Goodreads Authors/Readers discussion
III. Goodreads Readers
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Why don't more people read Self-published authors?
Melissa wrote: "I don't think it has ever occurred to me to check whether a book was self or trad before I read it (seriously, who looks at publishers?), and I have read a few (very few) really good self-pubbed bo..."I have to agree. I read a book by Dick Francis last year and it was junk. Badly written, boring, convoluted plot, cliched characters (an Irishman called "Paddy Murphy", for heaven's sake!) and yet it said on the front #1 Bestseller and all that. Not long before that I read a book called The Vorpal Blade by Colin Forbes. Worst novel I've ever read. The characters tended to "forget" certain information so they could discover it later. There were grammar errors and all sorts. It was a book that an editor should have been fired for at the very least.
I wonder if they stop editing the "top" writers after a while! They figure people will buy him/her anyway, so let's not waste time and money. An insult to the readers though.
It is quite frustrating to me that some authors who have made it "big" are quite content to churn out some schlock that wastes my reading time.
Hello, I would like to invite you to Smashwords Read an Ebook Promotion taking place March 04, 2012 - March 10, 2012.
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/730...
Use the code REW50 at checkout for 50% off my books during Smashwords Read an Ebook Promotion!
I am self published and to my surprise my first published book, "Mommy Can't You See... His EYES Are Always On Me!" is listed as #1 best seller in the US and in Canada at Sony website.
http://ebookstore.sony.com/subject/true-...
I am very excited that my first published book is doing so well. If you haven't already, I would appreciate if you took the time to read and review my book. Any support I can get from my fellow good reads authors or readers would be greatly appreciated!
Thank you!
Sincerely,
Carol FetterMommy Can't You See..., His EYES Are Always On Me!Carol Fetter
This link should work for the Sony website. Sorry for the inconvenience. Thanks again for your support.http://ebookstore.sony.com/subject/tr...
Mommy Can't You See..., His EYES Are Always On Me!Carol Fetter
This link should work for the Smashwords website. Sorry again for the inconvience. Thank you again for your support!http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/...
Carol FetterMommy Can't You See..., His EYES Are Always On Me!
Carol, no offense, but I think posting a link to your book HERE is a tad obnoxious. Try to post it in better places. Part of marketing yourself is not spamming forums and giving off the best impression of yourself.
Paul >182A writer must please himself first. Do your very best, then see what readers think.
Spot on Harold, when I've 'finished' a story/book,the first question I ask myself after reading through it is, 'would I buy it?'. If the answer is anything other than yes, then I've been wasting my time! 'cause if I wouldn't buy it then how can I expect anyone else to part with their dosh?All the best Paul Rix [oldgeezer]
AKA Timothy Pilgrim [the name I write under]
Elle wrote: "It seems that either people love to read self-published authors, or they refuse to. Why do you or don't you read self-published authors? Likewise, if you find a book that looks good but you find ou..."One of my goals (sort-of self-evolved on its own) for 2012 is to read self-published authors. I'm very interested in supporting "less known" authors and promoting the undiscovered writer. I'm hoping to share some of my "discoveries" on this site...as well as find new authors interested in being promoted on my site.
Let's support each other (self-published or not) in our quest to bring our stories to the public!
Annie wrote: "Carol, no offense, but I think posting a link to your book HERE is a tad obnoxious. Try to post it in better places. Part of marketing yourself is not spamming forums and giving off the best impres..."Hi Annie, no offense to you, but the only reason that I did post HERE is after being inspired by a previous post by you (below). I was taking your advice and getting involved in my own marketing and reaching out to my fellow readers. Thank you for your advice and sorry that you thought it to be obnoxious after I only followed your lead.
I believe that we are all on this website to share positive energy. I was sharing my positive news and hope to hear positive news from other authors. If asked and if I can, I will gladly support others who are trying to self promote.
(your previous post)
Well, as a reviewer/promoter, I feel that the biggest problem is that people don't know you. People aren't going to automatically buy your book just because you wrote it, even if you have a book that people have been buying. You also have to overcome the thought that self-pubs are lazy/sloppy in their work, and the best way to prove yourself is to roll up your sleeves and get involved with your own marketing. You have to reach out to readers. As an author, you have to either work your butt off reaching out to readers, hire someone to support your efforts while working on your own marketing stuff, or be prepared to spend some serious money to have someone take care of your marketing exclusively (if you have the means to do so and do not want to spend time doing your own marketing). I personally recommend that authors reach out to family and friends, get as many reviews on their books as they can, and hire someone to support them without spending a fortune. That's the best way to do it because I think the best authors are those who are involved in their own marketing.
