tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post7807694690719454556..comments2024-03-28T02:00:11.260-05:00Comments on A Newbie's Guide to Publishing: ToneJA Konrathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08778324558755151986noreply@blogger.comBlogger126125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-40103996924011385042012-07-27T11:18:41.707-05:002012-07-27T11:18:41.707-05:00Joe,
I have to say I love your abrasive tone. I l...Joe,<br /><br />I have to say I love your abrasive tone. I like the fact that you own the fact that you have a dog (ie, 8 dogs) in this race and your goal is to make your life better (and if others benefit from the ride, then great).<br /><br />I guess what I enjoy overall is that you don't try to b.s. readers by saying, "I write this blog to help others, blah, blah, blah." <br /><br />Too many writers, in my experience, RUN from owning that the write, in part to make money. <br /><br />While "loving to write" and writing a blog to "help others" is great (heck, I do it too), one of my main underlying goals is to earn a living from my writing.<br /><br />Keep it up!Yuwanda Blackhttp://inkwelleditorial.com/category/ebooksnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-8191197772478404762012-07-09T18:40:09.257-05:002012-07-09T18:40:09.257-05:00This is off-topic but something Joe really needs t...This is off-topic but something Joe really needs to read comment on:<br /><br />http://borderlands-books.blogspot.co.uk/2012/07/terry-goodkind-publisher.html?m=1<br /><br />It's a blog post suggesting that traditional authors should add to their contracts the prohibition of self-publishing.Michael J. Sullivanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06892162383465544899noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-41559781447225253142012-07-05T15:25:16.836-05:002012-07-05T15:25:16.836-05:00Joe,
Thanks for all the great tips! No plugs but ...Joe,<br /><br />Thanks for all the great tips! No plugs but wanted to let you know I published my first book on Kindle this week. <br /><br />The info you have put up here has been a lot of help.<br /><br />Just wanted to say thanksTomhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03384464439716777249noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-63787759624968091892012-07-05T15:23:36.829-05:002012-07-05T15:23:36.829-05:00Joe,
Thanks for all the great tips! No plugs but ...Joe,<br /><br />Thanks for all the great tips! No plugs but wanted to let you know I published my first book on Kindle this week. <br /><br />The info you have put up here has been a lot of help.<br /><br />Just wanted to say thanksTomhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03384464439716777249noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-23938636544077103802012-07-05T15:23:05.706-05:002012-07-05T15:23:05.706-05:00Joe,
Thanks for all the great tips! No plugs but ...Joe,<br /><br />Thanks for all the great tips! No plugs but wanted to let you know I published my first book on Kindle this week. <br /><br />The info you have put up here has been a lot of help.<br /><br />Just wanted to say thanksTomhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03384464439716777249noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-45480468751449548882012-07-05T15:22:37.261-05:002012-07-05T15:22:37.261-05:00Joe,
Thanks for all the great tips! No plugs but ...Joe,<br /><br />Thanks for all the great tips! No plugs but wanted to let you know I published my first book on Kindle this week. <br /><br />The info you have put up here has been a lot of help.<br /><br />Just wanted to say thanks!Tomhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03384464439716777249noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-31293322402390447592012-06-18T17:48:16.274-05:002012-06-18T17:48:16.274-05:00So being a dick is the way to get things done in t...So being a dick is the way to get things done in this world! Well, hallefuckinluia for figuring THAT one out. You truly are a genius. <br /><br />Oh wait, but only if it was 1995. It's only the same revelation that so many idiot radio hosts (I refuse to call them shock-jocks because I'll bet they have very LITTLE in their jocks to shock anyone considering that they need to wave their metaphorical dicks to get attention), TV pundits, other blogger dickheads and comment trollers who've come before you knew already. You're far from unique and you're so far from being a trailblazer that the LIGHT from trailblazers would take a YEAR to reach you. I mean, even the word "pinhead" is stolen from that other bastion of good taste & tone, Bill O'Reilly.<br /><br />The medium IS the message, dillweed. What you say and how you say it are exactly the same thing and don't kid yourself otherwise. Your overly defensive long-winded blog post blathering about how important your tone is to... wait, what was tone supposed to do, exactly? I can't remember... all that "tone" got all over my eyes... and now, shit, it's on my shirt! Anyway, you were saying that your tone is important, why? In 2,000 words or less? Let's try 14 words: "Your tone makes you feel superior to everyone else. You like being a bully." End of blog post.<br /><br />Good for you, little man, good for you.<br /><br />Side note. I don't work for the publishing racket or the bookselling shills. I couldn't give 2 shits about the entire publishing "industry" -- they are trapped in an era even earlier than you are, Cro-Magnon man. They won't wake up and smell the Kindles until they're all living in fridge boxes on skid row, even though they have the entirety of the music industry as a valuable cautionary lesson. I'm rooting just as much for the indie author as you claim to be. (In fact, I'm an aspiring author who happened to visit your blog for the first time today and stumbled across this lovely, warm, welcoming post.) So, go ahead, call me a pinhead because you're a dick, but don't call me a pinhead because I'm the enemy. I'm just like you -- only without the bully pulpit and the KOLD HARD KA$H.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-37305162972020168492012-06-09T03:16:26.511-05:002012-06-09T03:16:26.511-05:00"I love Ellison."
