The Digital Age

Something occurred to me today, and I wanted to share it with you.

We all know that technology is constantly evolving and changing, and these days, technology is changing so fast that we can barely keep up with it. Perhaps on of the biggest changes would be the evolution of the digital world. For example, why buy an album when you can download just a few tracks? Why go out and rent a movie when you can watch new releases from the comfort of your own home? Why buy a book when you can purchase it via an e-reader?

I'm not far away from publishing my debut crime fiction novel The Underground, but now I am second guessing myself. I could fork out the dosh to publish my book, but does anyone care? Does anybody buy physical books anymore? I've been trying to publish my book for almost two years now, and publishing houses and literacy agencies have been pushing me aside without even looking at a manuscript. Sure, I knew publishing a book would not be an easy task, but they're not even reading my work. So why is that? Why are publishers and agencies telling me no without even giving me a chance? It's because the digital word is dominating and almost crushing the publishing industry. These days, no publisher or agency will take you on board unless you've already published a book, sold your books overseas, and made a name for yourself. You have to be able to sell your book from the get go, and no publishers or agencies are willing to take a risk anymore.

I am a previously unpublished author, which is the exact reason why I keep being rejected. I know my book is good. I know it has potential to be great. But is it good enough to be an international best seller? This is exactly what publishers and agencies are asking themselves. Unless you've written the next best thing since Harry Potter, the chances are you will be rejected.

So, I will self-publish my book, but now I understand that alone is not enough. I have to market myself. I'll have to think of new ways to advertise my work. Also, this means I'll have to look into making The Underground available through digital download. So, I've weighed up the pros and cons, and in this day and age, digital books are better than physical books. Digital books mean I have the potential to reach a larger audience, and of course, is cheaper than making physical copies. But will self-publishing a book in both physical and digital copies be enough? Of course not. I will have to find a way to stand out, and I will have to convince you, the reader, that my book is worthy of your time.

Don't get me wrong though, I know this will be no easy task, but I like challenges.

- JD