Although I am a huge supporter of IndieBound and all things independent, the decision has been made to put the book on the evil Amazon. I made this decisions simply by stating the obvious - I'm an independent author who needs max exposure for his product.
The price on Amazon is the same you will find on my site, the only difference being that I have not signed all of the Amazon copies and if you order from them you don't have the opportunity to get potentially strange items included in your package.
Now that the book is in distribution I am working on getting it into all New England independent booksellers and eventually it should end up on IndieBound, where I will promote the hell out of it much more furiously than telling people to go to Amazon because "Rubes" qualifies for FREE Super Saver Shipping. Which it does.
In the meantime - buy my book on Amazon, because it's the right thing to do.
*
Side note (or more accurately, bottom note - but that sounds dumb): If you have a book review blog, or happen to be a reviewer for the New York Times, please contact me with your info for a free copy. If you pretend to be a book reviewer and just want a free book, I will take your information and sign you up for several things barnyard related you may not wish to have delivered to your house.
Sep 19, 2009
Hit & Miss in the World of Self Publishing
My first attempt at self-publishing came during an alcohol and type-writer fueled haze. I was working a second shift job, getting home around midnight and having several hours in my tiny studio apartment alone.
That is to say, my first attempt at self-publishing had nothing to do with self-publishing. Once my novel of sorts, Making News, was complete (in my mind, at the time) I proceeded to receive rejection letters from nearly every major and minor publishing house in the US. And a few in Canada. And maybe one in the UK.
Then I learned about self-publishing. I was living in Monument Square in Portland, Maine at the time, and directly across the square was Longfellow Books, a kickass little store if there ever was one. I spend a lot of time flipping through the books, trying to figure out what made a book a book, how authors were able to hook into the publishing world.
I found a lot of shitty looking books by local authors (self-published books of poetry and woe-is-me fiction) and I thought to myself, "Self - you can do that. At least you can't be any worse than these folks."
And I wasn't. I wasn't any better - but I certainly wasn't any worse.
In retrospect, the book wasn't ready and I didn't care enough to promote it because I knew it wasn't ready, I just wanted to have something I could put on a book shelf and say, "I did that."
I have since learned quite a bit more about all sorts of publishing - online, magazine, on-demand, mini-press.
I see a lot of potential in this thing called self-publishing. With tools like Twitter, Facebook - fuck - the entire fucking Internet, there isn't a place an author can't get to. Working into the Book Expo or a large city book festival may take a little work, but the book wasn't written without any sweat, and it sure as hell isn't going to sell without any.
I'm waiting for IndieBound to create a self-published author section (the indie of the indie) but all in good time, I guess.
My most recent book project, Rubes, Rakes, Rogues & Roustabouts started out as some pictures I was going to hang on the wall. It became it's own beast, morphing into some humor and typography-driven thing. While I was writing it and putting it together, I kept a list of all the ways I would market the book.
That's how this was different - I didn't think of a publishing house touching this one. Besides the fact that it's too difficult to categorize, review, or get into a bookseller, I just wanted to do it myself.
I designed the whole things, scrapped half of it and redesigned it again. And I loved every minute of it. I used some crowd-sourcing for cover ideas and content.
The future of self-publishing is not the authors with a desire to do it themselves, the future is having the full plan before word one is written. Writing is such a solitary venture by necessity, but by getting the word out that you're working on something, people want to know more about it. Let them interact. Let them engage you while you're engaged in your writing.
What do you think about self publishing? Let Backward Books know here.
That is to say, my first attempt at self-publishing had nothing to do with self-publishing. Once my novel of sorts, Making News, was complete (in my mind, at the time) I proceeded to receive rejection letters from nearly every major and minor publishing house in the US. And a few in Canada. And maybe one in the UK.
Then I learned about self-publishing. I was living in Monument Square in Portland, Maine at the time, and directly across the square was Longfellow Books, a kickass little store if there ever was one. I spend a lot of time flipping through the books, trying to figure out what made a book a book, how authors were able to hook into the publishing world.
I found a lot of shitty looking books by local authors (self-published books of poetry and woe-is-me fiction) and I thought to myself, "Self - you can do that. At least you can't be any worse than these folks."
