In the publishing industry there's a general snootiness about bloggers. Blogs to books, they say, are over. But what if the blogger in question is a charismatic and interesting writer? Should they just go the traditional route, sit at a word-processor and send their labours into the publishing void and spend the next year gnashing their teeth unheard and verbally abusing the postman when he fails to deliver good news? Should they take down their blogs for fear of being labeled just another blogger hoping for a publishing deal?
Goddamn it, they should not.
I have recently bought two books written by bloggers I love. One is for charity and is written by friend of the Misssives, Ms Kate Lord Brown. Novelist Kate has just launched the book of her writing blog, What Kate Did Next. The book is full of prompts and tips for new writers, if Kate's book is half as good as the blog it sprang from, it's sure to be a success. You can buy it by clicking here. She's also got some mindblowing endorsements on the cover. One quoted person, a certain person called Gillian Martin, who may or may not be me, is quite complimentary. I feel I'm now up there in product endorsement with the likes of Barry Scott of the Cillit Bang campaign. Bang and the Writer's Block is Gone! Dammit, that's what I should have said.
Also plopping through my letterbox today is my copy of Bete de Jour's book called, incidentally, Bete de Jour. You can get that on Amazon. I hope it sells in gazillions. The book also features another friend of the Misssives, Not Keith, whose artwork you can see on the sidebar and who is a character in Bete's book.
So books, who cares if they came from blogs? If they're good they're good. If Charles Dickens were around today, he'd have a blog, you just know he would. Let's prove the doubters wrong and support the first time published writers who also happen to be bloggers too.
....And simultaneously cheer up unpublished first time writers with a manuscript circling the M25 of publishing with a flat tyre, a faulty Sat Nav and two screaming kids in the back fighting (that would be me...*sigh*).
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21 comments:
I think the problem with blogs to books stemmed with the public misconception of them all being sex blogs/books like Belle de Jour and that one rack mind person. Maybe all the ones after those didn't sell as well as they thought they would and publishers got burnt?
Shame really.
I didn't mean to say "Rack" instead of "Track" but accordingly to her blog photo apparently it's appropriate!
Heehee.
I'm looking forward to Kate's book being delivered!
Sx
The only book from a blog I have read is once I skim read Girl with a one track mind's book in a bookshop - it was okay but really just like any erotic novel.
Kate is a little diamond in the rough - ie a sharp cookie among too many blogtards. I am sure her book will be a great success.
Funny, I discovered Bete de Jour for the first time (again, probably) just the other day.
I think snootiness is the best description.
There's a dreadful amount of tripe written and published by those who've never come next or near a blog.
Some will be good, some won't.
Jane Austen Published anonymously and never saw her name in print at all.
She had a small local band of appreciation too.
...much like a blogger I know.
btk
Alex: Yes but both of those also have/had something that is not about writing at all, and that's anonymity. Who would want the pressure of having your secrets found out? Ruining your life isn't worth a book deal.
Scarlett: Me too. 10th June?
Emma: An erotic novel that now guarantees that no man will ever touch her now for fear of being written about, now her secret's out. I hope she made enough cash for it to be worth it!
XBox: You'll be next, I think....
BTK: I need to go to more tea parties and observe the social comings and goings...
I'm completely with you....if someone can write then they can write and it shouldn't matter whether they blog or not!!
I have to be honest, I'm not a huge fan of the publishing industry. I've seen the problems my Dad (Peter May) has had over the years!! There needs to be more risks taken...I don't want to read the latest Dan Brown/Steven King/insert name of other famous writer clone...I want something that's original.
Good luck hon...If your blog's anything to go by I know that your book will be fab!! I hope you get your publishing deal :-)
C x
Unless you know something that I don't, then, no unfortunately.
Carol: Thanks for your kind words. I have of course heard of your dad, but so far not read any of his books, I'm ashamed to say- which would you recommend I start with? (I also completely agree with your Dan Brown comment- I think it's been left to the smal publishers to break new talent- and now so many of them are going to the wire in the "recession" that we could be looking at even more limited choice in the future)
XBox: What I'm saying is: Write a book based on your posts- then when you are published tell TV interviewers how it was me that prompted you to do it. There's definately a book in you and ET's experiences. I'm serious.
I've long ago decided to put the posts together in some form privately. Would make a nice marking of it should it go well.
lulu provide a decent service for that.
A few times I've been prompted to go a step further, but books need endings.
XBox: You're right. Fingers crossed for a traditional Hollywood one.
Dammit, I look stupid in a string vest.
'Yippee-ki-yay, motherfecker...'
I demand to illustrate your book! When you write one. I've got your offer in writing in my comments. That's a contract that is. I know the law.
I have to admit that the old saying that "everyone has a book in them" may well be true, but in my case it'd be a very short book printed in a large font with lots of big photos of explosions, heroically breasted women and landscapes from Vanuatu, but it strikes me that the kind of people who turn their noses up at manuscripts of the ilk that you mention are probably the kind of people who have already submitted their application for 'The Apprentice 2010' and therefore suffer from that most insufferable of illnesses - They think they know what the public want, rather than simply giving the public what we want.
I would suggest that you try 'The Firemaker'...that's the first one in his China series so a good place to start :-)
C x
Thank you Misssy - you're a star. What we need is the publishing equivalent of some strapping chap from the AA to come and give us an MOT :)
Misssy, you definitely have a best seller of a book in you (if not a good half dozen or so!)
I have to confess, I do like a trashy clone novel for the days when I can't be bothered to read seriously.
Xbox - I'm with Misssy, there is an amazing book in you & ETs story, and I'm in the 2ww with you guys, keeping my fingers crossed for the best ending! There aren't enough books on fertility stuff written from a male perspective.
Oooh KLB - I'm not nearly eloquent enough to be a writer by any means, but can I have an MOT too? :-)
Is this your subtle way of telling me I should write a book for you to endorse? Because I'll totally do it. Just for you. And ya, Charles Dickens was, in essence, a blogger. His books were first published in serial form in newsletters, ya?
One of those two books is def on my list to buy! I think it would be unfair to say which one. :)
XBox: Hope you've got that string vest on now, Daddio!
NotKeith: You never know....there is a book. There just isn't a publisher yet. Goddamn them and their need for surefire sales! (Bloody Dan Brown...)
Inchy: If everyone has a book in them, some have to be pop up books with big writing, I reckon.
Carol: Will stick on Amazon list.
Kate: What we also need is Jenson Button to drive. I think we might be labouring this metaphor somewhat...
Insch: Yeah, like troublesome kidney stones. How to release them?
XUP: I will endorse the Ex-Up Book of TubThumperdom. And will even suggest the title for you, how about that? There's certainly a book in that vagina surgery post for sure. Such hilariously colourful use of language for one thing...
DJ: Ah go on, buy both. Spend your way out of this recession!
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