Publishing relations - Page 3 - Writers Forum

AlexanderCrane · 05-09-2007, 09:57 PM

Momma, I have a feeling you would love my list of quotes.

I will maintain my position that you merely lack a broad enough context to judge the meaning of my words. Over time we shall see, I guess.

What is the expression, "don't judge a book by its cover".

mammamaia · 05-09-2007, 10:16 PM

Quote:

"don't judge a book by its cover".

i don't!... but i can only 'judge' by what is presented, cover or pages... and what you presented here is much more than a cover... but it's not worth arguing over...

m

AlexanderCrane · 05-09-2007, 10:27 PM

I didn't seriously think you did judge a book by its covor. Women, and especially mothers, know better. Just thought the pun would be clever given the the forum we are in, and that it would tie into the meaning of my post.

Did you choose that handle because you like the play, may I ask?

mammamaia · 05-09-2007, 11:42 PM

glad it wasn't a jab...

Quote:

Did you choose that handle because you like the play, may I ask?

i was already using it before the play appeared... never even heard of the play till years later, the first time someone asked me the same question...

fyi, i'm an sicilian/italian-blooded mom of 7 and my name is 'maia' so the play on the standard italian exclamation [and play title] 'mamma mia!' was a natural choice for a username, when i jumped into the net...

Mike C · 05-10-2007, 01:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlexanderCrane

I will maintain my position that you merely lack a broad enough context to judge the meaning of my words.

And I'm rapidly coming to the conclusion that you're a pompous ass.

What we actually seem to be lacking is accurate information from you. You started out by asking a question that actually bore little relation to the answers you want.

Start again.

What is the nature of the book?

Are you looking at the pros and cons of self-publishing versus traditional, or are you just looking at launching your own small press publishing company?

Phantom Writer · 05-10-2007, 08:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike C

And I'm rapidly coming to the conclusion that you're a pompous ass.

You took the words right out of my mouth.....lol - well almost......I was actually thinking "Suprememly confident pompass ass"....lol

AlexanderCrane · 05-10-2007, 08:48 AM

I don't know why that would make me a pompous ass, if it is true. You have to establish a context with someone in order to understand what they are saying. A first impression, judging the cover of a book, are both something that happens initially when the mind has only past to draw reference from.

Well, I'm 35 posts into a great thread with a lot of information, so I'm grateful.

AlexanderCrane · 05-10-2007, 08:50 AM

Supremely confident pompous ass works for me a lot better, we can run with that one.

Yeah, my apologies if I come off the wrong way. I hope I at least have shown a consistently humorous and easy going side, along with my incohesive oddly strung sentence structures.

Isn't it true also that a post-conventional perspective will appear pre-conventional to the conventional? Conventional being an arbitrary value.

I have big metaphorical balls, that are used to getting busted. Every word we speak to each other a cooperative step in a better direction, and another mirror to see ourselves. Maybe its the mirror part that makes it difficult for all of us to establish our sense of self to others. There is a strange dynamic between self, style, and perception.

Mike C · 05-10-2007, 09:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlexanderCrane

There is a strange dynamic between self, style, and perception.

Indeed, and it's a dynamic you're skewing by not actually asking the questions you want an answer to.

If you want the thread to be dedicated to you telling us how great you are, then fine, I bow at your feel and bask in the rosy glow of your immeasurable talent. If you want some answers, I suggest you get to the point?

AlexanderCrane · 05-10-2007, 09:32 AM

I've asked a lot of questions. I'm very inexperienced, so even asking the right questions is new to me.

I'm confidently talented, I'm humbly inexperienced. Why try to paint me as one way or another? Haven't you ever a met a person that wasn't confined to one category in your mind? I've demonstrated clear thought enough, concentration enough, and the ability to think critically enough. No reason not to assume I am fully grown adult who you probably just need to get to know better.

You guys have higher rank here, more writing experience, probably a bit more advancement in age, so I humbly ask you to draw upon your greater experience and not let me down by believing I am my poor style, grammar, and displays of humor.

