WRITING: Publishing

I think as more and more people find their voice on weblogs, the question of getting paid for being read eventually floats to the surface.  Then reality, like a stone, sinks it back to the bottom of the sea of hope.

Obviously, while the market seems to be flooded with work, it’s still a fight to be one of those picked up by a publishing house willing to pay for the privilege.  And, you won’t make any money.

So, self-publishing then.  Okay, at ten bucks a book to print on demand which at least leaves your garage free to park your car in, you try for a twenty dollar price tag.  Soon, after your friends have donated to the cause, and neither Oprah nor Random House has telephoned you, you’re forced to lower the price.  Paperbacks go for three to twelve dollars; that thirty-dollar hard cover edition is available for sixteen.  But your words are immortalized in the material world of book form.  And, you won’t make any money.

So, write for yourself.  Be grateful for the few who enjoy reading your words on weblogs.  Throw them a story now and then that you want to share.  It’s the most appreciation and compensation you’ll receive and that, after all, is even more that anyone promised you.

(Addendum:  But if you insist, at least do the research.  Check out Vikk’s post on the market trends at Down the Writer’s Path.