Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Monique Colver on July 2, 2012 at 11:02pm

I have no idea. But I think a traditional publisher will then consider it already published, and unless it's making a fortune, they won't be interested because it's not a new product -- it's already out there for anyone who wants to read it.

But that's just what I've heard, and isn't based on anything like experience. Or having a clue. 

Permalink Reply by Sondra Sneed on July 2, 2012 at 11:16pm

Ha! Well hearsay is better than what my newbie brain could concoct. Sadly this is what I was thinking would be the down side as well and hoping to hear otherwise.

Permalink Reply by Monique Colver on July 2, 2012 at 11:18pm

Wish I could tell you something more positive! But maybe it'll take off and sell tons, and THEN they'll be interested! 

Permalink Reply by Joyce Lavene on July 3, 2012 at 7:50am

I agree that it can be bad for a new author to publish with Kindle if that author is interested in a traditional publisher. However, things are changing rapidly in the publishing world. I would worry more about building a platform BEFORE you publish any ebook.

Permalink Reply by Sondra Sneed on July 3, 2012 at 9:44am

Hi Joyce, that's what I'm working on and I'm running into a little PR problem with this way of going.  Without a book to pitch to media, the "upcoming" bit is not so easy to sell.  But nothing is impossible, I'm just looking for the path of least resistance.  Tis the answer to a life without suffering :).

Permalink Reply by Todd Edward Dillard on July 3, 2012 at 9:10am

It doesn't, unless you're trying to pitch the book you've placed on Kindle to an agent. 

Permalink Reply by Sondra Sneed on July 3, 2012 at 9:42am

Yes, Todd, that was my question.  It is the same book I want to shop around to pubs that I was considering self publishing the eBook. 

Permalink Reply by Todd Edward Dillard on July 3, 2012 at 9:50am

I mentioned this in the other thread, but if the only reason you want to publish on the Kindle is to build a platform, you're thinking of platforms the wrong way. Your platform is for yourself, your products come after. You can build a platform through networking sites like this, twitter, blogs, conferences... your "product" is your name, your branding. You gotta hustle, even before the book's finished.

So, if I was an agent and I see you struggling to build an audience and you have content out there, I'm not going to be interested. If you're building a strong audience and are competent at branding yourself and have a strong presence in the writing community, I'm going to be very interested. If the book's wonderful and your "platform" kinda "meh," I'm not going to be as interested. And if the book's mediocre and your presence blindingly brilliant, I'm going to be super interested. Really, it all comes down to the agent you're pitching the book to, and how pub houses work with previously published content.

Also, your question doesn't necessarily say "if I publish book A on Kindle, can I sell book A to an agent/publisher." It's more like, "if I publish book A, can I sell books A, B, C, D, etc. to an agent/publisher?" Which I don't know the answer to, but I stand by the belief that good content and marketability is too rare and good to pass up.

Permalink Reply by Sondra Sneed on July 3, 2012 at 10:04am

Great answer!  I see now why it's not a good idea.  I could easily build a platform from how I make my living as a corporate writer, creative professional.  That would be no problem.  But I have a completely different direction for my author work.

Permalink Reply by Mollyann Tabachnikov on July 3, 2012 at 12:42pm

If you publish on Kindle, you own the copyright. You can then remarket it if you wish. I don't know how it would effect a traditional publisher, either favorably or unfavorably. Publishing on Kindle might stir interest in your other works. I published a collection of short stories on Kindle last year, to no great acclaim. But remember that if you choose to, the work remains YOURS, to resubmit if you wish.

Permalink Reply by Nigel Slater on July 4, 2012 at 5:00pm

Publishing is madness anyhow so who can guess