Comments on: Are “Blooks” the New Black in Publishing? http://www.essentialprose.com/chatter-blather/blooks-the-new-black-in-publishing Creative, conscious living. Tue, 08 Jun 2010 01:10:09 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0 By: Zoë http://www.essentialprose.com/chatter-blather/blooks-the-new-black-in-publishing/comment-page-1#comment-1109 Zoë Thu, 19 Feb 2009 15:47:16 +0000 http://www.essentialprose.com/?p=540#comment-1109 Gabriel, It's great to get the perspective of someone who's already doing it! I'm looking forward to checking out your work. I haven't heard any stories about fiction being stolen online, so it sounds like you're right -- putting the work online isn't taking a huge risk in that arena. Mostly, I think it's really smart to take advantage of these new directions :) Gabriel,

It’s great to get the perspective of someone who’s already doing it! I’m looking forward to checking out your work.

I haven’t heard any stories about fiction being stolen online, so it sounds like you’re right — putting the work online isn’t taking a huge risk in that arena.

Mostly, I think it’s really smart to take advantage of these new directions :)

]]> By: Gabriel Gadfly http://www.essentialprose.com/chatter-blather/blooks-the-new-black-in-publishing/comment-page-1#comment-1098 Gabriel Gadfly Tue, 17 Feb 2009 19:20:56 +0000 http://www.essentialprose.com/?p=540#comment-1098 This post is of particular interest to me, since I post just about all of my poetry and short fiction (and soon, a longer fiction work) on my blog. I don't have much faith in the traditional print industry, and that's why I've chosen to take the route I have. Here's my ideas on it: People on the internet are brutally honest. If something sucks, they will tell it in the comments. They also won't waste time visiting content that doesn't appeal to them. If they find something they like, they will share it via things like StumbleUpon, Facebook, Digg, and more. Yes, there will be a lot of poor writers posting their content, but that content will remain at the bottom of the pile. Good writers will attract followers, so long as they make some basic attempts at promoting themselves. There will always be content thieves. That said, people on the internet are notoriously good at figuring out when something's been stolen. Your site will always be at the top of the search engine listings for your content. You can send cease-and-desist letters, which sometimes work. You can contact the thief's host and have them removed; most hosts have policies against copyrighted content. <abbr><em>Gabriel Gadfly´s last blog post..<a href="http://www.gabrielgadfly.com/poetry/we-could-scrape-the-sky/" rel="nofollow">We Could Scrape the Sky</a></abbr></em> This post is of particular interest to me, since I post just about all of my poetry and short fiction (and soon, a longer fiction work) on my blog. I don’t have much faith in the traditional print industry, and that’s why I’ve chosen to take the route I have. Here’s my ideas on it:

People on the internet are brutally honest. If something sucks, they will tell it in the comments. They also won’t waste time visiting content that doesn’t appeal to them. If they find something they like, they will share it via things like StumbleUpon, Facebook, Digg, and more. Yes, there will be a lot of poor writers posting their content, but that content will remain at the bottom of the pile. Good writers will attract followers, so long as they make some basic attempts at promoting themselves.

There will always be content thieves. That said, people on the internet are notoriously good at figuring out when something’s been stolen. Your site will always be at the top of the search engine listings for your content. You can send cease-and-desist letters, which sometimes work. You can contact the thief’s host and have them removed; most hosts have policies against copyrighted content.

Gabriel Gadfly´s last blog post..We Could Scrape the Sky

]]> By: Essential Prose | Zoë Westhof | Podcasting and Fiction: Exploring one experience http://www.essentialprose.com/chatter-blather/blooks-the-new-black-in-publishing/comment-page-1#comment-1060 Essential Prose | Zoë Westhof | Podcasting and Fiction: Exploring one experience Mon, 09 Feb 2009 11:06:08 +0000 http://www.essentialprose.com/?p=540#comment-1060 [...] This is a guest post by Isabel Joely Black, who blogs at isabeljoelyblack.wordpress.com and is podcasting her novel Amnar at www.joelyblack.net. As an author working toward publication while podcasting her fiction online, Joely is the perfect person to follow up last week’s post on online publishing. [...] [...] This is a guest post by Isabel Joely Black, who blogs at isabeljoelyblack.wordpress.com and is podcasting her novel Amnar at http://www.joelyblack.net. As an author working toward publication while podcasting her fiction online, Joely is the perfect person to follow up last week’s post on online publishing. [...]

