The guys talk a little about self-publishing star Amanda Hocking, the success she’s been having putting out her own ebooks, and the recent deal she signed
They also talk about reasons for the sudden expansion and growth of ebook sales — is it because of the gadgets and the need for content on them, or is it something else?
Link: NYTimes.com: Amanda Hocking Signs Four-Book Deal With St. Martin’s
Link: Amanda Hocking’s Blog
Link: Kristine Rusch: The Business Rusch: Smackdown!!
Listener Review: Web Genii brings us a review of a paranormal romance/comedy whose title has been concealed to focus more on the problems she thought detracted from the story.
Interview: Kevin J. Anderson and Brian Herbert join us this week in the middle of their book tour to talk about Hellhole, their most recent collaboration and the first in a trilogy set in a new original universe.
They talk about their collaborative process, the future of the Dune series, listening to (or not listening to) critics, and why not to buy Christmas presents before December 21, 2012.
Submitting Listener comments: If you have any suggestions or comments, please let us know!
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Hey guys,
Enjoy your podcast and make it a habit to download weekly on iTunes. However, I was a bit disturbed or perhaps put off by your comments at the close of the show. I found the suggestion for aspiring writer’s to take business courses in college and also introduce it in writer’s groups interesting. However Mike’s subsequent comment, to paraphrase,:
The most successful artists are businessmen at heart.
I just–I just don’t think this is true. Artists are artists at heart. If they wanted to make money, they would go into business. While I think the business aspect of things is certainly important, it absolutely pales in comparison to the act of storytelling itself. I would much rather there be more superb artists out there with mediocre marketing skills than mediocre artists with superb marketing skills. Put your heart and soul into your work first, then give all of what is left to being professional.
So, all this to say, I don’t necessarily disagree with you about the importance of good business sense, but would rather that the emphasis still be on producing fine work.
Thanks and keep doing what you’re doing!