Romantic tango it is,..."I love Ellison."<br /><br />Romantic tango it is, then. ;)<br /><br />I read a lot. I bought thousands of ebooks from Fictionwise before geolims were imposed. Suddenly, I wasn't "allowed" to buy most of the titles I wanted: there was no explanation to customers. So I spent much of my previously-ebook-buying time wandering the Net, trying to find out WTF was going on. This is one of the most enlightening sites I discovered. It's told me why publishers behave in such an illogical and inefficient way (geolims, ridiculously high ebook prices), and brought to my ebook-buying eyes the fact that I can get much more money to the actual book creator (author) by buying self-pubbed ebooks.<br /><br />I've bought quite a few ebooks featured on this site, and I really enjoy the way Joe presents information. Incisive delivery is not necessarily aggressive or unpleasant, and humour is a valuable communication tool.<br /><br />As for ads in books (mentioned by one commenter above), I have several "yellow jacket" paperbacks (Edgar Wallace! Mmm) from the very early part of last century. These were "cheap" editions, considered disposable, but some of them have evidently survived for a hundred years. These books were cheap enough for "the lower classes", because they contained ads. There's one ad inside the front and back covers, one on the back cover, and one or two interleaved in the text. They're not at all intrusive, so I think this practice could definitely work for ebooks.<br /><br />Perhaps they could even be animated, when one passed one's finger over them. It's important to make animation voluntary, as moving images cause problems for people with neurological conditions. I have to avoid video and moving bits on webpages, but I would quite enjoy trimming out the occasional "tap-to-animate" cover or ad. ;)Clytiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17277014279419795602noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-6616160534915747042012-06-05T13:34:50.830-05:002012-06-05T13:34:50.830-05:00Konrath leaves out the main purpose that this blog...Konrath leaves out the main purpose that this blog achieves.<br /><br />Amazon is a keyhole site -- if they promote you in that keyhole, you'll sell a ton, if not no one will know you exist.<br /><br />Question: Why would they choose to promote Konrath?<br /><br />Answer: Because Konrath promotes the hell out of Amazon through this blog, bringing them the new writers they want.<br /><br />In return for this blog -- for bringing in the writers -- Amazon gives Konrath's books lots of play, and that's why they sell. So the blog is vital to Konrath's strategy.<br /><br />See, Amazon needs product. They can mine that dreary long tail forever. And they can use the new writers to put pressure on traditional publishers.<br /><br />Just thought I'd point out the obvious.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-12430351142794178182012-06-03T16:43:14.632-05:002012-06-03T16:43:14.632-05:00So, I both completely agree with your post, and sl...So, I both completely agree with your post, and slightly disagree with it.<br /><br />Agree: I think you are dead on the money that your power-punch style brings readers to your blog and makes an IMPRESSION. Your strength attracts writers, and makes it safe for them to agree with you. You are a powerhouse, and we need a powerhouse.<br /><br />Disagree: I have had occasional issues with your tone, not because I'm a pinhead (I hope) or afraid of conflict (bring it), but because you just cross the line sometimes, and your argument gets lost in the tone.<br /><br />I've learned to accept it, because I think it's just part of who you are, and besides, I think you love it. I think you love taking people apart, and who am I to try to get in the way of your enjoyment of life.<br /><br />However, I hope you understand that some people, who may go elsewhere and acknowledge your tone, but support your message, may have their own role to play.<br /><br />Also disagree: "I don't write this blog to help people, or make the world a better place."<br /><br />I had to smile at that. I could be wrong, I don't know you, Joe, but I suspect that is just not true. I think you want the floor to shake when you walk, and the walls to crumble, while the birds to take flight and the people stop whatever they are doing and listen to you speak.<br /><br />Don't we all? So, good for you. <br /><br />Go for it.Mirahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02558405035294107657noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-81990613481261844542012-06-03T12:55:46.822-05:002012-06-03T12:55:46.822-05:00re: Tone Blog
Keep up the good work, Joe.