]]> By: Zoë http://www.essentialprose.com/chatter-blather/blooks-the-new-black-in-publishing/comment-page-1#comment-1029 Zoë Tue, 03 Feb 2009 10:00:40 +0000 http://www.essentialprose.com/?p=540#comment-1029 Hi, Tobey! I really can relate to your point about actually holding a book. I really only like to read very short fiction online, but otherwise I either print it out or put it to the side. I think it's natural for us to be a bit more judgmental when looking for fiction online, cause we have to filter through a lot of things we don't want to read... I'm still working out how I want to approach this :) Alex, I'm still a little conflicted... I think you are right as far as conventional wisdom goes, but I do appreciate the slowly growing trend of people publishing online or self publishing, then gaining a wide enough readership to get a deal with a publisher. It certainly won't happen to everyone who publishes online, but I think it's worth considering :) Hi, Tobey! I really can relate to your point about actually holding a book. I really only like to read very short fiction online, but otherwise I either print it out or put it to the side. I think it’s natural for us to be a bit more judgmental when looking for fiction online, cause we have to filter through a lot of things we don’t want to read… I’m still working out how I want to approach this :)

Alex,
I’m still a little conflicted… I think you are right as far as conventional wisdom goes, but I do appreciate the slowly growing trend of people publishing online or self publishing, then gaining a wide enough readership to get a deal with a publisher. It certainly won’t happen to everyone who publishes online, but I think it’s worth considering :)

]]> By: Alex Fayle | Someday Syndrome http://www.essentialprose.com/chatter-blather/blooks-the-new-black-in-publishing/comment-page-1#comment-1026 Alex Fayle | Someday Syndrome Tue, 03 Feb 2009 06:15:54 +0000 http://www.essentialprose.com/?p=540#comment-1026 For me it comes down to this: If you want to see your name on a printed book, with a publisher's logo on the spine, don't post your fiction (except for snippets) online. If you want to write and share your stories (and maybe make some money out of it), do whatever you want to get it out there. <abbr><em>Alex Fayle | Someday Syndrome´s last blog post..<a href="http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/SomedaySyndrome/~3/l_AJz7oahHA/" rel="nofollow">Getting through it on your own: The Deep Friar interview</a></abbr></em> For me it comes down to this:

If you want to see your name on a printed book, with a publisher’s logo on the spine, don’t post your fiction (except for snippets) online.

If you want to write and share your stories (and maybe make some money out of it), do whatever you want to get it out there.

Alex Fayle | Someday Syndrome´s last blog post..Getting through it on your own: The Deep Friar interview

]]> By: tobey http://www.essentialprose.com/chatter-blather/blooks-the-new-black-in-publishing/comment-page-1#comment-1016 tobey Sun, 01 Feb 2009 11:26:44 +0000 http://www.essentialprose.com/?p=540#comment-1016 hi zoe! this is a really great post. as you know, i've been thinking about the internet vs. print publishing thing for a while now. you've succinctly summarized the pros and cons and helped me clarify my thinking on the matter. so thank you! i especially like what you say about us becoming the editors of on-line work. i find that i am more judgmental of on-line fiction and i'm much less likely to read a story all the way through if it's on my computer screen as opposed to in a book or magazine. reading at my computer is just not a very pleasurable experience for me. and i want people to read my writing all the way through, while sitting on a couch with a cup of tea (or something). also, maybe it's just societal, but on-line publishing just doesn't seem as satisfying. i want to hold a book i've written in my hands! still... i have been submitting to some on-line publications. but i don't think i would ever blog my own fiction, partially because i don't think anyone would read it. but you, zoe, already have a good readership, so blogging your fiction might be a better way to get it read than submitting to magazines. i would read it! xx Tobey <abbr><em>tobey´s last blog post..<a href="http://countrybelle.blogspot.com/2009/01/western-mass-street-fashion.html" rel="nofollow">Western Mass Street Fashion</a></abbr></em> hi zoe!
this is a really great post. as you know, i’ve been thinking about the internet vs. print publishing thing for a while now. you’ve succinctly summarized the pros and cons and helped me clarify my thinking on the matter. so thank you! i especially like what you say about us becoming the editors of on-line work.
i find that i am more judgmental of on-line fiction and i’m much less likely to read a story all the way through if it’s on my computer screen as opposed to in a book or magazine. reading at my computer is just not a very pleasurable experience for me. and i want people to read my writing all the way through, while sitting on a couch with a cup of tea (or something). also, maybe it’s just societal, but on-line publishing just doesn’t seem as satisfying. i want to hold a book i’ve written in my hands!
still… i have been submitting to some on-line publications. but i don’t think i would ever blog my own fiction, partially because i don’t think anyone would read it. but you, zoe, already have a good readership, so blogging your fiction might be a better way to get it read than submitting to magazines. i would read it!
xx
Tobey