Marti wrote: "Elle wrote: "It seems that either people love to read self-published authors, or they refuse to. Why do you or don't you read self-published authors? Likewise, if you find a book that looks good bu..."As a self published author of The Ancient Realm I found your comment inspiring. You are so right - let's support each other self-published or not. Thank you for posting such a nice and uplifting comment. Sarah
Carol, I did not establish a lead in this thread to follow. Much luck on your future promotions.
Sarah wrote: "Marti wrote: "Elle wrote: "It seems that either people love to read self-published authors, or they refuse to. Why do you or don't you read self-published authors? Likewise, if you find a book that..."Thanks Sarah! I believe sincerely in positive energy and the power of intention, good will and karmic response. "What goes around, comes around"...yes?
I've begun telling readers that self-published if done right is as good as well-know books.
In India, the eco-system is slightly different. In fact, on the discussion thread relating to 'book reviews' I had mentioned that I am more understanding of new authors during a review and do not bash them up for grammatical errors that slip in. New authors, who are either self publishing or publishing via new houses, are creative and imaginative but lack language skills.
Owing to this drawback a lot of my friends avoid reading self published books. However, I recently picked up a few and loved the books for the freshness of the ideas. The grammatical errors do not detract from the story per se.
I am a late convert to self published books/ books by new authors.
So many talented mid-list authors are going indie. There are a ton of excellent books that are indie published to enjoy. And there are new authors who are self-publishing that NY turned down, not because they weren't good, but because NY is focusing on the top 10%. The James Patterson's of the publishing world. They have to. Its a numbers business. While this has made it harder to get traditionally published, digital has opened new doors to these authors. The problem is because its so easy and fast, I think many authors are rushing their product out the door.
Clearly people do read self-published authors, but I'd guess most people just want a good read - and they're more likely to get it from titles that have had to get over the barrier of being accepted by a publishing house rather than simply take a chance with a self published workA
Jaq wrote: "Lubna wrote: "New authors, who are either self publishing or publishing via new houses, are creative and imaginative but lack language skills. "I hope this isn't meant as a blanket statement. If ..."
Reply: It isn't. I was saying it in the Indian context, where most people are bi-lingual and the English book market, penned by new authors is just opening up. There are many new writer's who write flawlessly, there are others who have tons of creativity and imagination but are not perfect. Here, I applaud them for their creativity. I think we will see a change as hopefully good editors will jump into the fray and help in bringing out better books.
We need an eco system wherein there are good editors helping new authors.
i agree with all those remarks i am a self publisher but this is also my first book its a childrens book and i didnt want any of my words changed for this one book due to the bully subject but i commend anyone that writes and is brave enough to self publish more should publish if we wait forever something good might not ever get read!!
Lubna wrote: "Jaq wrote: "Lubna wrote: "New authors, who are either self publishing or publishing via new houses, are creative and imaginative but lack language skills. "I hope this isn't meant as a blanket st..."
I think self-published authors come in all shapes and sizes, just like professionally published ones. I think the market will only really be taken seriously once more pro authors go it alone, as some are starting to do now.
Chris Ward
Chris wrote: "I think the market will only really be taken seriously once more pro authors go it alone, as some are starting to do now."I agree with you, Chris.
Marti wrote: "Chris wrote: "I think the market will only really be taken seriously once more pro authors go it alone, as some are starting to do now."I agree with you, Chris."
Thanks. It's the same with the music industry, artists turning their back on record labels and going it alone. It's happening right across the arts, however films will be the last to go because of their high production costs. There is a lot more to a good movie than special effects, though, predominantly plot, which is what Hollywood tends to forget.
Chris Ward
It's hard to break the friends and family barrier for sales by indie e-publishers, but if the book is good, well-edited, and promoted, I think it can eventually make it. I'm counting on it! I think series, or at least similar books, can succeed better because people will buy things they already know they like.
Re "I think self-published authors come in all shapes and sizes, just like professionally published ones. I think the market will only really be taken seriously once more pro authors go it alone, as some are starting to do now" by Chris Ward I agree with you, Chris. I am one of those professionally published scifi authors, beginning in 1988,who is now indie publishing several of my unpublished backstock novels, and also seeking ebook republishing of my prior publications. Several small independent presses are already putting out ebooks by "name" scifi and fantasy authors, such as Fantastic Books and Ridan Publishing, both of whom are also printing new titles by both established and newbie authors. My friend David Farland, a Tor fantasy author, has put out his latest fantasy novel under his own imprint, with his hiring of a cover artist, audiobook production, print production and ebook production. Dave has invested lots more money than most of us, but I am finding that the selfpub options of Barnes and Noble.com, Amazon.com, Smashwords and Lightning Source are all viable, low cost to author, means for putting out novels of ours that have been decently edited with good production values. Tom/T. Jackson King.