And I wasn't. I wasn't any better - but I certainly wasn't any worse.
In retrospect, the book wasn't ready and I didn't care enough to promote it because I knew it wasn't ready, I just wanted to have something I could put on a book shelf and say, "I did that."
I have since learned quite a bit more about all sorts of publishing - online, magazine, on-demand, mini-press.
I see a lot of potential in this thing called self-publishing. With tools like Twitter, Facebook - fuck - the entire fucking Internet, there isn't a place an author can't get to. Working into the Book Expo or a large city book festival may take a little work, but the book wasn't written without any sweat, and it sure as hell isn't going to sell without any.
I'm waiting for IndieBound to create a self-published author section (the indie of the indie) but all in good time, I guess.
My most recent book project, Rubes, Rakes, Rogues & Roustabouts started out as some pictures I was going to hang on the wall. It became it's own beast, morphing into some humor and typography-driven thing. While I was writing it and putting it together, I kept a list of all the ways I would market the book.
That's how this was different - I didn't think of a publishing house touching this one. Besides the fact that it's too difficult to categorize, review, or get into a bookseller, I just wanted to do it myself.
I designed the whole things, scrapped half of it and redesigned it again. And I loved every minute of it. I used some crowd-sourcing for cover ideas and content.
The future of self-publishing is not the authors with a desire to do it themselves, the future is having the full plan before word one is written. Writing is such a solitary venture by necessity, but by getting the word out that you're working on something, people want to know more about it. Let them interact. Let them engage you while you're engaged in your writing.
What do you think about self publishing? Let Backward Books know here.
Sep 16, 2009
My Day in Jury Duty
5:30
Alarm. Snooze.
5:35
Alarm. Snooze.
5:40
Alarm. Awake. Make coffee. Shower. Dress. Eat a nice big ham egg and cheese sandwich.
6:50
Leave house early to ensure I'm not late. Don't want to be held in contempt.
6:52
Caught Red Line right off the bat.
7:03
Caught Green Line. Station smells like bleach and puke - both fresh. I hate the Green Line.
7:06
Emerge at Government Center a full 54 minutes early. Super.
7:25
After circling the Superior Court buildings and attempting to get in through the wrong entrance, I am on the second floor sitting on a bench staring at the Jury Pool room (218) that isn't open for another 5 minutes.
7:31
Entered room. Think airport seating without being able to watch planes take off.
7:33
Fully processed as a white male. Why do they have a second question asking if you are Hispanic? Wasn't that covered on the first round?
7:40
Mousy little book woman seems to be approaching everyone, hoping for eye contact. I think she needs a friend. I do not wish to be her friend.
7:42
Woman in tiny fedora checks in. I want to say she is an organ grinder, but I have no proof.
7:43
I think the court officers are sexting each other.
7:50
First pair of skinny jeans arrives. This girl needs to eat about 17 cheeseburgers.
7:55
Just realized that besides arriving with a piece of paper with my name on it, I have not been asked for any form of identification.
8:01
A nun has arrived. Sally Field/Flying Nun type of nun. What the hell is going on here? Am I on TV?
8:17
Wondering why, when your choice is six empty seats, you would choose the seat directly next to me.
8:31
It's instructional video time! Video has a lisping judge and the rest of the cast reminds me more of Night Court than Law & Order. Wondering what John Larroquette is doing these days.
9:05
Judge comes down to address the room of approximately 200 people. She says 'duty' a lot and somehow compares jury duty to 9/11 heroes and soldiers in Iraq. I see where she's going, but there's not enough glue in the building to make this one stick.
9:25
We get a break! I've been sitting here for two hours, so I could probably use one. Supposed to be back by 9:55 for first call to court.
9:28
Enter 'break room' to enjoy a taste of water and look around. Three tables facing the walls with a handful of broken chairs. Lovely.
9:29
Leave 'break room' and take my seat.
9:55
Court officer no where to be seen.
10:05
I may have passed out for a minute. My head did the neck-snap thing. No announcement.
10:30
Announcement made! Apparently, nothing is happening. Officially, the first party and the second party in the first case on the thirteenth floor have reached an agreement and....there will be no need for any of us.
