OLD POST ALERT! This is an older post and although you might find some useful tips, any technical or publishing information is likely to be out of date. Please click on Start Here on the menu bar above to find links to my most useful articles, videos and podcast. Thanks and happy writing! โ Joanna Penn
Five years ago today I started this blog with my first post: publishing 2.0 is an incredible opportunity for authors and book lovers.
That sentiment hasn't changed but …
A lot of other things have changed over the last five years in the publishing industry
Here's a few highlights that resonate for me.
- The first international Amazon Kindle was launched in October 2009 – and I was one of the first to get it in Australia. I was swiftly converted, leaving over 2000 print books behind when I moved from Australia to go 99% digital as a reader. My Amazon income was part of what enabled me to leave my day-job as an IT consultant in Sept 2011 to become a full-time author-entrepreneur.
- Amanda Hocking became the first self-published Kindle millionaire, swiftly followed by a whole load of other indie authors. Hocking also got a 6 figure traditional publishing deal off the back of her indie success, again, followed by a load of other indies which started to change the way self-publishing was viewed by the industry.
- Ebook sales overtook print sales at Amazon and Borders went bankrupt, changing the dominance of physical print bookstores
- Smashwords grew from a startup in 2008 to the #1 producer of indie books [Bowker report] with over 44,000 authors and 130,000 titles
- Kobo Writing Life launched, and has challenged Amazon over best business practices for international authors – multi-currency pricing and direct deposit payments are only done by KWL and KDP, and for non-US authors, this is fantastic.
- ACX.com launched, enabling indie authors to do joint venture deals with voice talent and audio producers, and exploit audio rights themselves. [As of Dec 2013, this is US only, but hopefully it will become international in 2014]
- The Alliance of Independent Authors launched, providing a stronger voice for a disparate community, fighting for indie rights, educating the media and encouraging quality production and creative expression.
- Hugh Howey signed a print only rights deal for Wool and it was optioned for film by Ridley Scott, making the hybrid author a new reality. Agents and publishers now openly pitch successful indie authors.
At the end of that very first post, I wrote:
“This blog will be focused on self-publishing, print-on-demand, internet sales and marketing and new technologies in the publishing arena.”
I know many of you have been reading the site for a while now, and I hope you have learned a lot along with me. But after five years, it's time to make a change and pivot my focus a little.
So why am I changing things?
(1) Self-publishing information is now everywhere
When I started blogging in 2008, self-publishing was not a cool and trendy thing. There were only a couple of people blogging about self-publishing that I remember clearly: April Hamilton @indieauthor ; Mark Coker of Smashwords; Joel Friedlander from The Book Designer; Penny Sansevieri from Author Marketing Experts and Aaron Shepard.
There were people in the non-fiction and speaking space who self-published openly, like Dan Poynter. There were also bloggers who sold digital products like PDF ‘ebooks', but the word ‘self-publishing' was still pretty dirty to most people.
Not any more.
There are now a LOT of blogs on self-publishing and they continue to proliferate as authors get excited about their opportunities.
This is fantastic but it means The Creative Penn is no longer unique in the content it offers. In the last couple of weeks, I've also been asked to blurb or review 7 different books on self-publishing, many of which cover the same type of topics from a different perspective.
All of this is valid and useful, and I love that there is so much energy in this space. But actually, the publishing part is just procedural for me now and I'm happy for other people to focus on blogging about it.
(2) I've changed … and this is my site ๐
I started blogging in order to share what I learned on the journey of being an author. I continue to do this, but this site has to be fun for me too and I've changed a lot in 5 years.
In 2008, I was an IT consultant with one non-fiction book, no online platform, no social network, no podcast, no speaking career, with no clue of writing fiction and no idea about marketing. I was living in Brisbane, Australia and didn't know any authors at all. I was just starting to discover the world of self-publishing and online business.
In 2013, I'm a full-time author-entrepreneur and an Amazon bestselling author with over 75,000 books sold. I've just launched my 4th full-length novel, Desecration, my books are available in ebook, print and audio and are now selling in 22 countries globally. I'm doing joint venture deals for translation into German and Spanish. I'm a international speaker, and have been voted as one of The Guardian Top 100 Culture Professionals 2013 (UK). I live in London and most of my friends are authors.
I hope that encourages you, because although I've come a long way, I also feel I have a (very) long way to go. That's a good thing, because we can write until the day we die, and I want to be learning on my death-bed.
But frankly, I am bored with talking about self-publishing and the basics of the indie life. I want to take it up a level and provide more of a graduate level education around being an indie author and creative entrepreneur.
So what's changing?
I will still provide a road-map for the basics of self-publishing, for people who are new to the game.
I've just re-written and re-released my Author 2.0 Blueprint which the most up-to-date information on self-publishing. It's 87 pages and contains everything I want to share about self-publishing as well as some tips on writing, editing and marketing. It's free and you can sign up to get it here, if you haven't got it already!
So that is all freely available and I'll update the information over time with any major changes.