Unfortunately tons of good efforts are tarnished by a few badly edited/written books with poor storylines...and this is still what stands out. There are a lot of good books out there and authors have to keep on pushing forward. The tide will change.It's not a question of pro authors switching, because more and more are doing so. Authors have to produce quality work and do it in the best way possible, from the cover to the last line.
Here's an opportunity to read a self-published work for free.“Choose Your Future” one of the short stories from my collection “Kindling” is free to download today (11th March 2012):
UK – http://www.amazon.co.uk/Choose-Your-Futu...
US – http://www.amazon.com/Choose-Your-Future...
If you enjoy reading this story any reviews would be greatly appreciated.
Best wishes, Stephen Livingston.
Stephen wrote: "Here's an opportunity to read a self-published work for free.“Choose Your Future” one of the short stories from my collection “Kindling” is free to download today (11th March 2012):
UK – http://ww..."
Your links do not work
Hi, Lubna: the self-pubs I know use editors. I did. Some things fall between the cracks; however, this is not the norm.
There are always going to be those writers who publish their work too soon. The way digital has grown and the speed to which you can get your books to your readers has changed drastically. Add in the increased number of readers wanting their content on their eReaders has changed the face of publishing. More and more authors like NY Times Bestselling Author Bob Mayer are diving full time into indie publishing, and this has legitimized the this part of the industry. However, there will always be bad books and I believe there will be more bad books because truly anyone can publish. However, they won't last long. They will quit because readers won't stick with them. Readers stick with what they like. Readers are very smart people.
"Readers are very smart people. "Agreed, in general. If you write lousy books, a few people will buy and read, but they won't tell their friends.
Marketing is important, but having Betty tell Ann "You have to read _____" is crucial.
Joan wrote: ""Readers are very smart people. "Agreed, in general. If you write lousy books, a few people will buy and read, but they won't tell their friends.
Marketing is important, but having Betty tell A..."
Word of mouth is still the #1 thing that sells books.
I agree, word of mouth sells books better than anything. How did I get my plumber recommendation? Thru a neighbor. And in turn, told others. Now if I could only find a handyman...
Chris wrote: "Marti wrote: "Chris wrote: "I think the market will only really be taken seriously once more pro authors go it alone, as some are starting to do now."I agree with you, Chris."
Thanks. It's the..."
Interesting you bring up film and the indie production of books in that industry. My first book is going to film - picked up by an amazing production team that has over 27+ years each with large studio production companies. All of these people (there are six right now) have left the large studio companies to work independently producing film. The exec. producer and director are not daunted by the film's budget - they know how to get big money (and we're talking in the >$100mm range). Their focus is to get back control of their projects, hold onto the story line and develop plots in movies the way the books were written (as the director views it).
I have been told many times over by some big Hollywood names that selling to big studios relinquishes my story to whatever the studio wants it to be (eg: can go from PG to XX on a director's whim with my having no say in the process - even with an amazing attorney behind me and solid contract, both which I have).
Last month a day-long seminar was presented in Los Angeles by big names in books, spirituality and film discussing the importance of bringing spirituality back to screenplays and the film industry. I was blown away by the speakers and the information given. (Speakers included E. Tolle and Jim Carey, for example). The film industry is hungry for indie productions to succeed for the same reason the literary industry is. There is a shift in both industries moving in the same direction. I believe this is going to be universal everywhere in each entertainment genre.
Gives hope to those looking at self-publishing (by-the-way, my first novel was not self-published but I am seriously considering self-pub. for the sequel based on inconsistencies and poor management from the publishing company representing my first book).
Just my 2 cents....
Harold wrote: "Wonderful commentary. We self-published authors need a boost of confidence. What sympathetic readers can do for us is take a chance, read what we've written, and write a review. Take the chance ..."True. So, so true. Nothing more anxiety-ridden than waiting for feedback, good or bad.
Jaq wrote: "Chris wrote: "Lubna wrote: "I think the market will only really be taken seriously once more pro authors go it alone, as some are starting to do now.."That's what I've done. I've been traditional..."
@Jaq: What exactly would you mean by a collective? Such a system would be so useful in India. Because it is the lack of editing skills that are sticking out like a sore thumb in many cases.
Personally, I will generally only read self-pubbed work by authors who I'm familiar with already. I've read a few self-pubbed books by random writers, and honestly, the editing has been really sketchy. I have quite a good book-buying budget, but I want books that I know will be well-written, and I have zero tolerance for books with a massive amount of grammatical errors.
Karen wrote: "Personally, I will generally only read self-pubbed work by authors who I'm familiar with already. I've read a few self-pubbed books by random writers, and honestly, the editing has been really sket..."why didn't you use the sample feature? it's not liek you didn't had the chance to clarify this before buying the ebook.
