Published Authors

A place for budding and experienced authors to share ideas about publishing and marketing books
 
HomeHome  GalleryGallery  Latest imagesLatest images  RegisterRegister  Log in  Featured MembersFeatured Members  ArticlesArticles  

 

 Who is still writing books and publishing them?

Go down 
+7
Abe F. March
Al Stevens
Victor D. Lopez
joefrank
Don Stephens
Shelagh
dkchristi
11 posters
Go to page : 1, 2  Next
AuthorMessage
dkchristi
Five Star Member
Five Star Member
dkchristi


Number of posts : 8594
Registration date : 2008-12-29
Location : Florida

Who is still writing books and publishing them? Empty
PostSubject: Who is still writing books and publishing them?   Who is still writing books and publishing them? EmptySun Jul 12, 2015 10:50 am

How's it going?

I don't find it quite as much fun as when I started publishing in 2006.  I think a sudden gush of self-publishing and small presses has glutted the market.  It provides lots of reading opportunities, but so much competition for marketing.  I can't get in the newspaper any more and even blogs have become more selective.  Certainly popular blogs and reviewers are busier and  for some it's like submitting for publication.

I know we have one member who blogs and reviews pretty steadily.  Anyone else here do the same?  I don't see that a lot of forum members comment on his reviews or blogs, though.  Do you read blogs?  Reviews?  How do you select the books that you read?

I am presently reading a book written poorly that I can't put down for the emotional content. It reminds me of all the English teachers that can't get a novel published because they want perfection.  This person just put it on paper and Simon & Schuster published it in the TEEN imprint.  I know, I'm reading a book for teenagers and enjoying it.  I guess I'm regressing.
Back to top Go down
http://www.dkchristi.webs.com
Shelagh
Admin
Admin
Shelagh


Number of posts : 12662
Registration date : 2008-01-11
Location : UK

Who is still writing books and publishing them? Empty
PostSubject: Re: Who is still writing books and publishing them?   Who is still writing books and publishing them? EmptySun Jul 12, 2015 2:56 pm

I have stopped promoting and my sales have all but dried up. The hours of time taken to produce a few sales is not worth the effort. I enjoyed my ten years of publishing, but now I want to use my time to do other things.
Back to top Go down
http://shelaghwatkins.co.uk
dkchristi
Five Star Member
Five Star Member
dkchristi


Number of posts : 8594
Registration date : 2008-12-29
Location : Florida

Who is still writing books and publishing them? Empty
PostSubject: Re: Who is still writing books and publishing them?   Who is still writing books and publishing them? EmptySun Jul 12, 2015 3:46 pm

That's the problem.  It's either market or perish and I truly authored books and stories because I loved writing them, not selling them.  And, like you, my sales were directly proportional to my marketing efforts and maintaining that momentum is a challenge.

We had a good run, though, didn't we? I guess everything has its season.  Where are you putting your time now, Shelagh?  Your beautiful garden?
Back to top Go down
http://www.dkchristi.webs.com
Don Stephens
Five Star Member
Five Star Member
Don Stephens


Number of posts : 1355
Registration date : 2008-01-25
Age : 85
Location : Wherever my hat's hanging today!

Who is still writing books and publishing them? Empty
PostSubject: Re: Who is still writing books and publishing them?   Who is still writing books and publishing them? EmptySun Jul 12, 2015 4:19 pm

I’ve run out of ideas for stories, but more than that I’ve run out of the drive necessary to put in the time to write and market the work.

Between caring for my bride, three dogs and a garden I have trouble finding the time and/or the energy to sit down to read let alone write.

Who is still writing books and publishing them? DSC_0477_zpsw09mcpi9
Back to top Go down
dkchristi
Five Star Member
Five Star Member
dkchristi


Number of posts : 8594
Registration date : 2008-12-29
Location : Florida

Who is still writing books and publishing them? Empty
PostSubject: Re: Who is still writing books and publishing them?   Who is still writing books and publishing them? EmptySun Jul 12, 2015 5:02 pm

It seems my bubble burst all at once, from running out of marketing steam to actually reading either.  I used to devour books and I miss that passion.  And I don't have three beautiful dogs and a wife - though I have responsibilities that sap energy I need to place elsewhere.

