My plan is to sell my novel, to a lot of people—without a publisher.
In the tradition of indie musicians and indie film makers, I am taking advantage of available technology and bringing my novel directly to readers like you.
In the past, if you wrote a novel, you needed a publisher (preferably a big one) for printing, distribution, and publicity—but the established publishing industry has outlived its usefulness in all three arenas.
Now, I can do everything Random House does—at home, in my spare time, with my laptop and an internet connection. With the advances in personal computing technology and print-on-demand printing there isn’t a single thing Random House does that I can’t do myself.
- I edited and designed a paperback edition of my novel.
- I established myself as a publishing company.
- I chose a printer and created an account.
- I signed up for the distribution services made available by the printer I chose.
- I planned a publicity campaign.
- I designed, built, and launched this website.
- And I did a lot of research to learn how to do all these things.
Granted, I had help—particular in the areas of editing, design, and website development—but now that Sometimes That Happens With Chicken is for sale, I’m doing everything Random House does.
However, I’m also doing some things Random House would never do. Like giving my novel away for free, in keeping with the growing tradition of indie musicians and film makers. They have blazed such a fine trail, I figure it can’t hurt to follow it.
Whether you call it self-publishing or indie literature, I am my own Random House. I’m just one girl, but I have two things no publisher has.
- I have a novel to sell called Sometimes That Happens With Chicken that one reader says, “sizzles with wry commentary about the tragedy and folly of life as it is actually lived.”
- And I have you.
