Never Was

The Signs of Change

April 16th, 2007

Scott Sigler one of the biggest Podcast Novelist is in talks for a three book deal with a major publishing house. His books have been previously published by a small press. When Scott’s new book “Ancestor” came out on April 1st he called on his Podcast fans (Junkies) to not pre-order but to order it on April 1st in an attempt to climb to #1 on the Amazon charts. With the support of him Junkies “Ancestor” climb to #6 on Amazon and #1 on Amazon’s Sci-Fi and Fantasy list. This drew the attention both positive and negative for the publishing industry.

The positive of course is the publishing deal. I think this is great for writers and great for the industry. Scott has proven that an author can build an audience without the need for traditional publishers and draw the attention of the big houses. He has shown that there is more to books than print.

He has also drawn the attention of Dr. Howard V. Hendrix for the SFWA. He refers to Scott and all other Podcast Novelists as “webscabs”. Claiming that we are undermining the ability of authors to get fair value for their works by giving our works away for free. What he is missing is the ability to connect with readers/listener. Scott built up an audience and then used that to sell his books, what is wrong with this? Why is it wrong to want to give your work away? If, as a writer, I decide that I want to give my work away then that is my right, people give away music, software and other things, it doesn’t mean that those selling it can’t get a fair price.

I’d be interested in hearing what you have to think about it. If you haven’t listened to Scott’s novels drop by his site and check them out. He is a great writer and podcaster.

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Entry Filed under: Publishing

3 Comments Add your own

1. Scott Sigler&hellip | April 16th, 2007 at 5:11 pm

Hey thanks for the vote of support! I totally disagree with Dr. Hendrix. He’s worried about the erosion of readership, or conglomerates controlling everything, when people like me are actually expanding scifi readership. He says “why buy the cow when you can get the milk for free,” but if you’ve never TASTED milk, why even give a crap about the price?
2. Terrence McLean&hellip | April 17th, 2007 at 12:07 pm

Scott,

Thanks for the comment. I am more than happy to support you in this. Like you I agree with what your saying. More authors would be good to remember that the biggest risk to a write is not someone getting their book for free but, not knowing who you are.

I hope that my Podcast Novel will one day rival your’s.
3. Sean Perron&hellip | May 1st, 2007 at 11:06 pm

Robert Sawyer had an interesting… defense… of Dr. Hendrix’s statement. He’s interviewed by Tee Morris on his “Survival Guide” podcast. Worth listening to even if you don’t agree (and I don’t!).

I’m with you and Scott. So much so, that I even bought a copy of Ancestor on April 1st. I’m a sad little junkie. (sigh)

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