Thank you Alex J. Cavanaugh for this blog hop!
Let’s rock the neurotic writing world!
Our Twitter handle is @TheIWSG and hashtag is #IWSG.
The Awesome co-hosts for
July 1 posting of the IWSG are Rebecca Douglass, Ronel Janse van Vuuren, Cathrina Constantine, and Jacqui Murray!
Joyful Invitations to Read
This month's IWSG question asks:
Is there anything you'd like to see changed, added, and/or rearranged about the book publishing industry?
My answer is simple.
We Are the Publishing Industry
It's easy to think of "the publishing industry" as traditional publishers, but I don't think that's the whole picture.
Authors, indie publishers, booksellers, librarians, teachers, bloggers, reviewers, and readers all help shape the culture around books. We all have a role in inviting people to read.
A Reminder from Realm Makers
Last week I attended Realm Makers, a conference for Christian writers, where I spent several days talking with readers, writers, editors, publishers, and fellow creatives.
One thing stood out over and over again.
People still love stories.
Kids want adventures. Adults want books that leave them with hope, wonder, courage, and memorable characters. They aren't just looking for another product—they're looking for an experience.
My Hope
If I could change one thing, I'd love to see all of us help make reading joyful and invitational again.
Let's recommend books because they delighted us. Let's welcome new readers instead of assuming everyone already knows the language of publishing. Let's celebrate imagination as much as marketing.
As authors, we don't simply create books.
We invite people into stories.
That's something worth celebrating.
Now that I'm home, I'm back to revising Dark Blade Unchained, the third book in my Dark Blade Trilogy, and I'm sharing more writing thoughts on The Truth About Storytelling podcast. Thanks for following along on the journey!
What about you? What would you like to see changed in the publishing industry?
Yes, traditional publishing is no longer the only option anymore, and that's a positive change for writers.
ReplyDeleteI think so, too.
DeleteLooking for an experience. Or an escape!
ReplyDeleteYes, experience and escape!
DeleteI agree, publishing not longer just means trad pub.
ReplyDeleteYes
DeleteI love your take on this. Way to get us stoked again!
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteGreat take on what the publishing industry is and what should change.
ReplyDeleteI keep hoping we can get everyone more excited about reading and stories.
DeleteWhat an important reminder, Tyrean. We are the publishing industry. I love to read, and I must do so every day. Cheers to happy reading! 🥂
ReplyDeleteHappy Reading!
DeleteLove the idea of making reading joyful again. There seem to be books we ought to read and books we enjoy reading.
ReplyDeleteYes, and I think more enjoyable reading is good.
DeleteI have heard good things about Realm Makers! It sounds wonderful. I so agree that we should be focusing on books that delight readers. Everyone keeps saying "middle grade is dead," but I think it's just perhaps that not enough books that truly delight kids are being made. I love what you said about how we are the publishing industry too!
ReplyDeleteYes, we need joy and wonder in Middle Grade especially.
DeleteI couldn't agree more that the writing community needs to make reading feel joyful and inviting again! Great job with such a dope article, and congrats on Dark Blade Unchained! I hope you have a most excellent evening.
ReplyDeletethegeektwins.com
"As authors, we don't simply create books. We invite people into stories." I totally agree. This is why I consider myself a reading advocate.
ReplyDelete