Into the Fire

Publishing is changing. The monopoly of name publishers is disintegrating and independent (indie) publishers are making their "end around" play for status in the industry. And succeeding. Yes, the big publishers still have a stronghold with their well-known NYTimes Bestselling authors, but those authors are carrying them. And through the years I've become convinced that several publishing houses aren't quite certain what to do with their "middle-grade" or "newbie" authors.

Marketing fiction is difficult, but e-publishing has flung open the doors to "cheap" novels and allowed for avid readers to purchase all kinds of books for their e-readers at little expense and lots of convenience. The emphasis to give away product(s) for promotion and all sorts of pushy hoopla has been diminished because just getting the word out about a new author's novel for sale from 99 cents to under $5 is a major prompt for readers to take a chance. So little to lose if they don't like it.

So what did you think would happen to the staid publishing industry? E-books have revolutionized the approach and dashed all the clichés about only "the best writing" making it into their publishing houses for production. Now anyone who can afford the nominal costs to produce an e-book can find multiple outfits to accommodate their desires. Not only that but independent publishing groups/presses are loading up on new clients, actually not demanding submissions via agents, and enjoying their new niches in the publishing market, producing both print and e-books. And no one is happier than the authors they represent.

Sometimes change is good, and the changes in publishing have shaken up the traditional publishing industry. They needed it.

Father, please guide all of us who write to the place where you want us to be. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.