ESPAN ~ on the e-publishing issue

To E-publish or not to E-publish – that seems to be the question. [check out http://espan-rwa.com/ for an article circulating through the writer’s community as the 2009 RWA conference approaches (July 15-18, in Washington DC).

So many valid points on both sides.

I’m no politician, but I figured RWA ( http://www.rwanational.org/ )may have put forward their present publishing criteria (manuscript acceptance must be made by publisher’s that provide advances of at least $1,000 for all books; and pays all authors participating in an anthology an advance of at least $500) in an effort to benefit author’s who wish to make a career of their writing by trying to force the publishing industry to put their money where their mouth (author) is.

THE SITUATION: This has caused much angst among the members of the electronic writer’s community. For the time being, the electronic publication of a work is less expensive – for everybody. It costs less to buy an electronic book; it also pays the author less. Rather than trying to promote electronic publication for its members, RWA seems to be trying to create a class distinction between publishers, and to dissuade author’s from submitting to the e-publishing industry. I do not know if it is assisting anyone who is trying to quit their day job.

MY VIEW: I think something this big needed to be decided in a bigger way – thoroughly petitioning members far and wide for their views rather than surprising us at 2008 conference. On the other hand, these are our elected officials and as such have been given the right and ability to do just what they have done. It’s no good cryin’ after the election.

Awards can be gotten elsewhere, as can education, information and exposure. RWA could be one wheel of your promo vehicle but should not be relied one solely for total support. Branch out; see what’s available out there - it really is a Brave New World.

To illustrate: I am a member of RWA. I am grateful for the venue it provides. I am also a member of EPIC (Electronic Published Internet Connection, http://www.epicauthors.com/ ). I fully enjoy the platform there, as well. I am getting the best of both worlds: paper publication support and electronic publishing awareness and guidance. I have met fantastic writer’s, editors and publisher’s at both conferences. I read both paper and screen.

I am happy in the world. I do not have to succumb. Neither do you.

Whataya say, we see new people?