Saturday, October 29, 2005

Discussions with a book publisher: Addison-Wesley, first of many

Ok, I've begun discussing with Addison-Wesley about my book. What a "long" process and I'm not a full time writer, but a part time one and this processs looks daunting. But as I've read before, I'd rather be a best selling author than the best author.

As I discussd with AW my book has some elements of a series that if I spill it to them that while I'm not a great writer and there are others that are better at it than I am, it's the idea that I have that could make my first book become a series. I have heard of some horror stories about publishers treating "up and coming" authors like the publisher owns the author. As I was not aware of, for you all beginning authors here is what working with a big publisher will get you involved with.

Each project has a editor, an editorial assistant, a production editor, a marketing manager, a markeing specialist, and a publicist. There are also members of the sales team that may contact you from time to time to strategize or get information for customers.


And all I was thinking was publishing one book. Whoa, more to think about and stretch myself in new directions. As my wife has stated, "hold on because the ride is going to crazy and wild." More personal stretching and growing to do here.

But, what this does is get some backing from a large publisher and lessens my royalties compared with going with a POD (Print On Demand) such as Book Locker publisher.

The real question is since I have the idea I don't have the expertise to write the series so that if I write the first book and it sells well it's the subsequent books that I wonder if I would be involved in.

We'll see what happens, I have to go learn some more to prepare for this endeavor.

Update: I found this site that is most helpful A Book Publishers Blog by Joe Wikert. Good info in my quest.

Friday, October 14, 2005

Linux IS cheaper, more reliable, more secure, and...

This is the real reason that you should use Linux:

"One thing business-technology professionals believe about open-source software: It provides more opportunity for innovation than commercial or proprietary software. Two-thirds of the 439 business technology professionals we surveyed in January 2005 contend that open-source spurs more opportunities for technical innovation. Half (47%) say it encourages business innovation."

It can't get any better than that.