MichaelSullivan
Maester
Normally, I dig Chuck's posts. But this one seemed to be especially laced with bitterness. Just what I picked up, could be I'm sensitive today. I disagree with segregating self-published works. I don't see how his proposals (or rants) add anything positive to the equation. I promised myself that I would stay out of these conversations but I want to learn more about self-publishing so I give in to reading these threads. Michael Sullivan & Kevin McLaughlin's posts are so inspiring and educational. I want to personally thank them for putting their best intentions forward when sharing their views on this subject. Its refreshing.
I also had problem with this post. You know when someone says, "I don't mean to be insulting, but..." you know that an insult is coming your way. I kinda feel this way about Chuck. He says "I want to get it out right away that I'm an author-publisher and I support it...but now I'm going to tell you what is wrong with everyone who self-publishes and why they have to be segregated and kept away from "professionals." To say use "goose, goose, book" to pick a book at random is ridiculous. I doubt many people are "discovering books" through this. That's not how people "discover works."
Whenever I hear people say they can't find "good" self-published books, I immediately think the don't "want" to find them. Look at the Amazon Bestingselling list and Top Rated lists in your favorite genre - you'll find A LOT of novels that you can sample and if it tickles your fancy buy it.
Chuck is not particularly successful at self-publishing. He may produce quality work (I don't know I've never tried any of his stuff) but I don't think he operates the way I see most "professional" self-publishers act. They are much more dedicated to willing their books into existence by constant improvement. Trying a new cover, a price promotion, a different blurb. A follow-up book. They keep at it and it pays off - as you can see by their ratings. Chuck, on the other hand seems to put up something but then expects it to take off on it's own - and low and behold it doesn't. The conclusion....well if only there wasn't all this junk laying around they would find my books - so I must berate all the junk.
I'm with Kevin, and others....books that are poorly conceived and executed fade away. Yes they are still on Amazon but with rankings of 1,000,000+ they sell one every 4 months so who cares. I don't concern myself with the "volcano of sh*t" I'm too busy writing books that my fans are clamoring for...but when I do roll out a book...I do it right. Doesn't matter whether it is self or traditional, I'm going to give it as much care in the marketing as I do in the writing, because if I don't then it will fail, and I'll have no one to blame but myself.
On a more personal note. I'm glad that you find my posts helpful and inspiring. You are very welcome...to me it is reward enough to hear that people get something out of them.