But The Creative Penn will now focus on two main areas, which are topics that we can all continue to learn about:
Writing
The craft of writing is something we all care about, and we all want to improve. I don't think any of us can get enough of reading about writing, and using that information to improve our own skills. I am a writer, and so are you, so this will continue to be a pillar of the site.
With the release of Desecration, I feel as if I have started to find my true voice. I've always been honest on this site, but I want to go deeper, so expect some more personal posts. Not often, as I still want to provide actionable information, but I've been holding back. No more.
Creative Entrepreneurship
Yes, I love the craft, and yes, I love writing for writing's sake but the myth of the poor author in the garret annoys the hell out of me. I also find myself increasingly angry about the lack of education for authors/writers/creatives around business, and I want to change that.
An entrepreneur creates value out of nothing, and authors certainly do that. I believe the essence of creative entrepreneurship is to make stuff and sell stuff … but of course, the details are the interesting part!
Back in Sept, I did a round-up of my last 2 years as an author-entrepreneur, including my income sources. I used to only receive income from ebooks from the US and UK, now I receive income from ebooks, print, and audiobooks, selling in 22 countries, as well as speaking and online training.
Yes, I'll still massively excited about everything to do with self-publishing, and I'll still share major developments, but I want to go beyond the questions of a) how do I publish a book and b) how do I start to market my books.
I want to know what else is possible.
I want to learn about how to exploit more of my rights – how to work with translators effectively, how each of the international markets work and how to reach people there, how to turn my books into treatments for film/TV options, how to collaborate with other entrepreneurs.
I want to stay on the edge of the latest marketing experiments, going beyond the basics to what others are doing in different industries that we can learn from. I want to know how we can use emerging technologies, like 3D printing, to involve people in our creative worlds.
I want to up my speaking game, travel more, speak more to bigger audiences and spread the word about the opportunities for creatives further.
I want to interview amazing creatives and discover new things that excite us and inspire us to greater heights. I want to share guest posts from creative entrepreneurs doing amazing things.
I want to step into the next phase of my own author-entrepreneur career.
And I want to share the next step of the journey with you.
If you'd like to join me on the journey …
You can subscribe to the blog here if you'd like to get posts every couple of days, and you can get my bi-weekly update email by signing up to the Author 2.0 Blueprint.
As well as continuing to write on the blog, I'll also be producing:
- The Creative Penn podcast – now at 170 episodes and counting. Available on iTunes and other podcatchers.
- Videos – YouTube.com/thecreativepenn – now at 222 videos and counting
- Sharing on Twitter @thecreativepenn
- More on my fiction site, JFPenn.com, and writing more books!
I'd love to know what you think about this change. Please do leave a comment or question below.
PJ Howell says
I think you’re smart for making changes – I agree with you that there is more than enough information about self-publishing. As much as most writers would love to write and hope their books will sell without much effort, writing is a business and we need to stay on top of the game. I applaud you for taking the step to further assist writers in areas where they may be lacking advice. I wish you luck and I look forward to the changes you intend to make.
Linda K says
Congratulations. I’ve been following you for some time and I appreciate the journey you have shared.
Amelia says
Brilliant!
I support the “behind the scenes” posts. You have so much experience now and Iยดm glad you want to share it with us.
As author Veronica Roth said “Iยดm here to learn”.
Michael Cairns says
Hi Jo
I’m thrilled you’re changing! What I love about your blog is the passion that comes through in every post, so keeping interested in what you’re blogging is a must.
I still have a long way to go, but I can, and do, happily trawl through the archives to find older posts, and like you, I’m interested in the possibilities ahead. I’m ignorantly enthusiastic about the possibilities of combining music with ebooks, something the kindle fire and the like is making far easier, but it’s just the tip of the iceberg, really.
Great stuff, and here’s to the next five years ๐
cheers
Mike
Joanna Penn says
Hi Mike,
yes, the music with ebooks thing is interesting – and I’m interested in going further – how can we integrate designs for 3D printing into our books – now THAT’S transmedia ๐
Bob Mayer says
I think change is good. I pretty much stopped blogging about the industry a year ago, as the information was becoming overwhelming. Also, I realized a hard truth: it wasn’t selling books. I occasionally still post about publishing but mainly from the point of view of the CEO of Cool Gus.
Also, it grows wearisome to see people talking about things as if they’re brand new that many of us learned years ago by doing. There’s always a new expert willing to tell others how to do what they themselves aren’t doing.
It’s the time of the author-entrepeneur. The best time ever to be an author in my opinion.
Joanna Penn says
Your blog is a must-follow Bob, and I appreciate the way you’re blazing trails ahead of us all! I’m running to catch up ๐
Scot C. Morgan says
Joanna,
I think your re-envisioning for The Creative Penn is wonderful! I’ve enjoyed all you have offered since I discovered your work a couple of years back. I’m still a big fan, but I see your point. The space of introductory material for new authors is well filled now, thanks in large part to your groundbreaking push the last few years. I applaud your continued desire to grow, learn and share what you uncover. I, for one, will cheer you on and consume the assuredly great new content you will bring to us, fellow authors/entrepreneurs.