10:37
Guy next to me starts mumbling to himself. Words I can make out, "...bullshit...waste of time...clairvoyant...jelly bean...spectroscopic...work...fuck..."
10:44
Guy next to me asks if it's okay to drink coffee in the room. I tell him to ask the folks with the pretty badges. He does not seem to like my answer.
10:46
Bathroom break.
10:48
Walking around the banks off elevators I notice that the man in the skull and crossbones sweatshirt has a haircut not unlike Warchild's haircut from Point Break. He is wearing one red shoe and one black shoe. We do not speak.
11:11
Someone farted. It wasn't me.
11:30
Second break! Since I'm still wandering in front of the elevators, I take my break sitting down.
11:35
Man four rows back snores himself awake.
11:59
Announcement made that there is a case.
12:02
My number is called (93).
12:05
Enter the tallest elevator I've ever seen. At least 20ft high. Should have gone for width, since there are twenty people crammed in here.
12:07
Sshhh...court is very quiet.
12:09
Another round of jurors come in. I count 75 of us total. This bench hurts my butt. At least 15 people have to stand.
12:11
Judge comes in, does her deal.
12:12
Selection, or 'panelization' begins. My seat is still uncomfortable.
12:34
The ceiling looks shitty. Could use another coat of paint. The walls are nice.
1:10
Final juror accepted. We all shuffle out.
1:16
Informed by the court officer that I am free to go.
1:19
The lobby smells like more farts.
Alarm. Snooze.
5:35
Alarm. Snooze.
5:40
Alarm. Awake. Make coffee. Shower. Dress. Eat a nice big ham egg and cheese sandwich.
6:50
Leave house early to ensure I'm not late. Don't want to be held in contempt.
6:52
Caught Red Line right off the bat.
7:03
Caught Green Line. Station smells like bleach and puke - both fresh. I hate the Green Line.
7:06
Emerge at Government Center a full 54 minutes early. Super.
7:25
After circling the Superior Court buildings and attempting to get in through the wrong entrance, I am on the second floor sitting on a bench staring at the Jury Pool room (218) that isn't open for another 5 minutes.
7:31
Entered room. Think airport seating without being able to watch planes take off.
7:33
Fully processed as a white male. Why do they have a second question asking if you are Hispanic? Wasn't that covered on the first round?
7:40
Mousy little book woman seems to be approaching everyone, hoping for eye contact. I think she needs a friend. I do not wish to be her friend.
7:42
Woman in tiny fedora checks in. I want to say she is an organ grinder, but I have no proof.
7:43
I think the court officers are sexting each other.
7:50
First pair of skinny jeans arrives. This girl needs to eat about 17 cheeseburgers.
7:55
Just realized that besides arriving with a piece of paper with my name on it, I have not been asked for any form of identification.
8:01
A nun has arrived. Sally Field/Flying Nun type of nun. What the hell is going on here? Am I on TV?
8:17
Wondering why, when your choice is six empty seats, you would choose the seat directly next to me.
8:31
It's instructional video time! Video has a lisping judge and the rest of the cast reminds me more of Night Court than Law & Order. Wondering what John Larroquette is doing these days.
9:05
Judge comes down to address the room of approximately 200 people. She says 'duty' a lot and somehow compares jury duty to 9/11 heroes and soldiers in Iraq. I see where she's going, but there's not enough glue in the building to make this one stick.
9:25
We get a break! I've been sitting here for two hours, so I could probably use one. Supposed to be back by 9:55 for first call to court.
9:28
Enter 'break room' to enjoy a taste of water and look around. Three tables facing the walls with a handful of broken chairs. Lovely.
9:29
Leave 'break room' and take my seat.
9:55
Court officer no where to be seen.
10:05
I may have passed out for a minute. My head did the neck-snap thing. No announcement.
10:30
Announcement made! Apparently, nothing is happening. Officially, the first party and the second party in the first case on the thirteenth floor have reached an agreement and....there will be no need for any of us.
10:37
Guy next to me starts mumbling to himself. Words I can make out, "...bullshit...waste of time...clairvoyant...jelly bean...spectroscopic...work...fuck..."
