Yesterday's post on the free Writer's Digest ebooks raised some interesting questions. It seems that at least in the case of author Les Edgerton (who wrote Hooked) the publisher did not even let the authors know they planned to offer their work for free.
You might want to hear what Edgerton thought of his treatment. Make sure to read the comments to grasp more of the discussion. While the freebie has raised his book's stats on Amazon, there are some disturbing implications for authors at the mercy of a contract's fine print. Likely, it's only after things like this happen that authors realize the possibilities spawned by difficult-to-understand contract language.
When publishers treat authors with little regard (and word gets out about it in our socially-connected world) it drives more and more writers towards self-publishing. Writers spend huge amounts of time on their books, and it can take years for them to see any profit from their work. It's frustrating for them to have their work given away, especially if they're not part of the decision process.
I faithfully read agent Kristin Nelson's blog, Pub Rants. Many of her posts are connected to the deciphering of contract language, and how even little things can end up being painful elements in an author's life. This post, titled Scarier than Halloween, is a great example of details I would never have thought of. I can't imagine how an author without representation would end up with a fair deal.
I'm not saying that publishers are bad. They're in this business to make money. But so are authors. I believe that authors need a well-informed agent on their side to wade through contract language. And authors need to research all their options--both for traditional publishing and self-publishing--before they make a decision.
Which way are you leaning right now?
Thanks for the shout-out, Debbie. Normally, I don't complain about stuff, but this one just hit a sensitive nerve. A writing acquaintance, Anthony Neil Smith, also had one of his books offered for free (for one day) by his publisher, but it was done with full disclosure to him and his approval. Just a sign of respect that I felt very lacking with WD. I have no problem with the legality of what they did--just the lack of common manners and respect for the writer, which is what I more and more sense from writers toward traditional publishers.
ReplyDeleteAnd, I'm aware of the marketing principle they're doing this under... except I don't agree with it. It's still their right to do so, but I would have appreciated at least knowing they were going to do this in advance, rather than waking up and finding out through tweets and fellow writer's blogposts.
In fact, freebies violate a basic belief I have and which was one of the basic tenets of one of my business books I wrote. That you never discount services--only goods. When you discount services (and I consider a book a service rather than goods, which may be my problem), you deliver a message that it's not worth much. And, I know that publishers are mostly about the bottom line, but I have other goals as a writer and that my work be valued and not discounted.
Rant over... kind of... (No biggie, but my last name is spelled "Edgerton." Just erase this if you fix it, okay?! I would have emailed you privately, but can't find your email, Debbie.)
Thanks for publicizing this--I appreciate it.
Thanks for commenting, Les. I really value your opinions. These days where so many books are free, I could see some people just waiting for the price to go way low. It definitely has an impact on how the value of writing is perceived.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the heads up on your name. Names are important!
~Debbie
This is the second case which has given me pause about free books. I guess I thought they were part of a strategy. If I read this one, I'll want another one. There was a case a week or so ago reported on GalleyCat where an author's book was given away as free (because there was a free sample available at Barnes and Noble). The author had 5,104 (I think) downloads. No royalties were paid, despite the mistake by Amazon.
ReplyDeleteI hadn't heard about that. Seems like Amazon owes the author a check! It's scary what can happen with the click of a button.
ReplyDelete~Debbie
I really don't know what to think now. I have a self-published book out, and will be having another one coming out Hallowe'en of next year, but these are really 'just for me' projects. I don't expect much of them.
ReplyDeleteMy other novels I wish to have traditionally published... but no agent or publisher want them.
Sad face.
Perhaps I'll self-publish these as well.
Pardon, that's '... but no agent or publisher wants them.'
ReplyDeleteDarn typos!
Sonia- I'd imagine agents and publishers would want them (having seen your excellent writing, and your work ethic--which you have in common with Les Edgerton), but you'll have to decide which scenario is a better deal for you. I still don't know for sure which way I'll go, but I'll probably make the attempt at traditional publishing to see what happens--then make a decision. Hopefully, I'll have the problem of having to decide!
ReplyDelete~Debbie
Hey Debbie,
ReplyDeleteThanks for another insightful post! I tried traditional publishing for more than 10 years, and like a lot of other writers, have had no success. Does that mean I'm not good enough for a traditional pub contract? Maybe. I don't honestly know.
I'm researching self-publishing. I love the control it gives me, and the potential for income is enticing. I'd have to market like a mad dog no matter where I go, so why not try self-pubbing first and try to get an audience? ;)
I think your story is going to be more the 'norm' in the future. On Monday I'm going to post Randy Ingermanson's take on the future of publishing, and it really lines up with what you're thinking!
ReplyDelete~Debbie