No, not registering Independent, publishing as an independent.
You’ve probably heard that the publishing world is in a tizzy because of ebooks. It’s actually in a tizzy for a number of reasons, chief among them the fact that people aren’t buying as many books as they used to, in any format. Nevertheless some of us still think we want to be writers. For the writer the upheaval has opened up new opportunities for being a self-published independent author.
This used to be the equivalent of declaring permanent amateur status as an author, but no longer. With ebooks, print-on-demand, and the rise of online retailers like Amazon, there is a respectable market for independents. Not as good as a print publication contract, but at least it provides a way to reach readers. The catches are that you have to do your own promotion and you don’t have the benefit of an experienced editor’s jaundiced eye before you go to market.
Well, I’m an author with a novel and no publication contract, and I’m trying an experiment. For the next several months I’m giving the book away. In return, I’m asking for comments and feedback from readers. Once the hooha about the Apple iPad settles out and the pricing model becomes clearer, I'll put out an ebook version And, if there is enough positive response maybe I can get that print contract...it’s happened.
The book is a contemporary political thriller with a lefty slant and a speculative premise...you could call it contemporary fantasy and get no argument from me. It began when I asked myself why all the fantasy epics take place in universes where magic was discovered long ago and prophecies were written and there is a great sage to interpret the prophecies and guide the intrepid hero(s). Where are the books about the bumbling first discoverers of magic?
Well, suppose we discovered that magic works...today. Imagine the conflict between science and religion over that. And suppose that the forces of evil were led by someone who combines the most lovable qualities and attitudes of Karl Rove, Dick Cheney and Rupert Murdoch. That’s this book. It’s called The Wrong God and it’s available online at www.thewronggod.com. You can grab a sample or download the whole book - it's free until Nov 1, 2010. Give it a look and let me know what you think; there’s an email link on the site. Thanks.