Adventures in Self-Publishing: What Do You Think?
Ricochet, remember when I was whining that I didn't earn enough money, and saying that I just couldn't figure out how to support myself as a journalist in the new media environment, and that my amour-propre was in the tank and all of that?
You were all exceptionally supportive and kind, and many of you offered some good suggestions. One of our members, for example, proposed that I publish my interviews with Margaret Thatcher's intimates and enemies on Amazon for Kindle, and sell them for 99 cents a pop.
Why not, I thought? These interviews are great stuff. And they're just sitting on my computer. I've got nothing to lose by trying.
I'm still trying to get the system figured out. Obviously, that isn't a good cover--I just put it there as a placeholder until I figure out how to use Photoshop--and I think it probably needs more of an introduction.
But apart from that: Would you pay 99 cents to read the rest?
Do you think I can get rich enough to buy a plane ticket to Daloa by selling these?
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Dec '11
Re: Adventures in Self-Publishing: What Do You Think?
Yes, I would pay to read them. Although, I prefer dead trees.
I would read an entire BOOK of your correspondence with Scargill's mouthpiece.
Edited on December 27, 2011 at 7:35pmMar '11
Re: Adventures in Self-Publishing: What Do You Think?
Considerably superior to the $0.99 or so I spent buying my local newspaper this morning.
Re: Adventures in Self-Publishing: What Do You Think?
Rex Mottram: Yes, I would pay to read them. Although, I prefer dead trees.
I would read an entire BOOK of your correspondence with Scargill's mouthpiece. · Dec 27 at 10:34am
Edited on Dec 27 at 10:35 am
The price of print-on-demand seems to me more than people are likely to pay. I figure most people will part with 99 cents pretty readily. When you print it, though, the price goes up a lot.
Oct '10
Re: Adventures in Self-Publishing: What Do You Think?
Claire Berlinski, Ed.: Ricochet, remember when I was whining that I didn't earn enough money, and saying that I just couldn't figure out how to support myself as a journalist in the new media environment, and that my amour-propre was in the tank and all of that?
...
So, what do you think?
...
But apart from that: Would you pay 99 cents to read the rest?
Do you think I can get rich enough to buy a plane ticket to Daloa by selling these? ·
I'd pay 99 cents, for sure, but I haven't left paper books in favor of Kindle etc. How about a Broadside at Encounter Books?
As for the trip to Daloa...maybe you could afford a 1-way ticket on Ivory Coast Airlines and Water Well Company. But for safety's sake, sock away the dinero while you look for journalism's Harry Potter equivalent.
Dec '11
Re: Adventures in Self-Publishing: What Do You Think?
Del Mar Dave
Claire Berlinski, Ed.: Ricochet, remember when I was whining that I didn't earn enough money, and saying that I just couldn't figure out how to support myself as a journalist in the new media environment, and that my amour-propre was in the tank and all of that?
...
So, what do you think?
...
But apart from that: Would you pay 99 cents to read the rest?
Do you think I can get rich enough to buy a plane ticket to Daloa by selling these? ·
I'd pay 99 cents, for sure, but I haven't left paper books in favor of Kindle etc. How about a Broadside at Encounter Books?
As for the trip to Daloa...maybe you could afford a 1-way ticket on Ivory Coast Airlines and Water Well Company. But for safety's sake, sock away the dinero while you look for journalism's Harry Potter equivalent. · Dec 27 at 10:54am
YES! A Broadside!
Re: Adventures in Self-Publishing: What Do You Think?
I would gladly pay 99 cents. Looks great.
Re: Adventures in Self-Publishing: What Do You Think?
My husband has been buying a lot of these 99 cent electronic articles. He pointed out that we'd probably be selling our wares this way at some point in the future.
We do have friends who have had success with such e-books or e-scripts ... I like the idea.
Oct '10
Re: Adventures in Self-Publishing: What Do You Think?
Just spent my 99 cents, waiting for Amazon to make it available to my archive.
Yes...I want more.
Mar '11
Re: Adventures in Self-Publishing: What Do You Think?
