Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Ch-ch-ch-changes

What does a sea turtle or polar bear have to do with a book tour? In the case of one author buying her book will benefit endangered animals. I love seeing the innovative ways that writers are finding to reach audiences in this new era of publishing. Whether published by a big house, a small press or by yourself through resources like Smashwords and CreateSpace, authors have to be more involved in selling their work than ever before.
More about the wildlife at the end of this (short) post. But first, I want to point to a post by Jane Dystel, president of DGLM, about moving forward positively within the changing publishing landscape, particularly the future of digital publishing. No doom and gloom from her perspective, just excitement about the possibilities.
This year, many writers I know in person or online have chosen alternative avenues to get their books in the hands of readers. Some were traditionally published in the past, like Gayle Brandeis. Sometimes, small publishers snapped up their books, as happened for Karen Amanda Hooper. Others tackled the multi-tasking job of publishing themselves as did Shelli Johannes and Susan Kaye Quinn. Talli Roland went small press and self-pubbed, and she came up with creative online release parties that rocketed her sales.
Heather McCorkle chose an independent press and currently has an unusual blog tour for the release of a special edition of her previously released THE SECRET OF SPRUCE KNOLL.

From Dec. 12 until Dec. 17 she is donating a percentage of proceeds from book sales to a charity for endangered species.

If you win a contest she has running with this, she will donate $50 for the "adoption" of an endangered animal of your choice. And you'll get a stuffed animal, too.


Pretty cool, I think.

18 comments:

Catherine Denton said...

This world IS changing and I've been in limbo on what I think of it. But I love the innovative ways people have aspired to get the word out and get their book into the hands of readers who will love them.
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Heather said...

Thank you so much for featuring my special tour Tricia! It was such a pleasant surprise to see you on my Google Reader this morning. I'm touched. :)

Julie Dao said...

What a GREAT cause. I hope I'll have the chance to do something like this one day too. Definitely checking out that contest.

Talli Roland said...

Tricia, thanks for the shout-out! :) Isn't Heather's idea a fab one? For such a good cause.

Tricia J. O'Brien said...

Catherine: I dragged my feet for a bit about the changes, but they are happening. They're the new reality, and, I agree, there is much that is wonderfully innovative.

Heather: I'm so happy to do it. I hope the tour goes splendidly!

Julie: Isn't it great?
And I have no doubt your time will come!

Tricia J. O'Brien said...

Hey there, Talli. My pleasure!

And I do love her tour idea to pieces.

storyqueen said...

This is a neat idea. I love when authors find ways to "give back" that are near and dear to their hearts.

Tricia J. O'Brien said...

Hi Shelley. I agree completely. That's where the passion lies.

Robyn Campbell said...

Giving back, Pat! This is really what makes life meaningful. That is wonderful of Heather.

I was thinking how publishing is changing the other day. *sigh* It's very confusing. So many authors we know are self-publishing. Even traditionally published authors are driving down that highway. *sigh*

I'll keep on keepin' on toward the goal of being traditionally published. I guess.

Wonderful post. Sending you lotsa hugs and smooches.

Cynthia Chapman Willis said...

So much is changing so fast. It's nice, though, to be optimistic. There are lots of opportunities out there.
And donating money for the adoption of an endangered animal--that is awesome. ; )

Tricia J. O'Brien said...

Robyn: I am touched whenever an author gives back, and it warms my heart that so many do.
I'm not giving up on traditional publishing, either, but it's stimulating to know there are options. Everyone can realize their dream of getting their work into the hands of readers, in one way or another.

Cynthia: Yes, optimism is important as we forge ahead.
And, oh, how I love the helping of endangered animals!

Susan Kaye Quinn said...

Thanks for the linkage! And I'm happy to be in that group, all authors that I've come to know (with the exception of Gayle) and respect. It's an exciting time!

Tricia J. O'Brien said...

Susan: :D

Stina said...

I bought Heather's book when it first came out as a ebook. I would be reading it now, but the book I'm reading is due back at the library next week, and there's a long hold list. :( It was either read it now or wait a few months to get the book again.

Golden Eagle said...

I'll have to check out that post.

I've been following Heather's blog tour--it's awesome!

Faith Pray said...

I love hearing of all of the creative and worthy ways writers are promoting their work. Thanks for posting, and linking to such a variety of talent!

Suzanne Casamento said...

Very cool! I love that everyone is being so innovative. Thinking BIG is good!

Tricia J. O'Brien said...

Stina: I know about those library holds. I recently starting ordering books from the county system, and it's an amazing resouce.

Eagle: I'm so glad she's having a great blog tour.

Faith: I'm continually amazed at the ingenuity and energy of the writers I've met online. so many incredible ideas.

Suzanne: Yes! Thinking small does no one any good. ;)