This last weekend I attended a small weekend writer's conference at Rose State College in Oklahoma City. About 150 plus writers were in attendance. This was not a horror writer's conference and I was definitely in the minority at this gathering, but it was still a rewarding experience and a helpful one as well. I came to a few important realizations about my own writing career during the meeting and will list them in no special order below:
1. The stigma of being a Self-Published author is gone. When I first self-published 13 Nightmares four years ago, I was surprised to learn that there was a backlash in the industry about those who self-publish. That no longer exists in the industry (thank you 50 Shades of Gray) and now what matters is how well you write and your ability to reach the public by a platform. Don't get me wrong. Being published by a Big House or an extablished book publisher is still a great achievement, but the path of long years of constant rejection and knocking on a publisher's door in hopes they will pick you up is over. The power has shifted to some degree. The author appeals now directly to the reader through his platform and word of mouth. Publishers are taking notice of those authors who succeed in doing this with a proven track record. Crap is crap, though. If you put out an unedited book with poor cover and bad writing, you're going to be sadly disappointed. A book is your product and reflects you as a writer. Put the best book out you can and be proud.
2. E-Books are the way of the future. Don't get me wrong on this point. I love a print book that I can hold in my hands and read. (I'm currently reading the Fading Light Anthology that I ordered off Amazon). I don't even own a Kindle, but that's about to change. E-Books are outsellting print books and the number is increasing each month. Authors are bypassing the publisher and putting thier books straight up on Kindle, charging $2.99 per book, and are making money doing so. This process costs nothing and is easy, plus they keep the majority of the royalty. Many are making serious bank by doing so. As for me, I got to have it both ways: the printed book and the e-book. I am certainly going to push my e-book sales harder, however. The rule still applies. If you put nothing but crap up on the internet your reviews and sales will reflect it.
3. The author sells himself as well. This something that I've been falling short on. Your website is for selling your books. Social media (twitter, facebook, blogs) are for selling yourself as a writer. You are a brand name that sells your product. Gain a following on social media of you the author and the sales will reflect that. If you have a 1,000 fans and they spend only 20 dollars a year on your books you've made 20,000 dollars in sales. 1,000 fans is not an unreasonable figure considering you're reaching out to the whole planet on the internet. My own website gets 25 to 35 new hits a day from all over the world. Because of the e-book revolution people are reading more than ever.
4. Live the author lifestyle. Excercise on a regular basis to keep your mind and creativity strong. Write from your heart and show no fear. Put away your self-doubt. Write every day. Improve your voice. Writers are part of a noble calling and have changed the course of the world. Stand up and be heard.
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