I am part of a LinkedIn discussion group and found myself involved in a thread that has got quite emotional. Good. It shows we care. I want to share with you one of my responses - I didn't mean to pour so much on to the page, but I think it is quite revealing.
Charles,
Thanks for the compliment. The thread has already mentioned the essential advantages of PoD, and I largely agree with them. I want to mention some areas not covered, and again, this is my personal opinion.
1. A writer needs to write. S/he needs to develop his/her craft. S/he needs to tell the other stories that s/he has to write. Once you have finished your novel, had it edited, and sent it out to 50-60 agents, you need to think there comes a point when you must move on.
You can then put that manuscript on a shelf to gather dust, or you can put it out there. On the shelf seems pointless to me - it gives you nothing and has you stagnating. I think it is preferable to PoD the book and gain experience in the inevitable promotion and marketing world.
If I had not Pod'ed Oilspill dotcom, I would not have begun to build my author's platform. In the 6 months since the novel came out: I built a website that I am proud of (alonshalev.com), maintain a modest blog, have spoken at 8 forums, been interviewed/mentioned in 5 newspapers/magazines, entered 5 competitions ... all while holding a full time job and being an involved father to young children.
I believe I am more confident, more professional, and building a reputation (in Northern California, at least) because of these actions - and I have learned a lot. A few weeks ago, I met with two people in the hope of addressing their group. One said that they couldn't agree as they haven't read the book. His colleague responded that he had read it and gave me a great verbal review. He had heard about my book from a friend who had been moved by my Veterans Day blog entry.
2. I am not convinced that placing my novel in every bookstore is going to result in sales, so there's little point complaining about it. There are thousands of books in any store (100,000 in the average Barnes & Noble). I believe people often buy the author as much as his/her book (assuming they've never read anything from the author). If you are charismatic, funny, profound, whatever, you will sell. People want to take a piece of you home with them (please don't tell my wife). If you have not published a book (no matter which way) you have nothing to sell them.
3. A final comment. PoD, ebooks, consignments, advances - the industry is in flux and will take a time to work itself out. I do not believe books are going away, but neither do I think we yet know where the industry is going. An author/writer needs to write, needs to develop. S/he cannot stand still and wait for the rest of the world. Furthermore, I believe (hope) that in the future, the fact that you have put yourself out there and have a fan base, will be a plus when a big publisher considers picking you up. Your website, blog, appearances etc. are testament that you can go the distance with the right backing.
4. A final, final point: You have to love what you do. If you are not proud of your website, blog, pitch at parties and spontaneous meetings and, above all, if you are not proud of your books, then maybe you shouldn't be here. It's okay to complain a bit (who doesn’t?), but if it is paralyzing your progress, you have a serious problem.
Sorry this is so long. Thank you for reading.
Good Writing,
Alon
www.alonshalev.com/
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
In Search of Golden Nuggets
Firstly, a big thank-you to the twelve people who offered feedback and helped me with my synopsis for Unwanted Heroes. I submitted my entry to the San Francisco Writers Conference Writing Contest and am particularly excited. This is the first time that I have shopped Unwanted Heroes and I am eager to see how it is received.
I also entered Oilspill dotcom for the Stanford University/William Saroyan International Writing Prize.
In helping prepare my synopsis, a number of friends asked why I am putting so much time into writing contests. In the 19th Century, people came to California in search of gold. In a riverbed of pebbles they sought the elusive golden nugget. The nugget in itself was of great value, but it also offered the hope that the discovery would lead to more nuggets nearby.
The world of literature has become crowded. The advent of the computer has shortened the discipline and time needed to create a book. As a medium of expression, it has become accessible to all and fills an important void to many. The expansion of publishing channels to include cheap and readily available models of publication has added to the amount of books being published. The e-book revolution is still in its nascent stages but will open more accessible platforms to publish a book. Weblit is another new idea catching on fast.
So how can a golden nugget shine among the pebbles? How can it find a way to catch the attention of the gold-digger (the reader) bending down over murky waters?
In a world of mass advertising, if you have the money to allow newspaper and billboard promotion, TV, web, and radio, there is a clear route. The only barrier is having a marketing budget the size of a house purchase. For the A-list authors, this remains the easy and obvious way. When Dan Brown's new novel recently came out, we all knew about it, whether we follow his work or not. Someone spent big bucks getting our attention. My nurturing wife, ever sensitive to her family's needs, planned the camping site during our summer vacation to be near a bookstore thus enabling my eldest son and I to purchase the final Harry Potter novel the day it came out - and we booked our trip about four months earlier.