Maybe everyone could list the books they currently have for sale and say something about the one or two they'd like to see find a rebirth, if only on our own forum.
Back to top Go down
http://www.dkchristi.webs.com
joefrank
Five Star Member
Five Star Member
joefrank


Number of posts : 8210
Registration date : 2008-11-04
Age : 75
Location : Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA

Who is still writing books and publishing them? Empty
PostSubject: Re: Who is still writing books and publishing them?   Who is still writing books and publishing them? EmptySun Jul 12, 2015 5:39 pm

7/12

                            Don..

                                   I want your poodles, love them , their gentle and so loving, I
     still remember the one I had she lived to be 10, heart failure, her name Gi Gi.. I
     never got another one, when she went my heart went with her...

                                                              Cheers..Joe
Back to top Go down
http://joseph-frank-baraba-artistwebsites.om
joefrank
Five Star Member
Five Star Member
joefrank


Number of posts : 8210
Registration date : 2008-11-04
Age : 75
Location : Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA

Who is still writing books and publishing them? Empty
PostSubject: Re: Who is still writing books and publishing them?   Who is still writing books and publishing them? EmptySun Jul 12, 2015 8:36 pm

7/12

                     Let's see I've written five books and did a photo book on Santa Fe and my
           three favorite books are 1. " Dusty,"  2. " Clara Layten- The Chelsea Murders," and
           " Murder On Society Road," All books are on Smash words, I originally had semi-wrote
           out lines for six books on Clara Layten ( Book cover on bottom of this page,) but I 
           can't use the manuscript because the publisher and we all know who that is still has 
           one year to go before they will release it back to me even though I own the copyrights,
           so I'll wait but the new cover is the one at the bottom because I can't use their's ...

                                                              Cheers..Joe.............. Who is still writing books and publishing them? 467915
Back to top Go down
http://joseph-frank-baraba-artistwebsites.om
joefrank
Five Star Member
Five Star Member
joefrank


Number of posts : 8210
Registration date : 2008-11-04
Age : 75
Location : Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA

Who is still writing books and publishing them? Empty
PostSubject: Re: Who is still writing books and publishing them?   Who is still writing books and publishing them? EmptySun Jul 12, 2015 10:12 pm

7/12

                  I was thinking tonight my first book I wrote and put way was " Clara-Layten
                  The Chelsea Murders,"  " in 1990  " Dusty," wasn't written until eight years
                  ago. So I have decided to continue with my photography and art, oh here's
                  a photo I shot several years ago here near the mountains of Santa Fe, NM.
                  I have been doing photography since 1976 , painting on canvas since 2001.

                                                        Cheers.....Joe.... Very Happy

Who is still writing books and publishing them? Darker10
Back to top Go down
http://joseph-frank-baraba-artistwebsites.om
Don Stephens
Five Star Member
Five Star Member
Don Stephens


Number of posts : 1355
Registration date : 2008-01-25
Age : 85
Location : Wherever my hat's hanging today!

Who is still writing books and publishing them? Empty
PostSubject: Re: Who is still writing books and publishing them?   Who is still writing books and publishing them? EmptyMon Jul 13, 2015 1:41 am

A Need To Kill
A Sixth Sense
Africa
Back Into Hell
Bearkiller
BRODIE JONES Mountain Man
Coming of Age
Cunning Tiger
Deception
Hunter
It's Not Wise To Piss Off...
Leave No Man Behind
Lumbongo
McGowan P. I.
Memories
My Time In Hell
Shadows From The Past
Soft Wind
Some Very Special Soldiers
Terror in Paridise
The Army Guy
The Assassins
The Business of Killing
The Contract
The Heart Of A Warrior
The Hitman
The Hunters For Justice
The Leopard's Lair
The Past Comes Hunting
The Protector
There's Only Today
They Just Disappeared
Under Attack
Wet Work

BEARKILLER was my first and still my favorite.
Back to top Go down
Victor D. Lopez
Four Star Member
Four Star Member
Victor D. Lopez


Number of posts : 984
Registration date : 2012-02-01
Location : New York

Who is still writing books and publishing them? Empty
PostSubject: Re: Who is still writing books and publishing them?   Who is still writing books and publishing them? EmptyMon Jul 13, 2015 9:57 am

DK,

We've all touched on the effect of indie books--especially free ones--on readership in the past. When everyone can write a book, the time will come when no one will read them--at least the self-published ones. Quality ranges tremendously in this wide-open field, and bad books outnumber good ones by a large margin. That makes it even harder for readers to buy (or even download free) our books. It's a shame, but there we have it.

