Keeping on the sunny side

As far as the business side of your own writing, what are you looking forward to in the near future?

by Dietrich

I’m looking forward to the launch of my next one, Crooked, published by ECW Press, set to hit the shelves on September 24th. The story’s based on the real life and crimes of Alvin ‘Creepy’ Karpis. Set in the 1930s, the story kicks off as Karpis joins forces with the infamous Barker brothers as they set on a trail of bank robberies, murder, and kidnapping on their way to becoming the most hunted outlaws in America. 

Ahead of its release, I’ll be looking at ways to promote it, along with attending some events to share and celebrate it. As far as the business side, there are things to consider which have certainly changed since my first one came out a decade ago. It looks like print books remain the most popular format, not to mention my favorite way to take in a book. There’s an ever-growing demand for audiobooks and Ebooks as well. Audiobooks are the way to go when I’m doing something else, and Ebooks are perfect for when I’m going someplace. I recently found out that Amazon controls nearly half the Ebook market now, not to mention hosting 200,000 audiobooks on Audible, showing the growth of both formats. 

And many readers are borrowing digital media from public libraries and online libraries as well. It’s sad to see many indie book stores continue to suffer the ups and downs of a changing industry, but I remain a fan of the the local book shops and the super-knowledgeable staff that work there. I’ll continue to support them, and I hope you will too. 

Other things have changed over the past few years too. Digital printing has taken a quantum leap, and there’s a steady increase in self-published books too. Fan review sites like Goodreads and Amazon keep growing, complimenting traditional book reviewers like Publishers Weekly, Kirkus, Booklist, and Library Journal. Me, I’m happy anytime a reader takes the time to add some stars, and I’m thrilled when I see a positive review too. It’s always supportive and reassuring. 

Then there’s the impact of social media, intersecting trends, the coming of artificial intelligence, accessibility, diversity, and so on.

While it’s good to be aware and to embrace change as it comes, I think there’s no doubt, books in whatever format will remain in demand, and with so many options and opening doors, I see good things ahead.