Expert: Now’s the Time to Be an Author
Is your industry getting killed with all the changes that are happening right now? We know people in real estate, banking and construction are running out the door in search of new opportunities. Here’s another one you may not hear as much about – publishing. Simon & Schuster, Macmillan and Harper Collins are laying staff off left and right. Salaries are being frozen or eliminated. Publisher’s Weekly predicts that 2009 will be “the worst year for publishing in decades.”
If you’re an author, though, does this really affect you? Dan Miller, author of No More Mondays, 48 Days to the Work You Love and Write to the Bank says no. People are reading more and now with blogs, podcasts and websites, it’s easier than ever to find an audience and sell books.
If you produce something of value, people will buy it. And with all the different distribution mediums its possible to create multiple products (books, ebooks, online training seminars) from the same basic source of information.
cassy on January 27th, 2009 4:42 pm
that is a great idea,in this time of global economic problem we need to be more practical and think on how can we earn money to survive this crisis,nice post!
Curt on January 27th, 2009 6:56 pm
That’s a great idea… but generating a living from writing takes many years to build your audience. A takes about 5 years to become a full-time blogger or about 3-books with 5-years of marketing to become a full time author.
That said, if you have the time and are an expert at something, then now is a great time to start writing.
T Edwards on January 27th, 2009 8:41 pm
One of my closest friends wants to write a book but he talks himself out of it because he has no idea of how to go about getting it published and to market. I’ve tried to explain to him that with the power of the internet, one can self publish and market their own work like never before. As far as time being a barrier to entry; I don’t believe it. If you write something worth reading, it will get read.
T
Scott Quitter on January 28th, 2009 6:58 am
It’s great that I’m not the only person who feels that good writing will always find its market, no matter the economic circumstances.
I’m presently writing a book about a system I designed for piano teachers to motivate their students to practice. My results had students practicing 30 minutes to 2 hours per day without being asked by their parents. I was a hero to the parents and the students.
I have no doubt this book will sell, regardless of the market for publishing. I plan on focusing on highly-targeted niche markets. I would have loved this book when I was just starting out as a piano teacher. I know there are others out there like me.
The fun part is, I’ll be blogging every step of the way–whether I succeed or not. Life is a learning experience…why not share it?
~Scott
@scottquitter
Scott Quitter on January 28th, 2009 7:02 am
T Edwards,
I think you’re right on target. Send your friend a link to this book review I did. http://isbw.murlafferty.com/2008/12/05/book-review-the-marshall-plan-for-novel-writing-by-evan-marshall/
I’m certain that this book will help. Even if he’s not writing fiction, the second half is all about editing and getting published. The man who wrote the book, Evan Marshall, is a fiction writing and an agent with many years of experience. He knows his stuff!
I hope this helps.
Scott
@scottquitter
Jaclyn on January 28th, 2009 12:17 pm
I must admit i’m a little shocked that publishing companies are having such a hard time. with everything that is going in the world today, most of the people i know are buying more magazines and newspapers then they ever have before just to keep up on what’s going on in the world rather then pay for expensive cable and watch it on the news or pay a large bill for their internet.
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