Thanks for the timeline breakdown in this post of the past several years in self-publishing. I knew those bullet points, but seeing them one after the other really brings it home as to how far the industry has come, and how well positioned creatives are, if we remain open to learning and experimenting with new ways of doing business.
Thanks for your passion!
Best Regards,
Scot C. Morgan, author of the scifi, fantasy adventure novel Adamar
Joanna Penn says
Thanks for your ongoing support Scot ๐ and yes, that roundup of publishing changes is pretty cool!
Liz Broomfield says
Congratulations on five years in blogging and on making the changes that will work for you. I’ll continue reading your works with interest and sending my author clients and enquirers over to this site for information basic and otherwise. I agree that your writing has reached a new level, and I’ll be interested to see your pieces on this. Best wishes for the next five years!
Joanna Penn says
Thanks Liz, and you’ve helped my writing develop through your excellent proofreading ๐
Liz Broomfield says
It’s been an honour to witness your development as a writer, and I really think you’re hitting your stride now. You’ve also helped me position and market my own books through this blog and your Author 2.0 etc. information – I’m even considering doing a small print run of one of them!
Kristen James says
This is great news, Joanna! Congrats on all that you’ve accomplished. I’ve been searching for several months for ‘next step’ info, like expanding and growing after becoming a hybrid author, growing as a writer beyond the foundation, how to promote audiobooks, thoughts for ten years out, and how to continue to grow my fan base as the marketplace becomes increasingly crowded. Promoting, gaining traction, and getting a high rank on Amazon are completely different now than when I started selling just two years ago. I’m very excited to read your future posts!
Joanna Penn says
Thanks Kristen, and I know you’ve covered the basics on your site too ๐
I’ll certainly be doing more on those topics over the next year. I am increasingly interested in the audio market as well, and with 3 books on Audible, understanding how to promote those is a challenge. I hope to do more audio in 2014 as well as looking at foreign rights, TV, film and more.
Melissa says
Congrats! And looking forward to following you in this new adventure.
-Melissa
Jean Reinhardt says
Great news, Joanna, there is no way you will ever grow stale. I gave myself a five year plan a year ago when I started my first book. I came across your site through a google search, not long after I had begun to write. Thirteen months later I published my book and I have three more due to be released in 2014. You have directly influenced me in my journey so far and I will continue to follow your wise and insightful advice in the future. Many thanks for helping me to get this far, Joanna. You are a very special lady.
Joanna Penn says
Thanks Jean, and one of my life goals is to help 1 million books into the world, so I’m thrilled to hear I helped on your journey ๐
Carrie Ann Lahain says
You didn’t get where you are by ignoring that small inner voice telling you which way to go. No reason to start now. I’ve found your HOW TO MARKET A BOOK invaluable. After years of dithering around, I borrowed a little of your mettle and just self-published a book and launched an ACTUAL website. Can’t Wait to see where you take us next!
Joanna Penn says
Congrats on the launch Carrie Ann, and I’m glad you’re finding the marketing book useful ๐
Joel Friedlander says
Outstanding! And that’s why you’re a leader in this field Joanna. Can’t wait to see what you do next.
Joanna Penn says
Thanks Joel, and as one of the people who was blogging on self-publishing 5 years ago, I will always respect your opinion ๐
Milo says
Congratulations on everything you’ve achieved Joanna, it’s hugely impressive. I’m sure people understand that you have evolved, as has the self-publishing space, and it’s only natural your online presence will evolve too.
Angela Ackerman says
I am so excited for your change in direction, Joanna! I find creative marketing and discoverability fascinating myself, so I am thrilled you’ll be reaching out to different industries to find the best of the best and then sharing what you discover!
Angela
Suzanne says
I’ve just had two of my books translated into Spanish and I’m interested in learning more about international sales.
Seeley James says
Good for you! You’ve covered everything imaginable several times over, and you’ve been gracious enough to share every step of the way with the rest of us. We are eternally grateful!
Peace, Seeley
Joanna Penn says
Thanks for your support Seeley ๐
Marcia Richards says
I’ve learned so much from you in the last 5 years and can see I’ll continue to learn in the next several years. I’m so excited about your new focus – for you and for all of your blog readers! You’re a natural teacher and leader in this field now. Advanced marketing techniques and expanding your reach to more readers via the international market and new ways to produce saleable book-related products are definitely a perfect next step for you to explore and pass on what you learn.
Excellent decision, Joanna!
Joanna Penn says
Thanks for your positive energy and comments over the years, Marcia ๐ I hope there are lots more to come.
Chiara Wood says
Good Work! Ever Onward. I’ve enjoyed and learned many things from your blog in the past and look forward to pressing on! Bravo!
Wolf Pascoe says
What else is there to do but follow where your curiosity leads? All your posts are still here for those who will need them. (Thousands are indebted to you, Joanna. I certainly am.) I love listening to your podcast too, because of your honesty and good sense, and because I never know to what your attention will turn next. Wherever your boat sails, I want to be on it.
Joanna Penn says
You’re in Wolf ๐ and lots more interesting stuff coming on the podcast, for sure!
Venkatesh Iyer says
You have reasons for doing what you do. Whatever they are, I’ll stick around for the ride.