I lo...re: Tone Blog<br /><br />Keep up the good work, Joe. <br /><br />I love writing that's scribed with a good poison pen, dipped in acid, and written large and boldly. This is a personality defect I've had for as long as I can remember.<br /><br />Kudos...<br /><br />James F. BrownJames F. Brownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05293318288005215435noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-22604975407090993802012-06-02T21:42:57.590-05:002012-06-02T21:42:57.590-05:00My only objection is the use of the word pinhead, ...My only objection is the use of the word pinhead, frequently used by Bill O'Reilly, who I'm pretty sure is Satan. <br /><br />Keep calling the trolls out on the carpet though. It doesn't take long to drag them out over their heads.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-59712777556777614112012-06-02T21:42:00.594-05:002012-06-02T21:42:00.594-05:00My only objection is the use of the word pinhead, ...My only objection is the use of the word pinhead, frequently used by Bill O'Reilly, who I'm pretty sure is Satan. <br /><br />Keep calling the trolls out on the carpet though. It doesn't take long to drag them out over their heads.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-25880199370381181682012-06-02T12:20:08.649-05:002012-06-02T12:20:08.649-05:00I enjoy your snarky delivery. I find snark keeps ...I enjoy your snarky delivery. I find snark keeps me awake when reading "business analysis." If it's snarky, I can pretend it's not really research. It's why I liked reading Chuck Wendig at first.<br /><br />When it comes to the issue of your snark as it relates to your position as self-publishing advocate, I find it's closer to the "we have no substantive argument" variety.<br /><br />Case in point, Chuck Wendig's blog posts often find him on the other side of the coin from you, and his snark is far more vulgar, and incendiary to the point of comedy, and usually far less informative.<br /><br />The last post I read from him could probably be distilled down to "Here's why you still need traditional publishers, and don't be a jackwagon who only self-publishes."<br /><br />Point is, his snark is generally worse than yours, but he still can't do math.Indiana Jimhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08662798163927658238noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-71963404715693748032012-06-02T10:11:51.839-05:002012-06-02T10:11:51.839-05:00Joe:You are right--it is writers that read you all...Joe:You are right--it is writers that read you all the time. I have also noticed over my 3 years of reading that you are much more of a ranter now and I see why--it's to broaden your exposure. I personally get turned off by the rants at the publishing machine. You are at your best when you tell us Indie writers about your sales numbers, what works, and what doesn't. Those are your roots. This rage against the machine is a liitle boring after the 3rd or 4th post.Jontroutnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-1501990165258902282012-06-02T03:10:45.983-05:002012-06-02T03:10:45.983-05:00I'm sorry for deleting my post twice! It's...I'm sorry for deleting my post twice! It's not intentional, so please forgive me lol.<br /><br />LOL, this post is right on! Joe, I've come to learn that stupidity is overrated and common sense is not that common. You have some folks who are book smart, but not street smart. SMH. My high school teacher used to say, "If you have both (book knowledge and life experiences), you have power!" I want you to know I enjoy reading your blog. I'm learning a lot and your blog is helping me to become a better writer. I appreciate your hard work and effort, which you are growing and learning as an individual as well. Keep on loving what you do! And as for the pinheads, sighs, we'll just leave them right where they're at. Enjoy your evening. :)Chimere McKetherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06146993894113305718noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-60005864765260634212012-06-02T03:07:13.167-05:002012-06-02T03:07:13.167-05:00This comment has been removed by the author.Chimere McKetherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06146993894113305718noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-75340564029570471782012-06-02T03:04:08.189-05:002012-06-02T03:04:08.189-05:00This comment has been removed by the author.Chimere McKetherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06146993894113305718noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-12259526699389305012012-06-01T12:03:00.470-05:002012-06-01T12:03:00.470-05:00Trying to spot the "pinheads." As for th...Trying to spot the "pinheads." As for the tone, it's perfect, somewhere between Tom Leykis and the drill sergeant in Full Metal Jacket. Anyone who doesn't like it should check their own writing because it may be putting people to sleep. Never trust an ugly beautician or a boring writer.