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PrintPublishing opportunities
Non-traditionally published authors find their voice.
In the book-publishing world, the New York City houses, such as Simon & Schuster or Morrow, still reign, but they are losing their domination. Big houses have merged and their output is shrinking. Contrarily, the number of aspiring writers grows and electronic methods (see sidebar) offer other, though not necessarily easier, ways for their words to find print.
On a beautiful Tulsa day last Nov. 14, 32 regional, non-traditionally published authors gathered at McBirney Mansion topromote their books, according to Charles Martin with Rampage Artists, sponsor of the Literati Indie (Independent) Book Fair. Readers filled the rooms, buying signed copies; occasionally authors read from their books under the tree-canopied gazebo. An idyllic afternoon that obscured the difficult publishing journey these writers have traveled.
The reader has obstacles, too. If not at a book fair, determining quality over the Web is difficult and time-consuming. But the two, independent publisher and avid reader, appear destined to find each other. May this column, here and online, further that confluence by highlighting promising titles.
M. Carolyn Steele has written “Preserving Family Legends for Future Generations” (Roots and Branches, $14.95). I only wish I’d had this concise guide when I found, in my mother’s attic, letters, receipts and other primary material circa 1850 from my ancestors. You can benefit from her expertise by reading and heeding her lessons, presented in an entertaining format, for preserving family stories.
“These Bones Shall Rise” (Tate Publishing, $21.99) was penned by Dr. Joe Dillsaver, who recently retired as criminal justice professor at Northeastern State University in Broken Arrow. His protagonist is a retired professor, too, from the Tahlequah campus, named S.K. Ross. “Little Bird” beseeches him to find a missing friend and so begins a mystery of white power and a sinister plot to clone historical Christian figures. Move over, Dan Brown.
Literary lingo
The burgeoning independent publishing trend is morphing; therefore the terminology is in flux. May this incomplete glossary help.
Regional or small publishers: Usually have defined, narrow missions and work the same as big NYC houses.
Self-published: Produced by author. In the 2002 “Writer’s Handbook,” it was a stained word synonymous with vanity. Not today.
Vanity: Print for fee.
Subsidy: Co-pay.
Non-subsidy: Accepted in traditional manner electronically. Pays advance and/or royalties.
POD (print on demand): Author does it all. Sends copy print-ready, designs cover, etc. Author buys copies as needed.
Independent: Embraces all the above.
