The
first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group
day. Members post about their doubts and
fears, discuss struggles and triumphs, and offer words of encouragement to
others who are struggling.
I recently heard some news I found to be troubling. Samhain Publishing is closing its doors. I'm afraid they won't be the last. With the advent of self-publishing, small press is fighting to stay above water. I love Amazon, as a writer and a consumer. But they are quickly becoming the most powerful game in town, if not the only game in town. And the first string players appear to be either trad or self-published. What are your thoughts? Do you think small press can survive?
Information on Samhain.
27 comments:
Not under a Trump, Presidency!
Colin
I am sad about the demise of any small and independent business. The giants have shareholder profits as their primary concern, and we lose quite a lot of individuality. Which is always a shame.
I heard about their closing as well. Very sad for everyone.
It's very hard today. A lot of small publishers over here have also gone! Hugs, Valerie
There aren't going to be many left in the end
I heard that too and that is troubling. I sure hope TWRP will survive!
Hi Colin,
Thanks for stopping by.
And weighing in.
It sure is, EC.
Wow, I'd heard of other small presses closing down, but had no idea that Samhain Publishing was, too. How sad!
I hated hearing that. I've always felt they had a great reputation and I believe they really do well by their authors.
It's tough if you're not a big dog. That's for sure.
It's always sad when a business has to close especially when much hard work has gone into making it a success.
Yvonne.
I'm afraid so too, Pat.
I do too, Chrys. I have nothing but respect for Wild Rose. It has some great authors.
I think there is a model for small presses that works, but it's not the traditional model and the market will evolve to meet the demand. Amazon has been coming down on poorly published self-pub books, and I think that will keep the small pub market open for business.
we iz knot de smartest catz on de block, knot even on R street ☺☺
& we dunno de furst thing bout publishing....
but can Samhain go elsewhere with ther biznezz///authorz ??
amazonz knot de onlee marshmellow peep in de easter baskit oh candee
{ & due knot even ask wear thiz analogeez comin frum ~~~
coz...we....due....knot...noe...R....selves } ♥♥
I was surprised too. And agree, Heather. It is sad.
Isn't that the truth, Yvonne?
I hope you're right, Crystal.
It's a great idea. Whether there is enough outlets out there that could support them without Amazon....I don't know.
The writing is on the wall for a lot of small and even large publishers unless they can find a way to adapt. It's a shame because publishers do have their place in the world, but at the same time, I'm all for authors not being forced into bad contracts for the validation of being published by someone. I commend Samhain for realizing they weren't doing well and getting out before they went bankrupt. They're doing the best they can for their authors.
I agree, Cherie. I was offered a contract but a small publisher with a good name, that I have a lot of respect for and they have a good rep. I really wanted to work with them, but I couldn't sign it. I felt like it left me dangling.
I think they can survive. It's hard to see one go down, especially one that produced so many books. They're also in danger of being swallowed by the Big Five.
Years ago I said I was leery about Amazon and its potential, especially with KDP Select and now its own imprint. Some author scoffed at that. I wonder what they are saying now?
I blush to admit I don't know the Big Five....
This is a shame because more people don't even read but I think, some will survive if they know how to adapt. Whenever there is a huge change many smaller places do lose out but I believe there will be a different way to publish that may not even have come out yet.
So very sad!
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