Hype or Hope?
By Jerry D. Simmons | August 12th, 2006 | No Comments » (Click to add yours!)
When I first started speaking to writing groups, my impression of the kind of information that would be valuable has changed. First I thought that knowing what goes on behind the scenes of a major New York publishing house would be interesting and helpful. Part of that is true; it’s interesting to most writers but not necessarily as valuable as I thought, unless you know how to use the information.
Second, I was surprised at the number of writers that are self-published, by a print-on-demand company, or small press. From my former position I knew my competition resided within a few blocks since all the major publishing companies are based in New York and as a group we represented an estimated, combined, 80% of the traditional retail market for book sales.
Third, I was absolutely shocked at the kind of information that was being marketed to writers, most of which, in my opinion based on my 25 years in New York, was not completely true. Not outwardly false, although much falls into that category. And my surprise continued at the price that was being charged for this, what I would call, misleading information.
Finally I realized that the information I possessed based on a lifetime of experience would and could be helpful if packaged in the right format and presented in a logical manner. Then I heard Mark speak at this Phoenix College writing class and knew that his experience and mine would blend perfectly for writers who are searching for practical information they can use. Not hype with a mixture of hope, but honest to goodness solid information about getting published, as well as marketing and selling books.
Let me encourage each of you who are serious about learning the steps it takes to be successful as an author, attend our seminar. It’s a bargain for a wealth of information and six hours of your time.
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