Every time I read one of these types of opinions, I want to scream.

Yes, writing is hard work done by people who want to tell a story. Even if it is the same story from last year, no one has told it “their” particular way. That’s what makes reading so enjoyable, so adventurous, a story told in a new way; funnier, more thrilling, more introspective, more character centered, more imaginative, the list goes on.

Alas, people like to fall out of the woodwork suggesting it isn’t worth the time, effort and energy. Ridiculous.

As long as an author exist with a story to tell they think worthy to tell, publishing (in some form) will always be around.

And I have no idea why the idea of “monetizing their dreams” is suggested with such contempt by Bill.

Doctors “monetize their dreams” of helping people get well.

Accountants “monetize their dreams” of working with numbers.

As Heather points out, mechanics “monetize their dreams” of working on car engines.

Even police officers “monetize their dreams” of keeping law and order.

So why not authors?

Geez.

Reality may be harsh, but I don’t want to wallow in it!

My advice to this person is: publishing is hard. Deal with it.

Yeah, it’s difficult to find an audience with all the hundreds of thousands of authors and works being published. We are now in an age where information is thrown at us from every angle; no longer are we starved for news like the pre-Gutenberg days. But, you write because it’s what you love to do. Nothing more, nothing less.

Publishing works, it’s a business like any other, and just because some people don’t like it, or think that it’s destroying the creative integrity of literature, doesn’t mean that it’s wrong. That would be like saying “oh gee, my mechanic is asking $400 for that part for my car — he’s destroying the integrity of the vehicle!” Sorry, but no. The intent of a car is to transport people. The intent of the publishing industry is to provide readers with entertainment. And there are corresponding parts to that. Marketing. Salability.

Understand that. Or get out of the game.

I agree with that 100%. I know a few people who’ve written books, several books in fact, and they believe other people are bound to want to read them and it’s just a matter of finding an understanding publisher who shares their dream. The problem is they want to monetize these dreams and are resentful that the rest of the world doesn’t want to play along.

I read the shareware exploits of Richard herley with interest and mention was made of Cory Doctorow or John Scalzi. The thing is they don’t just give away their works (and as far as I know Scalzi only ever gave away one book with a tip jar mechanism - but I could be wrong) they’ve spent YEARS building a community around them on the internet and Scalzi made the bulk of his living until recently writing non-fiction.

Then there was the headshots with submissions story (I’m starting to feel like “Chuck”, piecing together a plot from disparate threads) which possibly means traditional publishing is going to become more akin to PR/management for writer-personalities with their websites and associated branding. It’s almost here now.