Nothing is as it seems. Best-selling authors aren’t always good writers, and books rejected by mainstream publication aren’t always bad. In fact, some of them are brilliant. It’s all about whether they will sell – and how hard they are marketed.
Insights for Aspiring Authors is not a tutorial, but proffers insight into the commercial aspects of publication, from conception to publication. A must-read for anyone trying to write, sell, or self-publish fiction.
*** Also available as an audiobook recorded using Amazon’s AI package ***
This in-depth discourse presents a practical and informative overview of writing and selling fiction today, both for aspiring writers and discerning readers.
It provides an unbiased overview of the fiction platform, exposing the true forces that drive marketing.
It discusses the benefits and pitfalls of both mainstream publishing and self-publishing.
It identifies the evolving market of hybrid online publishers
It exposes the rise of book marketing scammers
Read the introduction to Waymarks for Authors
Insights for Authors is not a tutorial. I stress that at the opening, to avoid misunderstanding. There are many writing tutorials on the market, some broad in concept, some specialising in specific fields, but this is not one. The intention here is to provide an educated overview of the world of fiction – as it was, as it is, and a little of what it might become. Whether you’re an author or a reader, it will hopefully broaden your overall vision of the publishing world.
Section 1 touches on how and why various marketing changes came about. It evaluates the mindset of the writer and the underlying philosophy behind writing fiction; provides an overview of marketing issues, specifically discussing the conflict between traditional publishing versus the self-publishing option; and, most importantly, exposes some of the misconceptions that people have about the fiction platform.
Section 2 highlights the main areas of knowledge a good author should have absorbed. There are many excellent books and writing courses around, so this section details the essential areas of required knowledge but doesn’t presume to teach them in depth.
Section 3 discussespublication.
Section 4 provides an overview of self-publication issues.
Although this work is divided into these ostensibly separate subjects, bear in mind that each Insight in this volume cannot be taken out of context. This work is intended to provide a cohesive overview of the ever-evolving fiction-publishing platform. The past we can analyse, the present is a minefield, and every author writing today is in the process of creating the future.
I write fiction through choice and assume that most readers of this work will be likewise motivated. However, I have also produced many office documents, forms, templates, presentations, leaflets and advertising copy, and believe that the underlying skill of language usage benefits from a broad knowledge base.
Insights for Authors contains knowledge accumulated over many years as both a writer and tutor of fiction but I don’t claim to be a guru. No such work could be produced without including, whether by accident or design, some personal observations. Knowledge isn’t carved in stone. Each generation holds a knowledge base underpinned by cultural and technological influences. Even history is less truth than interpretation. Ergo, this work is intended to be a gestalt, a holistic muse. So, approach this work as a selection of signposts pointing towards further exploration. My intention is to expose the full scope of the undertaking to the writer, prospective writer, or interested reader, and highlight areas of knowledge that many writers only acquire through years of accidental absorption. So, absorb my view as part of your wider self-education, but also listen to what others have to say.