Lecture #13: Publishing Part Two โ Brandon Sanderson on Writing Science Fiction and Fantasy
TLDRIn this insightful lecture, the focus is on indie publishing and traditional publishing, particularly in the context of fantasy and science fiction. The speaker thanks professional romance novelists, Jennifer Peale and Becky Monson, for their contributions to preparing the lecture. They delve into the history of indie publishing, contrasting it with vanity publishing and highlighting the digital revolution's impact on publishing. The discussion covers key topics such as the flexibility and control indie publishing offers, financial aspects, and the importance of quality in self-publishing. Additionally, the lecture explores traditional publishing contracts, royalties, and the strategic considerations authors must make between indie and traditional publishing paths, aiming to equip writers with the knowledge to navigate the publishing landscape effectively.
Takeaways
- ๐ Indie publishing has changed dramatically in the last decade and is now a viable alternative to traditional publishing
- ๐ Flexibility, control, and higher royalties are main advantages of indie publishing
- ๐ฐ Indie authors can price books lower and keep more profit per sale compared to traditional publishing
- ๐ Indie publishing works best for genres like romance, fantasy, mystery that have dedicated fan bases who buy quickly
- ๐ฅ๏ธ Most indie book sales are ebooks and audiobooks sold online, not print books
- โ๏ธ As an indie author, you have to run the business yourself and invest time and money in editing, covers, advertising, etc.
- ๐ Use rapid release of books in a series as a marketing tool for indie publishing
- ๐ฎ Email lists are an indie author's best marketing tool, more so than social media
- ๐ค Traditional publishing still offers advantages like print distribution, advances, and marketing support
- ๐ Carefully research both indie and traditional publishing options to decide what works best for your books
Q & A
What are some key differences between traditional publishing and indie publishing?
-Some key differences include - traditional publishing offers advances, handles editing/covers/distribution, but the author has less control and lower royalties. Indie publishing means the author handles everything but has more flexibility, control and a larger share of royalties.
What royalty rates are common in traditional publishing contracts?
-Common royalty rates in traditional publishing are: 10-15% of cover price for hardcover books, 6-8% for paperbacks, and around 10% for trade paperbacks.
How are ebook and audiobook royalties typically calculated in traditional publishing?
-Ebook and audiobook royalties are typically calculated based on net receipts, usually defined as 25% of what the publisher receives (often 70% of the sale price).
What are some best practices for authors just starting out in indie publishing?
-Best practices include: join online groups/forums to learn, attend conferences for indie authors, run your writing like a business, invest in professional editing/covers to avoid looking 'indie', and use rapid releases/series to maximize marketing.
What are some advantages of going the traditional publishing route?
-Advantages include larger advances, handling of editing/covers/distribution, potential for print distribution in bookstores, and genre/books that need a big publisher push.
How can indie authors effectively price their books?
-Indie authors have flexibility to undercut traditionally published ebook prices. $2.99-$4.99 per book can offer good profit while being attractive to readers.
What are some ways indie authors can market their books?
-Ways to market include: email lists, social media (with regular engagement), paid ads, blog tours, author cross-promotion at events, and building an email list.
What are the financial realities of book tours for most authors?
-Book tours rarely make money directly from book sales, but serve other purposes like meeting fans, getting shelf placement in bookstores, and hitting bestseller lists.
How can you identify if your book idea fits a niche genre?
-It's difficult to predict. Look for a mashup of genres that might appeal to dedicated fans at the intersection. Be prepared to pivot if initial genre targeting flops.
What advice does Brandon Sanderson give for utilizing both indie and traditional publishing?
-He advises trying a hybrid approach - submit some manuscripts traditionally, while independently publishing others well-suited to indie success. Keep all options open.
Outlines
๐ค Introducing the lecture topic and format
The instructor introduces the lecture topic as indie publishing and notes it will cover indie publishing and traditional publishing contracts and royalties. He mentions it will be fast-paced and asks students to submit questions for next week's Q&A session.
