I have just typed “THE END” to the third novel of my Eye of the Moon series, Dark of the Earth. Eventually, the series will contain four novels. I have some ideas as to what the fourth will be about, but not specifically. It’s how I write. I also don’t know how long it will take before I can write “THE END” once more.
Strangely, when I write those words, it isn’t the end at all. Those words mark the beginning of the prepublication phase and involve a great deal of activity from my team and myself to prepare the novel for publication. Once the prep work is done, the marketing worked out, and the book formatted and laid out correctly, it is finally able to be published and launched into the world. After that comes the post-publication phase.
In case you hadn’t noticed, being an author today is not the same as it was in years past. Much more work is required now—probably three to five times as much as it did before.
Consider the following: in certain high-pay industries, there are barriers to entry such as the medical training and the qualification process needed to become a doctor. The medical industry is highly selective, and those who make it through are often well rewarded financially. This was also true of past authors.
In previous centuries, there were only a few actual publishers of books. Earlier authors had to run the gauntlet of their editors, who were selective and created a high barrier to entry. Authors who managed to get published were well paid. Today, anyone can publish. The barriers for entry are low, which means extraordinary competition and low compensation. To rise above those constraints today demands much more from both the author and the supporting team. There is a lot of work ahead, but I like to work and so does my team. It’s what we do. Given that, I will be posting a blog every other week for the foreseeable future.
Expect my next blog on the 25th!
Until then, my very best wishes.