But the mid-lister and emerging author both need to get creative. We need to find alternative ways to harness media attention, to plant our books into people's consciousness and onto their bookshelves.
Book contests are one way of shining among the pebbles. The contest provides legitimacy to the level of the author's writing, a stamp (or more likely a sticker) of authority and hopefully helps the media take note. When the consumer hears that a particular book is a prizewinner they are impressed. When approaching bookstores, speaker engagements and agents, it is a strong line on your resume.
Finally, it is imperative that the writer believes in his/her ability and this needs to be sustained and legitimized. Having your pebble remaining in the sieve when all others have been thrown back into the river of rejection, having a miner hold it up to the sun, bite it (did they really do that without dental coverage?) and whoop for joy knowing that this discovery might change their lives -- what more can an author dream of?
Good Writing,
Alon
http://www.alonshalev.com/
I also entered Oilspill dotcom for the Stanford University/William Saroyan International Writing Prize.
In helping prepare my synopsis, a number of friends asked why I am putting so much time into writing contests. In the 19th Century, people came to California in search of gold. In a riverbed of pebbles they sought the elusive golden nugget. The nugget in itself was of great value, but it also offered the hope that the discovery would lead to more nuggets nearby.
The world of literature has become crowded. The advent of the computer has shortened the discipline and time needed to create a book. As a medium of expression, it has become accessible to all and fills an important void to many. The expansion of publishing channels to include cheap and readily available models of publication has added to the amount of books being published. The e-book revolution is still in its nascent stages but will open more accessible platforms to publish a book. Weblit is another new idea catching on fast.
So how can a golden nugget shine among the pebbles? How can it find a way to catch the attention of the gold-digger (the reader) bending down over murky waters?
In a world of mass advertising, if you have the money to allow newspaper and billboard promotion, TV, web, and radio, there is a clear route. The only barrier is having a marketing budget the size of a house purchase. For the A-list authors, this remains the easy and obvious way. When Dan Brown's new novel recently came out, we all knew about it, whether we follow his work or not. Someone spent big bucks getting our attention. My nurturing wife, ever sensitive to her family's needs, planned the camping site during our summer vacation to be near a bookstore thus enabling my eldest son and I to purchase the final Harry Potter novel the day it came out - and we booked our trip about four months earlier.
But the mid-lister and emerging author both need to get creative. We need to find alternative ways to harness media attention, to plant our books into people's consciousness and onto their bookshelves.
Book contests are one way of shining among the pebbles. The contest provides legitimacy to the level of the author's writing, a stamp (or more likely a sticker) of authority and hopefully helps the media take note. When the consumer hears that a particular book is a prizewinner they are impressed. When approaching bookstores, speaker engagements and agents, it is a strong line on your resume.
Finally, it is imperative that the writer believes in his/her ability and this needs to be sustained and legitimized. Having your pebble remaining in the sieve when all others have been thrown back into the river of rejection, having a miner hold it up to the sun, bite it (did they really do that without dental coverage?) and whoop for joy knowing that this discovery might change their lives -- what more can an author dream of?
Good Writing,
Alon
http://www.alonshalev.com/
Monday, January 4, 2010
Synopsis - request feedback
These are exciting times. As mentioned in my last blog, I will submit my new manuscript to the first of two contests over the weekend. I would appreciate any feedback to the synopsis which I have pasted below. Feel free to critique in the comments below or by email to alshalev at bigfoot dotcom.
It is also exciting to see that people are picking up Oilspill dotcom in its e-book format from both Smashwords and Scribd. The world of e-book is accelerating and I am so happy to be part of this wave. If you have read the book, please post a review on these sites and also Goodreads if you hang out there.
To all who follow my blog and my progress as an author - Happy New Year - I appreciate all your support and encouragement.
Alon
http://www.alonshalev.com/
Unwanted Heroes (80,000 words)
Unwanted Heroes (80,000 words)
Good coffee, vintage wine and the magic of San Francisco bring together an elderly, battle weary Chinese American war vet and an idealistic and pretentious young Englishman. But when repressed memories suddenly surface, they discover a more dangerous commonality where the key to release for each of them lies in an unlikely partnership.
Will Taylor finds employment as a barista at The Daily Grind in the Financial District of San Francisco and is inspired to write his breakout novel. Walking the streets of Kerouac and Ginsberg, Taylor discovers a beautiful city and cutting edge culture alongside the harsh underbelly of American society.
