There’s Never Been a Better Time to Be an Author
When I first walked into the Paperback Booksmith in 1981 looking for a job, I had no idea my life would center around bringing books to life. For 32 years I have put my heart and soul into words and images, made available in every conceivable form and function. Whether it was selling and marketing to drug stores or superstores, books and their magic have given my life the spark of joy that dream jobs are made of.
Today, though the publishing business has gone through incredible changes, the power of a book—and publicity –has not been diminished. Whether the book comes as a digital download, or a traditional paper format, the gravitas it brings can catalyze your business overnight. If your goal is to really breakthrough the noise, and succeed BIGTIME…traditional media outlets can be the key—and publicity opportunities need professionals to make it happen…
I have never been more energized about this business than I am today. Old school publishing was an elite club, open only to those few who were able to get through the well guarded doors. Even if you were lucky enough to get your book or idea looked at by an editor, the chances of getting published—and supported—were not great. Today, the level playing field is ready and waiting for everybody to play on! Boutique operations like JaneScott are ready to offer expertise and service, as well as bigger agencies and operations dedicated to giving self-published authors an opportunity to bring their messages to the world.
“Sea change” is defined as “a striking change…often for the better” and in the case of book publishing, I fervently believe this is an appropriate description of what the last decade has brought. The millions of frustrated would-be authors are no more—and the Internet has utterly changed the definition of “marketing”. With the power of traditional media intact—and new opportunities being created everyday—authors and creatives have infinite opportunity to not only publish…but excel in ways unimaginable back in 1981.
I like to describe today’s marketplace as the “un-matrix”—obviously referring back to that iconic film that has made it’s way into our daily vernacular. Instead of the iron bars and metal boundaries that define the “matrix,” this new structure is flexible and inclusive, and grows more powerful as more people bring energy and creative force. As old-school companies contract and consolidate, new businesses spring to life, fueled by ever-increasing ways of creating and sharing meaningful content. With the Internet as the rich palette of opportunity, publishing continues to redefine itself on a daily basis, offering infinite possibility to all who are willing to join. To all those who dream of “the good old days” of book publishing, I say wake up! No day is better than today to get started on the path of publishing success.
by Scott Watrous, co-founder of JaneScott Brand Catalyst
About Scott Watrous, co-founder of JaneScott Brand Catalyst. After decades of experience in the world of traditional publishing—with S&S, Random House, Adams Media and Globe Pequot Press in the rearview mirror—Watrous decided it was time to help define the new landscape for self-published authors and entrepreneurs. Never satisfied with the publishing options that existed, Watrous committed to creating a first class “boutique” where authors could receive the personal care and expertise that they deserved. With well over 3,500 books published, he and his partner Jane Ashley, another publishing veteran, brings a finely tuned expertise and energy to the marketplace.