Like some here, I don't put much effort into writing, let alone promoting, my indie books. I still write--constantly, in fact--I just don't self publish. I advertise only through Goodreads because it is very inexpensive, but at best break even with my extremely modest investment. I don't blog as much as I'd like either because time is a very real issue, and it is far too easy (and fun) to do this than it is to do real work.

I'm working on a third edition to one of my textbooks, Business Law and the Legal Environment of Business for textbook Media Publishing. I am also working on an article comparing the differences (and effects) of Good Samaritan laws in all states. Unfortunately, like Don and too many of our other friends here, I'm also struggling with loved one's health issues, especially my mom and dad who have no other support and live hours away and have very serious issues. I won't write about that, not any time soon at least.

As to my self-published books, my intellectual property reference book still sells, though very weakly and mostly the eBook versions. My Mindscapes short story collection sells a book or two a week on average in its audiobook format, and even less well in eBook and paperback. And the individual short stories also sell on accasion, but irregularly. I have a standing offer for an expanded version of my intellectual property book from a major scholarly book publisher, but i don't really want a $100 book that only libraries will buy and an occasional researcher, though it would I think sell well with those distribution channels. I may shop around for another traditional publisher for a modestly expanded edition that can sell for under $30, though I don't have time for that either at present. If I can't get an appropriate publisher within my price point and desired distribution channels for the book, I may look for an agent. I've sent out very tentative queries--three to be precise--to agents that deal in short story anthologies as I'd like to release my Mindscapes collection through a traditional publisher and that is impossible without an agent. I'm not holding my breath, though, for an established house to be interested in taking me on given my meager fiction output. I have never needed an agent for my non-fiction, including the textbooks and trade books, but time is a more precious commodity for me these days, so I may change that too--especially if a traditional, established agency were interested in pursuing the short story collection. Bad agents are worse than no agents, though, so I'm very cautious in that area as well, especially if I'm giving up 15% of my royalties. And too many so-called agents these days are about as useful as most vanity presses masquerading as small presses. It will be a cold day in hell before I pay any prospective "agent" a reading fee or agree to pay open-ended "administrative, copying and postage" fees for an agent's representation. Fortunately, I don't need an agent for the type of writing I do that actually pays, though a good agent would open doors for non-textbook projects that are closed to me.
Back to top Go down
http://www.victordlopez.com
dkchristi
Five Star Member
Five Star Member
dkchristi


Number of posts : 8594
Registration date : 2008-12-29
Location : Florida

Who is still writing books and publishing them? Empty
PostSubject: Re: Who is still writing books and publishing them?   Who is still writing books and publishing them? EmptyMon Jul 13, 2015 10:25 am

Don, that's a lot of books!  If they are all in print and in ebook I  hope they are doing well.  Joe, I hope you do well with your photography and art - many beautiful pieces shared with us.  Victor, I miss LC posting as she had textbook publication in common with you and seemed to find it quite easy to stay published and sell her texts.  Shelagh has quite a list of books, including some very nicely done anthologies and assistance to other authors on this forum.
Back to top Go down
http://www.dkchristi.webs.com
dkchristi
Five Star Member
Five Star Member
dkchristi


Number of posts : 8594
Registration date : 2008-12-29
Location : Florida

Who is still writing books and publishing them? Empty
PostSubject: Re: Who is still writing books and publishing them?   Who is still writing books and publishing them? EmptyMon Jul 13, 2015 10:26 am

I remember DT has lots of ebooks.  I wonder how he's doing.
Back to top Go down
http://www.dkchristi.webs.com
Al Stevens
Five Star Member
Five Star Member
Al Stevens


Number of posts : 1727
Registration date : 2010-05-11
Location : Florida

Who is still writing books and publishing them? Empty
PostSubject: Re: Who is still writing books and publishing them?   Who is still writing books and publishing them? EmptyMon Jul 13, 2015 10:27 am

Still at it. Sales are bumped whenever I add a title to my series, which I try to do every couple months. It pays better than playing piano in a whorehouse.