The sample option is really useful. One can generally get a feel for things, and a good author will have drawn you in so you want more. After all, the paperbacks that put the first couple chapters of the author's next work in the back aren't paying for that extra paper just because they like to throw money around.Can you say "hook?"
Feel free to sample my book and consider that you are familiar with me. (chuckle- but I don't think you'll find lots of grammar errors)
Another point on Samples: Amazon offers a "mail yourself a sample" option on the right of every kindle book sales page, so you can read it on you reader at your leisure before deciding whether to buy.
why didn't you use the sample feature? it's not liek you didn't had the chance to clarify this before buying the ebook.I have a kindle now, but I certainly didn't always own one. Now that I can use the sample feature, it's only become worse. Some of the samples have been bad enough to warrant deletion almost immediately.
I'll stick to those authors I'm familiar with already, unless a trusted source gives me a good rec.
Something else that I've noted amongst self-published authors (purely self-pubbed) many of them seem to react worse to negative reviews than even traditionally pubbed authors do. Plus, I've witnessed a lot of unprofessional behaviour from some self-pubbed authors who found it hard to believe that a reader didn't think their work was amazing, and dare say so.
Some indie books are terrible BUT so are some traditionally published ones.
I never check to see who the publisher is. I don't care. I read the blurb and the sample provided by Kindle and if I like it I buy it. If it deteriorates badly after the end of the sample, I know I can ask for a refund.
I never check to see who the publisher is. I don't care. I read the blurb and the sample provided by Kindle and if I like it I buy it. If it deteriorates badly after the end of the sample, I know I can ask for a refund.
Heck, to the first someone who emails me at vlmbatman@hotmail.com, I'll send you a copy of my book. And feel free to review it too.
"Something else that I've noted amongst self-published authors (purely self-pubbed) many of them seem to react worse to negative reviews than even traditionally pubbed authors do. Plus, I've witnessed a lot of unprofessional behaviour from some self-pubbed authors who found it hard to believe that a reader didn't think their work was amazing, and dare say so. "I hate this. I'm a self-published author (sorry), but I spent 15 years submitting work to publishers and magazines (with some success - I sold 33 stories, had three novel requests etc) before I decided to try self-publishing, and the amount of unprofessional behaviour is unbelievable. Some indie-authors are very good and very professional and write excellent stuff, but the vast majority write junk and then whine when no one buys it. As far as I'm concerned, responding to a reader's review, whether it is good or bad, is the height of unprofessionalism, and the reason I won't "swap" reviews with other indie authors is because I tend to call a spade a spade and I'll likely upset people by bashing their baby, and have them revenge-review me back.
Chris Ward
Chris wrote: ""Something else that I've noted amongst self-published authors (purely self-pubbed) many of them seem to react worse to negative reviews than even traditionally pubbed authors do. Plus, I've witnes..."How is it unprofessional to respond to your readers? When I get a review, I say thank you. That was something that I learned as a newspaper journalist -- interacting with your readers is a very good thing. Responding to their reactions shows that you at least acknowledge them.
Lana wrote: "Chris wrote: ""Something else that I've noted amongst self-published authors (purely self-pubbed) many of them seem to react worse to negative reviews than even traditionally pubbed authors do. Plu..."I tend to agree with you, Lana. As long as you're respectful of the reviewer's opinions and don't react in a hateful, negative way if the review is less than flattering, I don't see anything wrong with responding. Not responding at all might give you the stigma of being too stuck-up or standoffish to even bother with your readers.
For authors with series, it's true that the first one should be free. I was hooked by several series that way.Word of mouth is the best way. I was so in awe by Susan Ee's novel that I've been pimping it to everyone at work.
I've had good luck with free samples. I always sample it first, unless it's free.
But I'm no longer downloading anything that don't state the page numbers on the description. I find that very annoying.
Jaq wrote: "Lubna wrote: "@Jaq: What exactly would you mean by a collective? Such a system would be so useful in India. Because it is the lack of editing skills that are sticking out like a sore thumb in many ..."Thanks for explaining.I hope this mechanism catches on and spreads across the globe.
I will read anything from a genre I like. I love to read and if you throw something at me, I will give it a go.
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Me too. Glad to see I'm not alone in this quite strange attitude: I am terribly tolerant of idiosyncrasies in other people's indies (where - I needn't say - there is a verve or imagination or the truly creative). But I'm a bit of a martinet at home. I'm not casual about mine.
While I'm here, I like indies because I don't know what's going to happen. I open an indie, there are NO guarantees, and I have a sense of adventure I'd forgotten about with vetted books. I'll pay the price of a few experiments in grammar.