The Future of Publishing: You Get to Decide

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The topic of my talk at the Y-City Writers Conference (this
past weekend) was "The Future of Publishing."



While I talked a bit about tech and gadgetry, what I really focused on was how much
power writers now have in deciding what their future is.



Meaning: Now, more than at any other time in history, there are more opportunities
and possibilities to write, share, and publish a story—and interact with an audience.



Are you passionate about the print experience of books? You can totally ignore digital
editions, and live up the physical. These
authors have done that successfully.




Are you tightly knit into a region or place that would treasure your stories? You
can write and publish successfully, building on strong community ties. Read
this author's story.




Are you after the traditional publishing experience—the professional partnerships
of an agent, editor, and publisher? You can still have that, too. Maybe it's not easier
than before, but the option isn't going away. It will still be there if you want it. Here's
an example of one author who decided she DID want it. (And
here's another example.)



If you go back 20 or 30 years, you were extremely limited in your options. There was
often only one way, and it meant pleasing a gatekeeper.



Now, you get to decide. What kind of experience do you want? What kind of experience
are you willing to work for? Perhaps, if anything, there are too many options—creating
paralysis. Writers don't know which path is best.



Evaluate your personal strengths. Evaluate the nature of your work and how it is best
presented. Evaluate what your audience wants. Find
that sweet spot to know how to move ahead.




Finally, don't forget: "With great power comes great
responsibility."




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