The news is spreading around the web that Seth Godin, an already prolific writer, has decided that publishing in the traditional way is no longer an option for him.
This was probably the most important take-away for me from where he’s headed next and his reason why:
Traditional book publishers use techniques perfected a hundred years ago to help authors reach unknown readers, using a stable technology (books) and an antique and expensive distribution system.
The thing is — now I know who my readers are.
And he’s right about that. The only concern I have is that for other not-so-well-known authors and new writers might not know who their audience is. More importantly, they probably don’t even have a large audience to begin with to pull something like this off.
Self-publishing is definitely growing but for those that are interested in publishing at all one needs to account for benefits from both sides of the spectrum.
I’m definitely interested in publishing one day and I’m not sure where I’ll land, but I’ll be keeping tabs on people like Seth (and “mavericks” like Michael Hyatt) to see what the best moves are.
Graham Brenna says
Well… we have already seen major newspapers halt printing their publications and they have moved to the internet as their sole form of distribution. It would only make sense that books be distributed differently in the future as well. Definitely an interesting topic.
Andy Darnell says
This one is going to be interesting to watch. One question that i have had relates to analytics of sales. Do self publishers get included in Statistics related to sales? Who compiles that data?
Kyle Reed says
Its interesting to read that he seems excited about it but publishers do not. Besides the maverick himself, it seems that publishing companies are scared. I would be pretty excited seeing the challenge ahead and then going out and seeing what works and what does not.
Lon says
I can’t wait till I can have all my books digital, notatable, and searchable in one spot… though I’m already having a hard time giving up my physical print books…
Seth’s managed to transcend typical marketing, and I can’t see what a traditional publisher would really have to offer him. The rest of us however could still use plenty of help… i’d like to see what big publishers do to adapt.
Trevor Taylor says
If anyone can do it, it will be Seth. The physical book market will never go completely away. It will just get smaller. I love my physical books and I love my Kindle.
kevin sutherland says
seth godin definitely practices what he preaches. he is an innovator this could be a purple cow movement.
Jim Gray says
i’m seeing a lot more self-publishing and personal branding…a lot of published peeps are going towards e-books…this is why we have http://publishnext.com/
Laurie says
I’m a self published author and you’re right– you need to know who your audience is. In fact self publishing works best when you have a niche group to target. And I love Michael Hyatt. Neat that you mentioned him! I have enjoyed looking around this website.