Vision: A Resource for Writers

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From the Editor:

It's Your Dream

By Lazette Gifford
Copyright © 2009 by Lazette Gifford, All Rights Reserved


The world of publishing is slowly changing, but it hasn't made such a great huge leap yet as it sometimes seems.  There are new opportunities opened up by the Internet, but they have not closed -- or changed -- the traditional paths.  This is something all authors should consider before deciding to do something that is not traditional -- like posting something on an open site because you see it done in various places on the Internet.

If you are interested in traditional publishing (and not everyone is), then you still have to play by traditional publishing rules.  If your dream is to see a book on a shelf in a big bookstore, then work towards that goal and do it wisely.  If traditional publishing is not your dream, then experiment a bit with the opportunities out there.   If you have multiple manuscripts, you can do some of both.

This may no longer be a problem in a few more years.  For all we know, the traditional book publishers could go bankrupt next year and we'll all be scrambling for whatever readers are willing to pay us directly.  However, at the moment, if you want a chance at big house, traditional publication, then be wise and play it safe.  Protect your material and don't decide to post on an open site in the mistaken idea that all the publishers believe that's fine.

They don't.  Harper Collins (The British office at least, I believe) has started Anthonomy, and it may work, but it is still too early to tell.  What you do have to remember, though, is that the idea is to post on their site if you want a chance at publication.  Not to post elsewhere, not to post all over the Internet, etc.  Post there and only there if you want to give it a try.

If you are going to post on the Internet, make certain that the material reflects well on you -- and that the place where you post also reflects well on the material.  If there is a site with many stories up, make certain they are well-written and that your material is a good-fit.  If the others are often of poor quality or badly presented, or if your story is far outside what they normally show, then you aren't going to get the readers you want.

Work with the changes in the Internet, but do it wisely and keep in mind what it is that you really want.   If your dream is to see your book on shelves at the local stores, then work toward that goal and don't get sidetracked or lead astray by people who don't want what you do.

This is your dream, and if you are serious about it, you wont mind working harder.  Weigh your options before you leap in.  And no matter what, always remember to have fun!