tobey´s last blog post..Western Mass Street Fashion

]]> By: Zoë http://www.essentialprose.com/chatter-blather/blooks-the-new-black-in-publishing/comment-page-1#comment-1014 Zoë Sat, 31 Jan 2009 05:30:01 +0000 http://www.essentialprose.com/?p=540#comment-1014 @ TJ - I certainly agree with you that filtering fiction is still necessary. I can also relate to your fear about your best fiction getting lost in the floods of content, so I think it's important for us to be very deliberate in how we choose to share. @ Alden - It seems like many of us like the idea of serialized fiction -- I definitely find it intriguing. It's true that, because of all the factors you point out, it's important for fiction to make a strong foothold in these new technologies, or else it will risk neglect. I find the possibilities really exciting, and it seems you do too! @ Vickie - It's so interesting being able to share and get feedback as I explore these topics -- you really should start a cooking blog! I was so impressed by the meal you made for us when I came to visit :). I'm not at my computer now, but when I have it back I will make a little list of online journals I think are worthwhile. Let me know if you have any questions about starting a blog...! @ Rachel - Thanks for sharing the link with us -- I'll definitely go check out your writing. I think you have the right idea to aim for different outlets, online and off, as far as publishing. As for magazines, I think that's a rocky boat -- with a lot of work, you can get a decent living from it, but it doesn't seem to be getting any easier for freelance magazine writers. From what I hear, though, writing for European mags is more lucrative... @ Jessica - Yes, I can completely relate -- the print copy will never grow old. I'd be happy to chat about my move abroad, so do feel free to e-mail me! I've just taken a look at your website, and I'm excited to read through it when I am back at my computer :). @ Ken - I look forward to reading through the post you've shared here -- looks like an important look at these topics. As for copyright issues, I am still conflicted there. I was actually referring more to giving <em>good</em> fiction an acknowledged and accepted place on the internet. After the interview I posted with Creative Commons, I have realized there are many exciting uses of Creative Commons licensing, but it's not what I would use on my short stories, for example. @ TJ – I certainly agree with you that filtering fiction is still necessary. I can also relate to your fear about your best fiction getting lost in the floods of content, so I think it’s important for us to be very deliberate in how we choose to share.

@ Alden – It seems like many of us like the idea of serialized fiction — I definitely find it intriguing. It’s true that, because of all the factors you point out, it’s important for fiction to make a strong foothold in these new technologies, or else it will risk neglect. I find the possibilities really exciting, and it seems you do too!

@ Vickie – It’s so interesting being able to share and get feedback as I explore these topics — you really should start a cooking blog! I was so impressed by the meal you made for us when I came to visit :) . I’m not at my computer now, but when I have it back I will make a little list of online journals I think are worthwhile. Let me know if you have any questions about starting a blog…!

@ Rachel – Thanks for sharing the link with us — I’ll definitely go check out your writing. I think you have the right idea to aim for different outlets, online and off, as far as publishing. As for magazines, I think that’s a rocky boat — with a lot of work, you can get a decent living from it, but it doesn’t seem to be getting any easier for freelance magazine writers. From what I hear, though, writing for European mags is more lucrative…

@ Jessica – Yes, I can completely relate — the print copy will never grow old. I’d be happy to chat about my move abroad, so do feel free to e-mail me! I’ve just taken a look at your website, and I’m excited to read through it when I am back at my computer :) .

@ Ken – I look forward to reading through the post you’ve shared here — looks like an important look at these topics.

As for copyright issues, I am still conflicted there. I was actually referring more to giving good fiction an acknowledged and accepted place on the internet. After the interview I posted with Creative Commons, I have realized there are many exciting uses of Creative Commons licensing, but it’s not what I would use on my short stories, for example.

