This is fascinating. I don’t know why any new writer would ever willingly walk into the maw of a mess that modern publishing has become. I started an LLC and became a small publisher so that I could control the value chain as far as possible from writing through design into publication and distribution. Book Baby has been a blessing for small writers to own more of their work. Now, I’m writing books out loud live on Substack as first drafts, getting audience feedback during the composition phase and I’m going to be offering paid subscribers significant discounts/free books that are signed and personalized in a more intimate setting that most writers will ever achieve even with the best PR firms and product marketing. I think the paradigm has already shifted in publishing and the biggest institutions will be the last to know about. Great newsletter here! I’m glad I subscribed 🙏
Thanks JB! I think you’re right about the paradigm shift. Ted Gioia is writing his new book on Substack, too. It’ll be interesting to see what he ends up doing for the final publication. I’m doing a bit of that here myself. I’m working on a book right now without a contract; I’m about two thirds done now, but I’m always trying to steer at least some of my reading that direction so when I do sign, I’ve already digested some of the research necessary to finish those final chapters. Some of that research ends up here as book reviews.
Apr 20, 2023·edited Apr 20, 2023Liked by Joel J Miller
You lay out the model right here. Writers can now take the Butcher’s approach to their work. What used to be discarded in the writing process can now be allocated into multiple channel types of publishing. Short Notes for reviews and hot takes. Newsletters for essays, short fiction, serial fiction, screenplays, poems and chapbooks, photo journals, films. The possibilities for artists who compose with words are now unbound. It’s an exciting time for authors!
Yes, a little. I’ve met him. He authored a couple nonfiction titles at Thomas Nelson while I was there. I’ve also read the Ashtown Burials YA novels. Do you have any particular books you like of his?
Nice! I was actually reminded of some conversations he had on one of his podcasts, "Stories Are Soul Food" about the publishing industry. Just thought there was some idea overlap there. Planning on reading some of his novels at some point. I have read many of his father Doug's books and his work over at Educator in Residence (https://dougwils.substack.com/)
You've got my subscription today, would love any feedback you have on my substack Power & Glory (https://codyilardo.substack.com/) if you have a chance, I'm a novice but looking to get better! God bless
B&N take on “all politics is local” ha ha. I really enjoyed this article. Books, books, books!
Thanks, man! The business side of books is always interesting.
This is fascinating. I don’t know why any new writer would ever willingly walk into the maw of a mess that modern publishing has become. I started an LLC and became a small publisher so that I could control the value chain as far as possible from writing through design into publication and distribution. Book Baby has been a blessing for small writers to own more of their work. Now, I’m writing books out loud live on Substack as first drafts, getting audience feedback during the composition phase and I’m going to be offering paid subscribers significant discounts/free books that are signed and personalized in a more intimate setting that most writers will ever achieve even with the best PR firms and product marketing. I think the paradigm has already shifted in publishing and the biggest institutions will be the last to know about. Great newsletter here! I’m glad I subscribed 🙏
Thanks JB! I think you’re right about the paradigm shift. Ted Gioia is writing his new book on Substack, too. It’ll be interesting to see what he ends up doing for the final publication. I’m doing a bit of that here myself. I’m working on a book right now without a contract; I’m about two thirds done now, but I’m always trying to steer at least some of my reading that direction so when I do sign, I’ve already digested some of the research necessary to finish those final chapters. Some of that research ends up here as book reviews.
You lay out the model right here. Writers can now take the Butcher’s approach to their work. What used to be discarded in the writing process can now be allocated into multiple channel types of publishing. Short Notes for reviews and hot takes. Newsletters for essays, short fiction, serial fiction, screenplays, poems and chapbooks, photo journals, films. The possibilities for artists who compose with words are now unbound. It’s an exciting time for authors!
Yes, definitely!
Thank you for this! Real interesting on William Morris...
Are you antiquated with N.D. Wilson's work?
Yes, a little. I’ve met him. He authored a couple nonfiction titles at Thomas Nelson while I was there. I’ve also read the Ashtown Burials YA novels. Do you have any particular books you like of his?
Nice! I was actually reminded of some conversations he had on one of his podcasts, "Stories Are Soul Food" about the publishing industry. Just thought there was some idea overlap there. Planning on reading some of his novels at some point. I have read many of his father Doug's books and his work over at Educator in Residence (https://dougwils.substack.com/)
You've got my subscription today, would love any feedback you have on my substack Power & Glory (https://codyilardo.substack.com/) if you have a chance, I'm a novice but looking to get better! God bless
Happy to check it out. Thanks for mentioning it.