The changing face of publication

Almost every day I read news of the changing face of publication via literary agents' blogs and newspapers and it scares me and excites me. On one hand, it may be easier for new voices to break into the market with the surge towards electronic books. On the other hand it might be harder; with more people trying to find an easy way to publish their writing how will you get noticed? If e-books are cheaper to produce, will there be more of them out there and therefore more writers in the way of you finding readers? I don't know, and nobody else seems to know yet either, not even the big wigs of the publishing world. The publishing world as we know it is on the brink of change and it's all happening so fast. I just hope there's room for me when I finally have my manuscript finished. Here are just a few of the changes that have taken place in the past year:

• E-book sales are on the rise as sales of Kindles and other electronic reading devices increase
• The bad economy effects the publishing world with a decrease in overall books sold, therefore a decrease in books published, which means publishers are tightening their belts and taking less chances on first time authors
• Some publishers are no longer offering ARC's (advanced reading copies) to authors, a powerful tool in gaining positive books reviews before publication to boost reader awareness of their book
• Several magazines and newspapers have ceased publication 

It's a scary time for authors right now, especially new ones like me who haven't even gotten a foot in the door yet. It all makes me wonder if I will still get my chance. But when it comes down to it, I love writing with all my heart, and I will keep writing no matter what. So what if there's more competition, there's always been competition. The world will always need literary agents and publishers to be the gatekeepers and help people find the cream of the crop to read, even if everyone can self publish an e-book. I am determined to be a childrens' author and no amount of competition or change is going to bring me down. 

Web presence

I've been reading agent blogs obsessively of late, learning as much as I can about the publishing business and the current state of the YA market. The census seems to be that these days an author must have a "web presence" to become successful. A web presence ensures attention from readers, bloggers, and reviewers and is a necessity when it comes to marketing and promoting your book. Here are some ways you can create your own "web presence":
1. Create a blog
A blog gives you the means to keep readers and followers updated on what you're doing. An interesting and well kept blog means you maintain followers, which may someday become potential readers of your published work and reviewers, who are crucial to your book's success. Positive reviews propel your book's sales in today's competitive market. Also, a blog is more personal so people can get to know you and your voice better. Blogging has become quite the rage for authors as a tool to promote themselves by means of blog tours and guest blogging on another author or agents' blog.
2. Twitter
There are endless opportunities to network on Twitter. Become a follower of your favorite author and leave them a tweet and they might just answer your comment. Follow publishers and agents to learn up to the minute updates about what's happening right now in the publishing industry. Tweet about your own work and the work of others to create networking buddies and gain followers to get your name out there. Twitter is a great resource for staying on the up and up and being informed.
3. Personal website
A personal website is the place you advertise all that is you; your latest book coming out, your future books plans, book tour dates, book signings, squashing of rumors, and any other exciting news fans want to know. Here you can consolidate all your other online endeavors in a single stop shopping trip. Provide links to your blog, Twitter, fan pages, book reviews, and also provide your bio and picture. This is where fans go to really get to know you.
So far I have the blog and the Twitter, and with a manuscript nearing completion more every day I am feeling good about my web presence. When I first started writing my novel I had no idea there was so much more involved than just the act of writing. To be a successful writer these days, you need more than good writing going for you, you need to clamor for attention and get noticed because there are a million other authors out there but you need to differentiate yourself and make them want to follow YOU!