]]> By: Ken Allan http://www.essentialprose.com/chatter-blather/blooks-the-new-black-in-publishing/comment-page-1#comment-1012 Ken Allan Fri, 30 Jan 2009 23:11:34 +0000 http://www.essentialprose.com/?p=540#comment-1012 Kia ora Zoë, Isn't it fascinating how 'the book' and its use are <a href="http://newmiddle-earth.blogspot.com/2008/12/let-me-count-ways.html" rel="nofollow">spurned by some</a> and yet holds sway with writing in so many ways. Devices for the commercial dissemination of ebooks (such as the Amazon Kindle) will tend to perpetuate the situations we discuss here. The nub of what I think you are alluding to in your last listed option (<i>change</i> and <i>making it visible</i>) is that perhaps we should be discussing whether the copyright laws are really for the future. Thing is, part of the reason for having royalty schemes, and commons etc, is to give the artist an opportunity to receive recognition, whether monitarily or otherwise. These ideas will always be conflicting. Catchya later <abbr><em>Ken Allan´s last blog post..<a href="http://newmiddle-earth.blogspot.com/2009/01/may-it-be-lofty-mountain.html" rel="nofollow">May It Be A Lofty Mountain</a></abbr></em> Kia ora Zoë,

Isn’t it fascinating how ‘the book’ and its use are spurned by some and yet holds sway with writing in so many ways. Devices for the commercial dissemination of ebooks (such as the Amazon Kindle) will tend to perpetuate the situations we discuss here.

The nub of what I think you are alluding to in your last listed option (change and making it visible) is that perhaps we should be discussing whether the copyright laws are really for the future. Thing is, part of the reason for having royalty schemes, and commons etc, is to give the artist an opportunity to receive recognition, whether monitarily or otherwise. These ideas will always be conflicting.

Catchya later

Ken Allan´s last blog post..May It Be A Lofty Mountain

]]> By: jessica http://www.essentialprose.com/chatter-blather/blooks-the-new-black-in-publishing/comment-page-1#comment-1010 jessica Fri, 30 Jan 2009 06:59:03 +0000 http://www.essentialprose.com/?p=540#comment-1010 I'm still a romantic girl at heart, and dream of seeing my novel in hardback format. Until then, I just keep madly typing away... Zoe, I am intrigued by a Jersey girl living in Chiang Mai, it must be an interesting life for you. Have you documented anything about this on your blog? I am in the process of launching a new website "Seachange Life" and would love to interview you as a case study on living and working abroad. I'll follow up with an email soon! P the website looks great! <abbr><em>jessica´s last blog post..<a href="http://www.cafe-writer.com/2009/01/how-to-prepare-for-a-marathon-writing-weekend/" rel="nofollow">How to prepare for a marathon writing weekend</a></abbr></em> I’m still a romantic girl at heart, and dream of seeing my novel in hardback format. Until then, I just keep madly typing away…
Zoe, I am intrigued by a Jersey girl living in Chiang Mai, it must be an interesting life for you. Have you documented anything about this on your blog? I am in the process of launching a new website “Seachange Life” and would love to interview you as a case study on living and working abroad. I’ll follow up with an email soon!
P the website looks great!

jessica´s last blog post..How to prepare for a marathon writing weekend

]]> By: Rachel Cotterill http://www.essentialprose.com/chatter-blather/blooks-the-new-black-in-publishing/comment-page-1#comment-1009 Rachel Cotterill Thu, 29 Jan 2009 20:02:36 +0000 http://www.essentialprose.com/?p=540#comment-1009 I'm releasing one chapter a week of <a href="http://www.charanthe.com/books.php" rel="nofollow">my novel online</a>. Mostly because I wish there was more fiction in this format that I could read; it's fun. If there's enough interest in paper copies, I can try some publishers. For other projects (notably, travel with a lot of photography) I'm more interested in a 'coffee-table book' deal. A real-world, solid, beautiful product. But that's because it's not just about the words any more. When it comes to making money, on the other hand, my current theory is that writing for magazines is more profitable at least in the short term. But we'll see. <abbr><em>Rachel Cotterill´s last blog post..<a href="http://rachelcotterill.blogspot.com/2009/01/little-owl.html" rel="nofollow">A Little Owl</a></abbr></em> I’m releasing one chapter a week of my novel online. Mostly because I wish there was more fiction in this format that I could read; it’s fun. If there’s enough interest in paper copies, I can try some publishers.

For other projects (notably, travel with a lot of photography) I’m more interested in a ‘coffee-table book’ deal. A real-world, solid, beautiful product. But that’s because it’s not just about the words any more.

When it comes to making money, on the other hand, my current theory is that writing for magazines is more profitable at least in the short term. But we’ll see.

Rachel Cotterill´s last blog post..A Little Owl

]]>