One step closer…

Every author, published or not, should be taking to the streets today. Cheer, celebrate, cause general havoc, but in a good way. Check out what Amazon is doing.

I gave a presentation at a recent conference where I talked about how up-and-coming authors can succeed in the new model of publishing, a model that we are now one step closer to with Amazon’s announcement. One of the characteristics of this new model is that it is merit-based. If your work is good, you will be able to succeed. This wasn’t always the case in the old (current) model. Bad or mediocre writing often gets published, while really good stuff is sometimes ignored. Amazon’s service will allow customers to pick what gets pushed to the top. It is readers that will dictate what gets published and distributed.

Now, I can already hear some critics. “This will turn into a popularity contest. The only thing that will rise to the top is shallow, meaningless fluff. Books with true merit, those that tackle the hard topics, will be ignored. We need agents, editors, and publishers–true experts–to make sure the best books get to market”.

To which I say this link should silence any such criticism.

I for one am very excited about Amazon’s move, and look forward to the new model that is slowly being shaped. If you are a writer, put your chin up; good things are coming our way.