Experiments

I've just started Goodreads Giveaways for my new novel, Red Hill Creek — print copies offered in Canada and Kindle in the U.S., per Goodreads requirements.
This is an experiment on top of an experiment. Red Hill Creek is also my first crack at self-publishing (or indie publishing, as some word it).
Three people who know the business warned me that self-publishing is not generally a well rewarded enterprise. Well, how could a person not respond to a challenge like that? What's life without a calculated risk now and then?
I've learned a lot about the current state of the publishing industry in the last several weeks. For one thing, it has taken on a shape largely invisible to the public.
On the one hand are tens or even hundreds of thousands of authors and would-be authors, most of whom will remain largely unknown. On the other hand are voracious readers who tend to need an endless supply of new books, especially e-books discounted down to 99 cents, even if most of what they read follows the same formula over and over.
In the middle are some very large distribution businesses and a cadre of professional editors who know how to connect the need to write with the need to read. I suspect that's where the real money accumulates.
Nevertheless, I'm happy that the system gives me a chance to put the new novel out to the public. The Goodreads Giveaway program looks like an effective way to let a few thousand people know that the book exists.
As for the self-publishing system run by Amazon and a few other large businesses, I'm happy that it gives me a chance to offer a book to whatever size of audience may eventually read it.
The story is about some general themes anyone can appreciate. It's also about the city of Hamilton, and is to some extent my way of saying thank you to the city for having been a great place to grow up.