(Although the fringe benefits aren't as good.)
Back to top Go down
http://alstevens.blogspot.com
dkchristi
Five Star Member
Five Star Member
dkchristi


Number of posts : 8594
Registration date : 2008-12-29
Location : Florida

Who is still writing books and publishing them? Empty
PostSubject: Re: Who is still writing books and publishing them?   Who is still writing books and publishing them? EmptyMon Jul 13, 2015 12:50 pm

Having a series is a good idea.  How many are in your series now?  I like the way Shelagh includes her book covers in her signature here.
Back to top Go down
http://www.dkchristi.webs.com
Don Stephens
Five Star Member
Five Star Member
Don Stephens


Number of posts : 1355
Registration date : 2008-01-25
Age : 85
Location : Wherever my hat's hanging today!

Who is still writing books and publishing them? Empty
PostSubject: Re: Who is still writing books and publishing them?   Who is still writing books and publishing them? EmptyMon Jul 13, 2015 3:47 pm

All of them are in paper back and about half in ebooks.  I'm not going to get rich but it brings in a monthly royalty check that covers the dogs grooming bill. Very Happy
Back to top Go down
dkchristi
Five Star Member
Five Star Member
dkchristi


Number of posts : 8594
Registration date : 2008-12-29
Location : Florida

Who is still writing books and publishing them? Empty
PostSubject: Re: Who is still writing books and publishing them?   Who is still writing books and publishing them? EmptyMon Jul 13, 2015 4:16 pm

Mine were paying for groceries but the eatin's gettin' slimmer lately.  Not me, though.  Very Happy
Back to top Go down
http://www.dkchristi.webs.com
Abe F. March
Five Star Member
Five Star Member
Abe F. March


Number of posts : 10768
Registration date : 2008-01-26
Age : 85
Location : Germany

Who is still writing books and publishing them? Empty
PostSubject: Re: Who is still writing books and publishing them?   Who is still writing books and publishing them? EmptyMon Jul 13, 2015 11:35 pm

Shelagh wrote:
I have stopped promoting and my sales have all but dried up. The hours of time taken to produce a few sales is not worth the effort. I enjoyed my ten years of publishing, but now I want to use my time to do other things.
 I think my activity is more closely associated with that of Shelagh.

Although I have not made money on sales of my books, I value the experience.  Further, I value the knowledge and the friends I made in the process.  The only reward that means anything at this point is feedback that says something like: "I enjoyed reading your book and learned much from it." 

My current writing has been limited to writing posts.  Sometimes I think it is a waste of time, but then realize that it keeps me active and in touch with others who may have strong feelings about current events. 

Activity that involves medical problems has kept me engaged and diverted from any writing.  It is possible that my current activities involving "Myasthenia Gravis" may result in writing a book about "Searching for a Cure". 
I have met with the head Doctor at the Clinic where my wife is currently a patient.  Had a frank discussion with him.  Yesterday a visit to our family doctor and another conversation.  Each encounter is a learning experience.  The learning thus far has been one of learning that they don't know what to do and are experimenting.  Is that part of "practicing medicine"?  When it comes to a loved-one, using them as a learning specimen is not a comfortable feeling.  On the other hand, giving up is not an option.  Trial and Error is part of most research projects.  I remain optimistic for a successful outcome.
Back to top Go down
cjt
Two Star Member
Two Star Member
cjt


Number of posts : 51
Registration date : 2013-11-08
Age : 55
Location : Boston, MA

Who is still writing books and publishing them? Empty
PostSubject: Re: Who is still writing books and publishing them?   Who is still writing books and publishing them? EmptyTue Jul 14, 2015 7:13 am

