1: I've been thinking about publishing and books and how little books sell in comparison to, I guess, in years past, but I've been thinking about it in terms of other art. Mostly so I can wrap my brain around getting art (writing) out into the world but realizing I won't be The Next Big Thing and a millionaire because of it. Most artists and photographers (the latter moreso before everyone had digital at their fingertips) sold originals and then various prints, giclée, open or limited edition, etc to bulk up sales between originals being sold. You can't sell to everyone, or even millions of people, unless you get a license agreement with a consumable goods company. So, why do authors and writers think we need to be selling thousands or millions of books? I mean, I know why---$$--but what if we worked like other artists do? 500 print edition and that's it! This is me just brainstorming, trying to appease the realities of being a writer now and really for all of modern publishing history. I guess that's why we have magazine and online submissions for an outlet for our writing, too. Most of the artists I know who even attempt to make a living from it do things like make their art into stickers, t-shirts, leggings and the like because it's just another venue to sell art. Anyway...I'm now rambling.
2: Community--this one is trickier as social media becomes a hoop jumping contest and the perils of phone addiction and dopamine seeking from those forms become so difficult that some of us are looking for other ways to build community. Substack is great but even it has its addictive sides. Figuring out how to have community offline can be hard, too, because you have to find the time to meet up in person, communicate with other people (often via a phone or computer) and juggle all the things as well.
I guess you can say, I'm in the stages of ruminating all of what you mentioned and accepting that reach is miniscule often and being ok with that.
I'm definitely interested in your marketing seminar but can't make it tonight due to other conflicts and will sign up next time you offer it.
These are super-interesting thoughts, Misti. I think of Seth Godin's ideas about the "smallest viable audience." If you haven't read THIS IS MARKETING, I recommend it.
Janisse, I have learned a lot of enormously helpful things from you in the past year, but community building is I think, the most important one. And you are a master at that. Thank you so much for your inspiration and guidance.
Thank you for sharing your writing and publishing business knowledge and experience Janisse. This evening’s webinar was very interesting, informative, and helpful. I’m no where close to writing or publishing a book, but your generous advice about marketing, promotion, and product is helpful for deciding what to write, how to write, “serve(ing) the community” and offering a product that offers change for a better world. Move(ing) a reader from A to B. - and “self publish(ing) by building your community” sparked an epiphany. I could imagine practical ways to do that here, where I live. Thank you always for the Rhizosphere and Trackless Wild communities.
Mark, yes! I think this is very important for you, because of where you live & how different your interests are. You can start building a community for yourself. Meanwhile, I'm glad we both belong to this one.
I'm published by PRH this month and second all this (though I'm in the UK so the numbers will be a little different). I've been one of the lucky ones but my editor and the PR team have gone to great lengths to impress on me the value of 'hand selling' - I've done a proof copy tour of local booksellers, a lot of focus is being put on in person events, and there is a lot being done with book clubs etc. On top of that my own platform on Instagram especially is seen as a place for me to keep building the community around the book. So yes, it's so interesting to hear this echoed back in a different sort of way. Thank you.
I tuned out of this session after hearing the cost of designers and publicists. I already know the cost of editors. This is one reason why I focus on shorter works. One item I appreciated was the section on making your promotional materials a work of art. I have done this in the past.
A few things:
1: I've been thinking about publishing and books and how little books sell in comparison to, I guess, in years past, but I've been thinking about it in terms of other art. Mostly so I can wrap my brain around getting art (writing) out into the world but realizing I won't be The Next Big Thing and a millionaire because of it. Most artists and photographers (the latter moreso before everyone had digital at their fingertips) sold originals and then various prints, giclée, open or limited edition, etc to bulk up sales between originals being sold. You can't sell to everyone, or even millions of people, unless you get a license agreement with a consumable goods company. So, why do authors and writers think we need to be selling thousands or millions of books? I mean, I know why---$$--but what if we worked like other artists do? 500 print edition and that's it! This is me just brainstorming, trying to appease the realities of being a writer now and really for all of modern publishing history. I guess that's why we have magazine and online submissions for an outlet for our writing, too. Most of the artists I know who even attempt to make a living from it do things like make their art into stickers, t-shirts, leggings and the like because it's just another venue to sell art. Anyway...I'm now rambling.
2: Community--this one is trickier as social media becomes a hoop jumping contest and the perils of phone addiction and dopamine seeking from those forms become so difficult that some of us are looking for other ways to build community. Substack is great but even it has its addictive sides. Figuring out how to have community offline can be hard, too, because you have to find the time to meet up in person, communicate with other people (often via a phone or computer) and juggle all the things as well.
I guess you can say, I'm in the stages of ruminating all of what you mentioned and accepting that reach is miniscule often and being ok with that.
I'm definitely interested in your marketing seminar but can't make it tonight due to other conflicts and will sign up next time you offer it.
These are super-interesting thoughts, Misti. I think of Seth Godin's ideas about the "smallest viable audience." If you haven't read THIS IS MARKETING, I recommend it.
Janisse, I have learned a lot of enormously helpful things from you in the past year, but community building is I think, the most important one. And you are a master at that. Thank you so much for your inspiration and guidance.
Thank YOU for your generous praise, as ever.
Thank you for sharing your writing and publishing business knowledge and experience Janisse. This evening’s webinar was very interesting, informative, and helpful. I’m no where close to writing or publishing a book, but your generous advice about marketing, promotion, and product is helpful for deciding what to write, how to write, “serve(ing) the community” and offering a product that offers change for a better world. Move(ing) a reader from A to B. - and “self publish(ing) by building your community” sparked an epiphany. I could imagine practical ways to do that here, where I live. Thank you always for the Rhizosphere and Trackless Wild communities.
Mark, yes! I think this is very important for you, because of where you live & how different your interests are. You can start building a community for yourself. Meanwhile, I'm glad we both belong to this one.
Janisse did I miss the link to the webinar?
Oh no. Matt, I'll be delivering it again. Sorry I'm just seeing this.
I'm published by PRH this month and second all this (though I'm in the UK so the numbers will be a little different). I've been one of the lucky ones but my editor and the PR team have gone to great lengths to impress on me the value of 'hand selling' - I've done a proof copy tour of local booksellers, a lot of focus is being put on in person events, and there is a lot being done with book clubs etc. On top of that my own platform on Instagram especially is seen as a place for me to keep building the community around the book. So yes, it's so interesting to hear this echoed back in a different sort of way. Thank you.
Congratulations on your new book! I wish you all the best with it, that it gets to the people who really need it.
That's very kind. Thank you.
Janisse, this is a treasure chest of information! Thank you, thank you, thank you!
I tuned out of this session after hearing the cost of designers and publicists. I already know the cost of editors. This is one reason why I focus on shorter works. One item I appreciated was the section on making your promotional materials a work of art. I have done this in the past.
Thank you for this incredibly important information.