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-91381177876833621962012-06-01T07:41:29.459-05:002012-06-01T07:41:29.459-05:00Strange, I submitted a response a couple days ago,...Strange, I submitted a response a couple days ago, but it never appeared. Let me try again.<br /><br /><i>The more outrageous or controversial I get, the more comments I get. The more comments I get, the more helpful comments I get. That's provable.</i><br /><br />True, but that skirts the point I was trying to make. And it doesn't necessarily follow that trying to maximize comments is the best way to maximize the <i>helpful</i> comments. Quantity doesn't necessarily imply quality.<br /><br /><i>It's like buying a lottery ticket. The more you buy, the better your odds of winning.</i><br /><br />That's true for lotteries because every ticket has an equal chance of winning. But the analogy is flawed. Every potential audience member does not have an equal chance of providing helpful comments.<br /><br />Your tone applies a selection bias. Your audience may indeed be much larger because of the provocative tone, but that larger audience may very well have a much smaller number of people who are likely to provide helpful comments.<br /><br />A better analogy: I could send a manuscript to three dozen aunts, uncles, and cousins and probably get lots of notes back. Some of them may even be good. But if I instead hire one professional editor with a good track record, I'd bet I'll get vastly more useful feedback, as well as less noise to sort through.Adriannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-10387336538336833882012-06-01T06:24:28.923-05:002012-06-01T06:24:28.923-05:00I'm a reader only and I care about the publish...I'm a reader only and I care about the publishing industry. after reading your blog I am incensed about the big business shitting all over the guy trying to make a living. It is noce to see the other side, and I think readers (and consumers in general) want companies to be more accountable these days.Carmen McCormacknoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-19919606081021043902012-05-31T11:41:04.032-05:002012-05-31T11:41:04.032-05:00Added. They don't actually concluded that leg...Added. They don't actually concluded that legacy publishing is dead, but imply that it will return to the cottage industry it was before the conglomerates formed.<br /><br />The article says many of the things you say -- ebooks will be a literary revolution like the printing press, Amazon is presented as an innovator and not a destroyer, publishers are not fearing that Amazon will end literacy, they fear Amazon will make them redundant.<br /><br /><br /><br />TeriT.A.K.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-54232043144039917192012-05-31T10:25:30.161-05:002012-05-31T10:25:30.161-05:00Joe, I'm posting this here because you read al...Joe, I'm posting this here because you read all your comments.<br /><br />If you check out the latest issue of THE NATION, you'll find an article which I think you'll find very interesting. It's the first time I've seen a mainstream periodical publishing a lengthy, well researched, balanced article echoing your war cry that "legacy publishing is dead."<br /><br />Check it out.<br /><br />http://www.thenation.com/article/168125/amazon-effectT.A.K.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-75894529062742392592012-05-31T01:45:26.487-05:002012-05-31T01:45:26.487-05:00Reading this blog post, I now crave for a shot of ...Reading this blog post, I now crave for a shot of whiskey. Do not really know why.<br /><br />Long posts of saying you do not care but kind of ends with you caring anyway. Probably just caring differently than most think you should, but we all do things because one way or other we care.<br /><br />I'm at work now and broke so no whisky for me and that really does suck. :(A.Rosariahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04096929349239533058noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-84354550250992715222012-05-31T00:51:02.850-05:002012-05-31T00:51:02.850-05:00ROFLMAO!ROFLMAO!Julie Rowehttp://www.julieroweauthor.comnoreply@blogger.com