There has been so much posted so far, I am still trying to digest it and act on it. In the meantime, this parrallel conversation continues to develop and I am participating it it to establish some rapport with you guys. So I keep posting, and it keeps unraveling. Hope the ending isn't a bad one, I love happy endings.

If it is all business and you don't have time to build a rapport then you can move along and check back in from time to time.

I'm 27, very inexperienced, sheltered, and green, but good natured, talented, and so very open to learn. I'm not an advanced writer, but I'd bet my life I am an advanced writers dream come true, if their intention were to pass on some of the wisdom they learned at great emotional expense.

I'm telling you the truth, I have what it takes to learn from people and apply what they say, even immitate and innovate. All of your words will fall on able and willing ears.

I'll be sure to post next time I have a direct question, which hopefully will be very soon.

Thanks
Alex

Mike C · 05-10-2007, 09:36 AM

Then let me ask a few questions in the hope that we get somewhere.

You said you've set up a publishing company. To what end? Did you not find the answers to your questions (or at least which questions to ask) when you wrote your business plan? Did you write a business plan?

What kind of book is it you're hoping to sell?

What have you actually done about it so far?

AlexanderCrane · 05-10-2007, 10:44 AM

I have a poetry book, which I think fits the criterion for success. If I understand what I've read so far.

I believe it is a quality book and there is a market that exists for it already.

By publishing company, I mean my own cpu and printer. But I have other products such as cards, custom cards/poetry, and photography. Besides the various writing styles that I am exploring.

I would like to maintain control over my art because I will have various media, but that is based on my pre-conceived notions about the market and how to be successful in it. I may very well be better of having a company publish my book.

I've found the basic answers, that are everywhere in publishing books and the like. Also, there are people you observe in the world and on the internet that give some idea of what to do. So I've come here trying to get a clearer picture.

I'm much more a visionary than a writer and it is my vision that is compelling me to learn various forms of media. What is vision without voice, or voices.

There are many ingredients already prepared, some are brewing, some I need to hunt and search for. Hopefully, consciously seeking out this writers forum will be one more alchemical jolt to keep the learning/applying process moving.

Mike C · 05-10-2007, 11:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlexanderCrane

I have a poetry book, which I think fits the criterion for success.

That, of course, depends on your criteria for success. Poetry is a hard sell for known poets, 100 times more so if you're unknown. I'd suggest you'll have more luck (and probably earn more) sending out individual poems to literary journals. Which will also, depending on whether anyone buys them, confirm or refute your ideas of whether they're any good.

If you're planning on publishing yourself, you're well advised to write a business plan. A realistic one. Most self-publishers worry about how to sell after they publish, which is why most only ever sell to family and whichever friends can't run fast enough, and the average number of self-published books sold is 30. You need to understand that, even if what you produce may be high art, selling it is business. You need to take a realistic look at the market and how and where you will sell your books.

Mike C · 05-10-2007, 11:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlexanderCrane

based on my pre-conceived notions about the market and how to be successful in it.

Throw them away. The road to hell is paved with preconceptions.

AlexanderCrane · 05-10-2007, 11:36 AM

I agree, that's how I think if I can help it.

Okay, the name of the book is Healing Poetry for the sick and Joyous. Its for people who are before, amidst, or prior to a conscious soul jouney of some sorts. And the continuum for that trinity is the polar conditions of sick and Joyous. Capitol J to go with the Healing and Poetry.

I have not written a business plan, but I promise you I will. You've been so generous so far, but would you mind giving me a mental blueprint to explain what a business might entail? This is my first book, and it is a learning experience. I am just happy that the book I wrote came off like I wanted it to. So I am aware I am making some mistakes, but any insights learned will be catalogued for later use down the road.

I don't come equiped with a lot of experience, but I do have sharp reasoning skills. If you can convey to me the concept of anything, I can usually run with it and apply in some way.

Thanks again.