This week the Pink Fuzzy Slippers are participating in a fun blog hop and we hope you participate: Small Blog, Big Giveaways.
Today I will be giving away two Kindle releases, ALL OF ME, and CHAMPAGNE FOR TWO.
I would like to open up a discussion on a New York Times article dated Oct.16th, about Amazon signing up authors. The article goes on to say that they are encouraging writers to cast aside their publishers, and is aggressively wooing some of their top authors.They haven’t contacted me yet, but I’m still hoping! LOL
Amazon will publish 122 books this fall in an array of genres which will put them in competition with the New York houses that are their prominent suppliers.
So, my question is, do you approve of this move, or think they are overstepping their grounds and an area of conflict?
Please feel free to comment and at the end of the day I will choose a winner for my two free downloads.
http://smallblogsbiggiveaways.blogspot.com/2011/10/small-blogs-big-giveaways-4th-edition.html
Hi Patrice, I just came back from the Ninc, Novelists, Inc Conference where Smashwords Founder, MarK Cocker, encouraged famous authors to self-publish while waiting for NY publishers to release their books a year ot two after contracting them. One should not preclude the other. See more details on my blog:
monarisk.blogspot.com
I will take a look at that on your blog too, Mona. Amazon isn't wooing me yet either, Patrice, but if they do I suggest dark chocolate. I loved your romance, All of Me. :) Well written and a good love story, also quite touching.
Very interesting, Mona. I agree. Why wait?
Thank you, Beth.
All Of Me is one of my personal favorites. It was such an emotional story, and I connected with the characters more than any other book I'd written at that point.
I think Amazon is in the business of pleasing customers to make money. If they think a publishing arm will do that, then I'm not surprised they're doing it with the same focus they give every other aspect of their business. Some writers worry that they will turn around and charge writers for ad and marketing (KDP authors, not the Amazon imprint). But I suspect they think bigger, and may want to sell publishers some of those services :-)
Kelly,
I think it's an exciting new opportunity. As writers, we need more places to submit until New York comes knocking.
Is Amazon offering editorial services? Because while there are doubtless many wonderful books that don't get bought by the NY publishers, I think the editing process is an important part of publishing, and I worry that product quality will go down if competent editing isn't part of the formula.
Patrice I hope those numbers get even higher!!!
You have each made good points. Amazon has cleared new paths and I hope this works out. But I heard they are courting the big folks. Like they need the help.
Good topic, Patrice.
I got an email from Amazon today recommending Patrice's Book Replacing Barnie! Way to go Patrice! I think Amazon just might succeed but I have the same concerns that Barbara does.
Interesting times...A lot of this will eventually sort itself out. In the meantime, while we keep an eye on things, I think it's a good idea to keep on keepin' on!
Patrice,
I'm late in commenting so probably didn't win one of your books. :(
That's interesting news about Amazon wooing authors. I haven't been contacted yet, either...sigh.