Amazon Publishing

I don’t know much about the inner workings of the publishing universe other than news snippets. It seems the so called ‘legitimate’ publishing world thinks Amazon wants to destroy it with their innovative approach. Agents, editors, and publishing houses all fear Amazon publishing enterprises spell the end for indy publishing houses along with the printed book Publishing Wars. Since all of the above have been squeezing writers and markets according to their own tastes in many cases, I find this Amazon shakeup an interesting paradigm of things to come.

Although a few self-publishing giants have made sales inroads that have even drawn the envy of New York publishing houses, name recognition and a lot of luck still play major roles in book sale success. The writer must have a polished product with a target audience whether doing a 99 cent Amazon self published special or going after an agent in recognized publishing avenues. To achieve success writers must still hawk their wares like a used car salesman with six kids and three ex-wives in either venue as promotion budgets favor established names.

It is obvious with Amazon, Smashwords, and Nook self publishing venues there will be many more writers with varying degrees of skill believing they’re publishing the next ‘Twighlight’ or ‘Harry Potter’. Where there will surely be disappointment there will also be hope… and as happens now – some success. It will mean a heck of a lot more competition for readers’ dollars which will drive the price downward. Earnings will be lower per sale and volume will mean everything. What does all this mean? For most of us… the same as now… don’t quit your day-job.  :)