Yes, I'd go for that - I don't think you will get rich on it, Claire, unless there are millions of Thatcher fans that come out of the closet.
Sep '10
Re: Adventures in Self-Publishing: What Do You Think?
I'm in for 99 cents. But, one further suggestion from those of us who still love dead tree. An exceptional typographer who became a lawyer published a book and website that anyone -- and I mean anyone -- who publishes something should read. Its called Typography for Lawyers and I can't recommend it highly enough. Its so good that it should be renamed Typography for Everyone.
Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and please pass the telephone cord, its like dental floss for me.
Re: Adventures in Self-Publishing: What Do You Think?
Pseudodionysius: I'm in for 99 cents. But, one further suggestion from those of us who still love dead tree. An exceptional typographer who became a lawyer published a book and website that anyone -- and I mean anyone -- who publishes something should read. Its called Typography for Lawyers and I can't recommend it highly enough. Its so good that it should be renamed Typography for Everyone.
Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and please pass the telephone cord, its like dental floss for me. · Dec 27 at 11:25am
I'm trying wrapping it in aluminum foil today; for the moment, they haven;t figured it out.
Re: Adventures in Self-Publishing: What Do You Think?
Just bought my copy. I'm all for these things, for portability and space reasons: no more room for books, unless I cede all wall space in my studio. I'm planning on rolling out some this year as well, although I may risk total failure by charging $2.99 for an entire novel.
Aug '10
Re: Adventures in Self-Publishing: What Do You Think?
Who sez you need to figure out Photoshop, as long as Ricochet's got EJ and you've got feminine wiles?
In all seriousness, though, I imagine there's a good deal of Photoshop talent knocking about Ricochet. I know you like to make contests for us. What about a cover contest?
Claire Berlinski, Ed.
Pseudodionysius: Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and please pass the telephone cord, its like dental floss for me.
I'm trying wrapping it in aluminum foil today; for the moment, they haven't figured it out.
Have you tried Bitter Orange or similar?
Sep '10
Re: Adventures in Self-Publishing: What Do You Think?
Midget Faded Rattlesnake
Who sez you need to figure out Photoshop, as long as Ricochet's got EJ and you've got feminine wiles?
In all seriousness, though, I imagine there's a good deal of Photoshop talent knocking about Ricochet. I know you like to make contests for us. What about a cover contest?
Claire Berlinski, Ed.
Pseudodionysius: Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and please pass the telephone cord, its like dental floss for me.
I'm trying wrapping it in aluminum foil today; for the moment, they haven't figured it out.
Have you tried Bitter Orange or similar? · Dec 27 at 11:52am
Someone suggested Agent Orange yesterday.
Mar '11
Re: Adventures in Self-Publishing: What Do You Think?
I got mine! Now I have Claire sitting on my desk!
Re: Adventures in Self-Publishing: What Do You Think?
In these matters, I am a neanderthal. I like to have a book in my hands. But I, too, have considered electronic publishing. It cuts out a middleman (i.e., the publisher) and reduces costs enormously.
My guess is that there will always be a market for books -- but that the more ephemeral publications will end up being available only electronically. If I were to do a cook book, for example, that is the way I would go. If I were to write pulp fiction, ditto.
Here is a further thought. Some items, initially published electronically, will draw an audience and appear later in print. Go for it, Claire.
Feb '11
Re: Adventures in Self-Publishing: What Do You Think?
Yes, I'd pay 99 centers for this. I bought a Kindle about 3 months ago and have found all kinds of things that are available of $.99 or for free. A lot of them are 50-year-old or more books that would have been pretty much forgotten but are worth reviving.
Sep '11
Re: Adventures in Self-Publishing: What Do You Think?
Kindle for me, please, and of course I'll pay 99 cents - why, I'll even know who some of these people are :-)
Dec '10
Re: Adventures in Self-Publishing: What Do You Think?
Brilliant, Claire. Do a few more QUICK while I've got time to read 'em!
Jul '11
Re: Adventures in Self-Publishing: What Do You Think?
Rock on Claire. I would pay as well.