๐ Brief history of indie publishing pre-2010
The instructor gives a brief overview of indie publishing pre-2010, noting it was difficult with high costs and stigma. He mentions some successful examples like The Christmas Box. He contrasts it with vanity publishing where authors paid for printing but couldn't sell books.
๐ป The digital revolution's impact starting 2010
The instructor explains how the 2010 digital revolution drastically changed indie publishing by enabling distribution without warehouses. He notes the rapid ebook growth seen in his royalty statements. He mentions print vs. digital has stabilized except audiobooks are still growing.
๐ฉโ๐ป Examples of successful modern indie authors
The instructor thanks two students who are successful indie romance authors for providing notes. He gives specifics on their number of books published and earnings as examples of indie authors making a good living.
๐ Indie publishing benefits: flexibility and control
The instructor notes flexibility in publishing speed, book length, pricing, promotions etc as a benefit of indie publishing. Also control over covers, blurbs, and not selling rights in perpetuity. This contrasts with traditional publishing.
๐ฐ Indie publishing benefits: higher royalties
The instructor explains indie published authors keep a much larger royalty percentage (70% vs 10-15%). Combined with pricing flexibility, this can earn more per copy than traditional publishing even with a smaller audience.
๐ How to get started with indie publishing
The instructor outlines two approaches to indie publishing - build a platform first or rapid release writing. He recommends writing groups for knowledge and warns of scams. He stresses the importance of professional covers and editing.
๐ How indie publishing can mimic traditional publishing
The instructor notes indie publishing can get books into stores, get movie deals etc with effort. He uses his novella The Emperor's Soul as an example of a hybrid publishing approach.
๐ Nuts and bolts of self-publishing platforms
The instructor explains using Amazon directly vs. distribution platforms like Draft2Digital for wider sales channels. He notes Amazon's pricing requirements and how Select/Kindle Unlimited works.
๐ Traditional publishing: print royalty rates
The instructor outlines standard royalty rates for hardcovers (10-15% of cover), paperbacks (6-8%) and trade paperbacks (~10%). He explains they are a percentage of the cover price regardless of sale price.
๐ง Traditional publishing: ebook and audiobook royalties
The instructor notes ebook and audiobook royalties are 25% of net, meaning what the publisher receives (usually 70% of sale price). He notes this rate is too low compared to costs.
๐ฐ Advances in publishing contracts
The instructor explains how advances function as guaranteed money upfront that is earned back through royalties. A high advance can effectively increase the royalty rate.
๐ช Reasons to choose traditional publishing
The instructor outlines reasons like large advances, marketing support, wide print distribution, genres unsuited to indie publishing, and not wanting to self-publish as reasons to traditionally publish.
๐ข Marketing basics for both publishing paths
The instructor notes authors must market effectively with either path. He suggests an email list, social media, paid ads, website, and blogger outreach. Traditional publishing adds co-op and the potential for book tours.
๐ Resources for learning more
The instructor recommends researching both paths, talking to other authors, and keeping an open mind. He offers to outline major publishers next week during Q&A.
Mindmap
Keywords
๐กIndie Publishing
๐กVanity Publishing
๐กDigital Revolution
๐กE-books
๐กRoyalties
๐กPrint on Demand
๐กAudiobooks
๐กMarket Trends
๐กTraditional Publishing
๐กContract Negotiations
Highlights
First significant highlight text
Second notable highlight text
Third groundbreaking finding highlight
Fourth introduction of new methods
Fifth significant theoretical advancement
Sixth notable impact on the industry
Seventh important discussion on future directions
Eighth innovative technological application
Ninth critical review of existing literature
Tenth unique case study with significant implications
Eleventh expert testimony on a controversial topic
Twelfth new perspective on a well-established theory
Thirteenth practical application of theoretical knowledge
Fourteenth methodological breakthrough
Fifteenth insightful commentary on industry trends
Transcripts
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