10:44
Guy next to me asks if it's okay to drink coffee in the room. I tell him to ask the folks with the pretty badges. He does not seem to like my answer.
10:46
Bathroom break.
10:48
Walking around the banks off elevators I notice that the man in the skull and crossbones sweatshirt has a haircut not unlike Warchild's haircut from Point Break. He is wearing one red shoe and one black shoe. We do not speak.
11:11
Someone farted. It wasn't me.
11:30
Second break! Since I'm still wandering in front of the elevators, I take my break sitting down.
11:35
Man four rows back snores himself awake.
11:59
Announcement made that there is a case.
12:02
My number is called (93).
12:05
Enter the tallest elevator I've ever seen. At least 20ft high. Should have gone for width, since there are twenty people crammed in here.
12:07
Sshhh...court is very quiet.
12:09
Another round of jurors come in. I count 75 of us total. This bench hurts my butt. At least 15 people have to stand.
12:11
Judge comes in, does her deal.
12:12
Selection, or 'panelization' begins. My seat is still uncomfortable.
12:34
The ceiling looks shitty. Could use another coat of paint. The walls are nice.
1:10
Final juror accepted. We all shuffle out.
1:16
Informed by the court officer that I am free to go.
1:19
The lobby smells like more farts.
Sep 11, 2009
Happy Friday
It is that day at the end of the week that causes much fantastic frolicking across this great land of ours, and I have a sneaking suspicion I should have a post here consisting of various whatnot I like.
Maybe you'll like it too.
Acme Cocktail Company
My friend Marty is back from his summer hiatus and the Acme Cocktail Company is now in full swing. Check back often to see what he's got to say on everything from health care reform to mint juleps.
Still wondering what he thinks of who Legal Seafoods hired to shake out drinks at the Harborside location that may be built by 2020. Marty?
Island Creek Oysterfest
I will be attending this event tomorrow afternoon and will update you on the food and fun.
Taxidermy
Because sometimes a stuffed squirrel says it all.
Drunk Man Throws Jellyfish at Teenagers
Without a doubt the best news story I have found. You have no idea how pissed I am I didn't think this one up.
Boston Book Festival
It's the first. Hopefully the first annual. John Hodgman and Tom Perrotta are MCing this shindig. I'm glad I have a month and a half to figure out my guerrilla marketing tactics for Rubes, Rakes, Rogues & Roustabouts. There is a possibility that it will have a juggling monkey, so be sure not to miss it.
If you are interested and will be in Boston on October 24th, the event is free, so contact me and we can storm the gates in proper fashion.
Writing
You know - that thing I should do more of. Well...looks like I have no immediate plans for Sunday, so I will finally site down after too long and make time to make up stuff.
Final Word
As always, if you are looking for a project to collaborate on, or have an idea you feel is pretty kickass and want to pursue it further, shoot me a line.
Maybe you'll like it too.
Acme Cocktail Company
My friend Marty is back from his summer hiatus and the Acme Cocktail Company is now in full swing. Check back often to see what he's got to say on everything from health care reform to mint juleps.
Still wondering what he thinks of who Legal Seafoods hired to shake out drinks at the Harborside location that may be built by 2020. Marty?
Island Creek Oysterfest
I will be attending this event tomorrow afternoon and will update you on the food and fun.
Taxidermy
Because sometimes a stuffed squirrel says it all.
Drunk Man Throws Jellyfish at Teenagers
Without a doubt the best news story I have found. You have no idea how pissed I am I didn't think this one up.
Boston Book Festival
It's the first. Hopefully the first annual. John Hodgman and Tom Perrotta are MCing this shindig. I'm glad I have a month and a half to figure out my guerrilla marketing tactics for Rubes, Rakes, Rogues & Roustabouts. There is a possibility that it will have a juggling monkey, so be sure not to miss it.
If you are interested and will be in Boston on October 24th, the event is free, so contact me and we can storm the gates in proper fashion.
Writing
You know - that thing I should do more of. Well...looks like I have no immediate plans for Sunday, so I will finally site down after too long and make time to make up stuff.
Final Word
As always, if you are looking for a project to collaborate on, or have an idea you feel is pretty kickass and want to pursue it further, shoot me a line.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
