Is it possible that one day in the near future, authors will be releasing their books/writings on-line for free or subscription, and hoping to make an income through appearance fees? This is how the music industry has gone with bands making money from touring rather than records.
The only difference is that what bands do live is usually "entertaining" - can authors of dense, wordy tomes compete live? Is there a future opportunity for the so-called paupers of the paupers (the poets!) to rise up and become the new leaders of the "live words" industry?
I'm not so sure.
However, for the past twenty years, I've made an extremely comfortable living by doing just that - my books usually go into reprint and my live "shows" in schools (two hundred a year on average) are booked a year in advance. So, it can work. But only for those authors who want to tailor their performances to an audience. And only for those authors who have a "performance". Methinks, the future will see lots of authors signing up for "how to speak to an audience" workshops... or selling themselves into schools at an ever-increasing rate.
Any comments?
I think you've hit the nail on the head there Steven. It's all well and good for the JK Rowlings and Stephanie Meyers of the world to have book-readings and appearances because their fanbase is immense but the state of affairs is tragic for those starting out... a difficult industry is becoming more and more difficult to break into.
ReplyDeleteI own many books and I also own a Kindle - I love reading from both. The only texts that don't fit well digitally for me are picture books and graphic texts - they're just not the same on a screen.
Perhaps the fate of books will be similar to that of vinyl - the domain of connoisseurs and collectors?
The real essence of poetry can only be felt, reading a book. How can you open your pc each time you desire to read. Those who have interest in poetry actually buy books, enjoying the book.
ReplyDeleteAlthough I've only just found this post (because I am in the process of setting up my own blog) I can relate so much to the concerns you expressed so well in this blog. I do agree that as authors (who are often quiet, retiring types) we need to be out there, facing the music and accept that it's probably going to be harder work from now on.
ReplyDeleteThank you. Corinne Fenton
As long as selling yourselves into schools is not selling your soul to schools...As a teacher it is invaluable when authors come to speak to our kids. They gain insight and hopefully inspiration. So do we. I am not sure of the future for publishing I just think that while there are readers we will need writers to help us map human experience. How that will appear (as hard copy/technological delivery)is not a question I can answer. I admire your spirit- I too hate when anyone says it is impossible to make a living doing what you love :)
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