When his boss suddenly disappears, Will unravels an injustice he must try and help rectify before he loses his friends, his sanity and love. He needs all the help he can find and all the allies he can muster. A homeless professor, precariously balanced between intellectual pinnacles and mental abyss, offers advice and contacts. Taylor's Goth girlfriend initiates him into the West Coast counter culture, while her Nob Hill father digs up his own military nightmares to help another haunted soldier in desperate straits.
The unique culture of San Francisco lends itself to the comical aspects of the novel, offset in a rollercoaster of emotions where comic follows tragic. When Will meets his Goth girlfriend's parents for dinner at their home on Nob Hill, the only conversation piece he can offer is teaching them to toast in twelve languages. In the ensuing abrupt scene change, he is frantically searching a military graveyard at night, looking for his boss who has suddenly disappeared without his medication.
Unwanted Heroes confronts the issue of homelessness and, in particular, American war veterans who could never readjust into society. This novel is a tribute to a beautiful, unique and quirky city and its people, and yet highlights those who sacrificed so much to keep it and America free.
As such, Unwanted Heroes fits into a genre of novels written by authors who want to effect change in the world. Erin Brockovich, The Rainmaker, A Civil Action and The Appeal, are comparable works in this respect. In addition, the humorous scenes reflect the influence of Christopher Buckley and Christopher Moore.
But above all, Unwanted Heroes is a story of injustice, friendship and romance, as seen through the eyes of a struggling young writer from across the Atlantic, who brings more baggage than just his shiny laptop and romantic ideals.
It is also exciting to see that people are picking up Oilspill dotcom in its e-book format from both Smashwords and Scribd. The world of e-book is accelerating and I am so happy to be part of this wave. If you have read the book, please post a review on these sites and also Goodreads if you hang out there.
To all who follow my blog and my progress as an author - Happy New Year - I appreciate all your support and encouragement.
Alon
http://www.alonshalev.com/
Unwanted Heroes (80,000 words)
Unwanted Heroes (80,000 words)
Good coffee, vintage wine and the magic of San Francisco bring together an elderly, battle weary Chinese American war vet and an idealistic and pretentious young Englishman. But when repressed memories suddenly surface, they discover a more dangerous commonality where the key to release for each of them lies in an unlikely partnership.
Will Taylor finds employment as a barista at The Daily Grind in the Financial District of San Francisco and is inspired to write his breakout novel. Walking the streets of Kerouac and Ginsberg, Taylor discovers a beautiful city and cutting edge culture alongside the harsh underbelly of American society.
When his boss suddenly disappears, Will unravels an injustice he must try and help rectify before he loses his friends, his sanity and love. He needs all the help he can find and all the allies he can muster. A homeless professor, precariously balanced between intellectual pinnacles and mental abyss, offers advice and contacts. Taylor's Goth girlfriend initiates him into the West Coast counter culture, while her Nob Hill father digs up his own military nightmares to help another haunted soldier in desperate straits.
The unique culture of San Francisco lends itself to the comical aspects of the novel, offset in a rollercoaster of emotions where comic follows tragic. When Will meets his Goth girlfriend's parents for dinner at their home on Nob Hill, the only conversation piece he can offer is teaching them to toast in twelve languages. In the ensuing abrupt scene change, he is frantically searching a military graveyard at night, looking for his boss who has suddenly disappeared without his medication.
Unwanted Heroes confronts the issue of homelessness and, in particular, American war veterans who could never readjust into society. This novel is a tribute to a beautiful, unique and quirky city and its people, and yet highlights those who sacrificed so much to keep it and America free.
As such, Unwanted Heroes fits into a genre of novels written by authors who want to effect change in the world. Erin Brockovich, The Rainmaker, A Civil Action and The Appeal, are comparable works in this respect. In addition, the humorous scenes reflect the influence of Christopher Buckley and Christopher Moore.
But above all, Unwanted Heroes is a story of injustice, friendship and romance, as seen through the eyes of a struggling young writer from across the Atlantic, who brings more baggage than just his shiny laptop and romantic ideals.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
A Change of Direction
I have changed directions this month. I am taking a break from marketing Oilspill dotcom, to edit and prepare my manuscript for two upcoming competitions that focus on unpublished novels.
The first is Amazon's Breakthrough Novel contest that leads to a contract with their Amazon Encore program. I recently met Francine Howard, a member of the California Writers Club and our new marketing group. Francine’s book was placed in the competition last year and is being prepared for a significant book launch.
The second competition is the San Francisco Writer's Conference contest. I believe the fact that the competition is based in San Francisco and that much of my book is a love-fest with the city, um, the City, makes it extremely attractive.
I hope to finish my edit of the book this week and then to send it to a couple of willing friends to comb through. Then I will work on their corrections in the first week of January, before sending it off to be judged.