I still under a five book contract, so I'm still writing. Even if I wasn't under contract, I'd still be writing since that's my hobby and maybe I'd just post them at Smashwords.
Back to top Go down
alice
Five Star Member
Five Star Member
alice


Number of posts : 15672
Registration date : 2008-10-22
Age : 76
Location : Redmond, WA

Who is still writing books and publishing them? Empty
PostSubject: Re: Who is still writing books and publishing them?   Who is still writing books and publishing them? EmptyTue Jul 14, 2015 5:21 pm

I am too busy with the doctors to write just now.
Back to top Go down
http://www.freewebs.com/acrooker/
dkchristi
Five Star Member
Five Star Member
dkchristi


Number of posts : 8594
Registration date : 2008-12-29
Location : Florida

Who is still writing books and publishing them? Empty
PostSubject: Re: Who is still writing books and publishing them?   Who is still writing books and publishing them? EmptySat Jul 18, 2015 4:31 am

Anyone else with publications?
Back to top Go down
http://www.dkchristi.webs.com
joefrank
Five Star Member
Five Star Member
joefrank


Number of posts : 8210
Registration date : 2008-11-04
Age : 75
Location : Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA

Who is still writing books and publishing them? Empty
PostSubject: Re: Who is still writing books and publishing them?   Who is still writing books and publishing them? EmptySat Jul 18, 2015 6:01 am

7/18

                       Does anyone know of a free program to convert a manuscript
   to a E Book ? I don't quite understand Smash Words conversion..Thanks

                                                    Cheers...Joe... Very Happy
Back to top Go down
http://joseph-frank-baraba-artistwebsites.om
dkchristi
Five Star Member
Five Star Member
dkchristi


Number of posts : 8594
Registration date : 2008-12-29
Location : Florida

Who is still writing books and publishing them? Empty
PostSubject: Re: Who is still writing books and publishing them?   Who is still writing books and publishing them? EmptySat Jul 18, 2015 11:51 am

Have you tried Kindle?  I found it quite easy.  My other option would be to sign up with an ebook only publisher to get them to format it. 

I'm glad you posted - I thought everyone went on vacation at the same time!
Back to top Go down
http://www.dkchristi.webs.com
alice
Five Star Member
Five Star Member
alice


Number of posts : 15672
Registration date : 2008-10-22
Age : 76
Location : Redmond, WA

Who is still writing books and publishing them? Empty
PostSubject: Re: Who is still writing books and publishing them?   Who is still writing books and publishing them? EmptySat Jul 18, 2015 12:22 pm

My books are available. I just don't market them and they don' t sell themselves.
Back to top Go down
http://www.freewebs.com/acrooker/
Abe F. March
Five Star Member
Five Star Member
Abe F. March


Number of posts : 10768
Registration date : 2008-01-26
Age : 85
Location : Germany

Who is still writing books and publishing them? Empty
PostSubject: Re: Who is still writing books and publishing them?   Who is still writing books and publishing them? EmptySat Jul 18, 2015 1:19 pm

Alice, it seems we are in the same boat.
Back to top Go down
dkchristi
Five Star Member
Five Star Member
dkchristi


Number of posts : 8594
Registration date : 2008-12-29
Location : Florida

Who is still writing books and publishing them? Empty
PostSubject: Re: Who is still writing books and publishing them?   Who is still writing books and publishing them? EmptySun Jul 19, 2015 5:00 am

I guess that was the hard lesson.
Back to top Go down
http://www.dkchristi.webs.com
Sponsored content





Who is still writing books and publishing them? Empty
PostSubject: Re: Who is still writing books and publishing them?   Who is still writing books and publishing them? Empty

Back to top Go down
 
Who is still writing books and publishing them?
Back to top 
Page 1 of 2Go to page : 1, 2  Next
 Similar topics
-
» Tim Knox - on writing, publishing, and marketing
» How Technology is Changing Writing and Publishing
» Black Rose Writing (personal publishing)...
» Favorite writing books?
» Books LLC -- publishing content from Wikipedia

Permissions in this forum:You cannot reply to topics in this forum
Published Authors :: General :: Chatter Box-
Jump to: