Advances in printing technology and digital distribution - thanks to e-books and reading devices such as the Kindle - have allowed enterprising authors to take control of their careers and bypass the gatekeepers of traditional publishing.
For those like Locke who strike success, the payoff can be much greater than having a major publishing house behind them. Instead of earning only 10 to 15 percent of a book’s list price for each sale - the typical arrangement with publishers - self-published authors can earn up to 70 percent of the sale price. Locke prints his books through Lightning Source in Tennessee for $4 a copy, then sells them for $14.95.
Alan Rinzler, a 46-year veteran of traditional publishing who has edited such luminaries as Toni Morrison, Hunter S. Thompson, and Tom Robbins, became a believer three years ago, when he started acquiring self-published books for publishing houses.
On his blog, alanrinzler.com, he expounds on the benefits of self-publishing and says that now is the best time to be a writer.
“I believe self-publishing has more potential for success if you’ve written a good book and are willing to do what’s necessary these days for any kind of publishing: to self-market in one form or another,’’ said Rinzler. “But many authors still want the prestige of a major imprint and also don’t understand how much they’d still have to do themselves.’’
With self-publishing, there is no shortcut to success, says Rinzler. A great book that resonates with readers is essential, as is savvy self-marketing, dealing with the editing and design process, and negotiating contracts with vendors - all tasks that come with the a publishing house contract.
And an abundance of charisma, which Locke possesses, doesn’t hurt, either.
Marketing for Locke started off with hauling copies of “Real Men Don’t Rehearse’’ to accompany Rotary Clubs talks.