It seems strange that after so long of going through the publishing process with Oilspill dotcom that I am now focusing on another book. I feel like a parent, eager for the arrival of the new baby and yet feeling guilty towards the older sibling, who is used to being the center of my world.
Oh well. Today is my oldest son's 11th birthday. I'm sure he can relate to the analogy.
Happy Birthday, Pele. Good Writing, everyone else.
Alon
Alon's Website
http://www.alonshalev.com/
The first is Amazon's Breakthrough Novel contest that leads to a contract with their Amazon Encore program. I recently met Francine Howard, a member of the California Writers Club and our new marketing group. Francine’s book was placed in the competition last year and is being prepared for a significant book launch.
The second competition is the San Francisco Writer's Conference contest. I believe the fact that the competition is based in San Francisco and that much of my book is a love-fest with the city, um, the City, makes it extremely attractive.
I hope to finish my edit of the book this week and then to send it to a couple of willing friends to comb through. Then I will work on their corrections in the first week of January, before sending it off to be judged.
It seems strange that after so long of going through the publishing process with Oilspill dotcom that I am now focusing on another book. I feel like a parent, eager for the arrival of the new baby and yet feeling guilty towards the older sibling, who is used to being the center of my world.
Oh well. Today is my oldest son's 11th birthday. I'm sure he can relate to the analogy.
Happy Birthday, Pele. Good Writing, everyone else.
Alon
Alon's Website
http://www.alonshalev.com/
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Another Perspective
I admit it; I fall behind on my TV shows, which is why there wasn't a blog last week (not really) and why I am a faithful worshiper of the Church of Digital Video Recorders. My biggest sin: I am behind on The Colbert Report.
Watching the show from December 1st, I was stunned to see Stephen interview Sherman Alexie, the author of 'War Dances.' Alexie was great, a Native American poking fun at the white guys. But this blog entry is not about Native Americans or white guys.
As you have seen, I am proud that Oilspill dotcom is now available as an e-book, available in all formats that exist today. I am doing my bit to save the planet. Even if I can't afford a Prius, I am taking bold steps to save the trees, energy in production and distribution, and able to help provide free copies of my e-books for our soldiers.
So I was kind of taken aback when Alexie advocated against the e-book revolution (my embellishment, not his). He will not publish his book in electronic form because:
- He fears that we are giving the government the ability to control what we read, write, see and listen to.
- It makes our work vulnerable to piracy
- It prevents any physical contact between author and reader, a relationship that he sees as essential for both sides
- It takes away revenue from independent bookstores already on the brink of extinction
- It prevents any celebration of books within the community
I want to take issue with Alexie, but I have two problems: he is correct, and he is very cool.
So I will take a week for rebuttal, and if I can't build a case, will catch up on outstanding Colbert Reports.
Good Writing,
Alon
http://www.alonshalev.com/
Watching the show from December 1st, I was stunned to see Stephen interview Sherman Alexie, the author of 'War Dances.' Alexie was great, a Native American poking fun at the white guys. But this blog entry is not about Native Americans or white guys.
As you have seen, I am proud that Oilspill dotcom is now available as an e-book, available in all formats that exist today. I am doing my bit to save the planet. Even if I can't afford a Prius, I am taking bold steps to save the trees, energy in production and distribution, and able to help provide free copies of my e-books for our soldiers.
So I was kind of taken aback when Alexie advocated against the e-book revolution (my embellishment, not his). He will not publish his book in electronic form because:
- He fears that we are giving the government the ability to control what we read, write, see and listen to.
- It makes our work vulnerable to piracy
- It prevents any physical contact between author and reader, a relationship that he sees as essential for both sides
- It takes away revenue from independent bookstores already on the brink of extinction
- It prevents any celebration of books within the community
I want to take issue with Alexie, but I have two problems: he is correct, and he is very cool.
So I will take a week for rebuttal, and if I can't build a case, will catch up on outstanding Colbert Reports.
Good Writing,
Alon
http://www.alonshalev.com/
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Happy Thanksgiving, Ed.
I guess that Thanksgiving is all about doing good, feeling good, and eating…
I am not sure why, but since Veterans Day, I have had soldiers constantly on my mind. It might be that I have nearly finished my first edit of Unwanted Heroes (the latest in a long line of titles), or from making a new friend who shared with me his war experience from Vietnam and his struggle with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
Yesterday, I read the weekly update from Smashwords detailing many exciting changes. But I want to share the story of one man, a war vet himself. Edward Patterson is an established author. You can see his profile on Smashwords at:
http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/EdwardCPatterson
Oh and while you are there, please check out his books.
