Sure, it’s Valentine’s Day, so naturally you’ll want to…oh, right, we’re 21st century writers. There’s no time for that. So cuddle up with your honey and listen to Friday Night Writes with Tim Baker tonight on Surf 1700 AM Flagler Beach Radio, 8 PM EST. (Use the TuneIn Radio App if, like me, you aren’t in Florida). And if you don’t have a honey, Tim will be a fine substitute, I’m sure.
Tonight’s topic (possibly among other things): The Author Earnings Report
Co-host Armand Rosamilia is off tonight because he actually respects his love life. Without Armand, Tim will have to talk doubly loud as he discusses what’s on everyone’s mind, Hugh Howey’s Author Earnings Report. As detailed in my last post, definitely read the report, please.
Also, make time to read Hugh’s latest blog post, Luck and the Lottery, on some well-meaning alarm about self-publishing’s allure. You can be happy about the Author Earnings Report, but some are concerned your joy might be premature and unbridled.
I think most of those worries are like the instructions you get with a new iron. Company lawyers insist customers be warned not to iron their clothes while they’re still wearing them.
We get it. Most of us really aren’t that dim.
I appreciate the caveats about self-publishing, I really do. In truth, I think just about everybody understands that indie does not equal gold rush. The worries are misplaced.
What about the people who really don’t get it?
They’re probably determined not to get it, either because they’re selling you something or they’re hopelessly deluded and blinded by desperation and greed. You can’t save everyone from themselves and they might kill you if you try.
Hugh Howey is a great advocate for self-publishing, but as he says, he’s also been warning people to be realistic about their expectations for years. Surely he doesn’t have to keep warning them forever, does he?
Luck, as well as your meteoric talent, are involved. There are no guarantees of success where luck is a factor and there are too many variables to control.
Granted.
To which I reply, that’s true of traditional publishing, as well.
And then there’s this quote from the Author Earnings Report:
“More writers today are paying bills with their craft than at any other time in human history.”
Traditional publishing hasn’t budged much. What changed? Self-publishing is the new variable.
To me? BOOM! That’s the argument. Done!
Filed under: author platform, publishing, self-publishing, Armand Rosamilia, author earnings report, Flagler Beach Radio, Friday Night Writes, Hugh Howey, self-publishing, Tim Baker, traditional publishing, TuneIn Radio App
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