One of the great features of Smashwords is that an author can create coupons, giving discounts for specific groups. Ed had the idea to offer a 100% discount to our troops, and began to promote the idea among fellow authors.
I just signed up and am proud that I can offer something, however small, to those far from their families. Perhaps Oilspill dotcom might provide an opportunity for them to lose themselves, if only for a short while, in something far away from the tense job they do for all of us.
As Thanksgiving approaches, I'm feeling thankful to our troops, thankful to their families, and thankful to Ed for providing this service for the troops and giving me the opportunity to do some good,
Happy Thanksgiving Ed and to all my friends.
Good Writing,
Alon
http://www.alonshalev.com/
I am not sure why, but since Veterans Day, I have had soldiers constantly on my mind. It might be that I have nearly finished my first edit of Unwanted Heroes (the latest in a long line of titles), or from making a new friend who shared with me his war experience from Vietnam and his struggle with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
Yesterday, I read the weekly update from Smashwords detailing many exciting changes. But I want to share the story of one man, a war vet himself. Edward Patterson is an established author. You can see his profile on Smashwords at:
http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/EdwardCPatterson
Oh and while you are there, please check out his books.
One of the great features of Smashwords is that an author can create coupons, giving discounts for specific groups. Ed had the idea to offer a 100% discount to our troops, and began to promote the idea among fellow authors.
I just signed up and am proud that I can offer something, however small, to those far from their families. Perhaps Oilspill dotcom might provide an opportunity for them to lose themselves, if only for a short while, in something far away from the tense job they do for all of us.
As Thanksgiving approaches, I'm feeling thankful to our troops, thankful to their families, and thankful to Ed for providing this service for the troops and giving me the opportunity to do some good,
Happy Thanksgiving Ed and to all my friends.
Good Writing,
Alon
http://www.alonshalev.com/
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Exciting New Direction
My novel, Oilspill dotcom, has just been published as an e-book by Smashwords. It's available for an introductory price of $3.99 and can be downloaded to Kindle, Sony Reader, iPhone or any computer. https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/5684. Feeling very 21st Century!
Advert aside - this is exciting!
Mark Coker, the founder of Smashwords has "meat grinder" technology (his term). You provide him with the manuscript and he puts it through his grinder, producing an e-book that can work on any e-book format currently available. He is committed to enable Smashwords books to be compatible with the new Barnes & Noble electronic reader due out this month and the new Apple reader due in January.
Being an author himself and committed to the e-book revolution, Coker offers authors up to an unprecedented 85% royalty, thereby encouraging his authors to price their book at a lower level, representing the savings in materials, distribution, storage and marketing.
I am excited to be part of the revolution. The reality is that most of us buy our books used, borrow from the library, or pass along to friends. None of these methods provide royalties to the author.
$15-$30 for a book is not sustainable and we are no longer surprised to see many 'bestsellers' now deeply discounted in bins at the front of B&N, Borders, or the supermarket.
So, I'm feeling very 21st Century. Over the next few weeks I hope to offer a few insights into the e-book revolution (as I research it myself).
One request: Please go into the Smashwords website, check it out, and let me know what you think. Comment here on the blog or shoot me an email to alshalev at Bigfoot dot com.
Good Writing & Reading,
Alon
http://www.alonshalev.com/
Advert aside - this is exciting!
Mark Coker, the founder of Smashwords has "meat grinder" technology (his term). You provide him with the manuscript and he puts it through his grinder, producing an e-book that can work on any e-book format currently available. He is committed to enable Smashwords books to be compatible with the new Barnes & Noble electronic reader due out this month and the new Apple reader due in January.
Being an author himself and committed to the e-book revolution, Coker offers authors up to an unprecedented 85% royalty, thereby encouraging his authors to price their book at a lower level, representing the savings in materials, distribution, storage and marketing.
I am excited to be part of the revolution. The reality is that most of us buy our books used, borrow from the library, or pass along to friends. None of these methods provide royalties to the author.
$15-$30 for a book is not sustainable and we are no longer surprised to see many 'bestsellers' now deeply discounted in bins at the front of B&N, Borders, or the supermarket.
So, I'm feeling very 21st Century. Over the next few weeks I hope to offer a few insights into the e-book revolution (as I research it myself).
One request: Please go into the Smashwords website, check it out, and let me know what you think. Comment here on the blog or shoot me an email to alshalev at Bigfoot dot com.
Good Writing & Reading,
Alon
http://www.alonshalev.com/
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