a question for the writers

[aithne]

I write better/more quickly when I have an audience. That's why I've released books as serials for years--if I kinow I have an audience of people who are waiting for the next chapter of the story I'm writing, I write more, and more quickly.

Problem: this is a form of self-publishing, and it really limits future publishability of the work. I would love to post the Newfoundland book rough draft as I finish chapters, but I honestly think that book has publication potential once I finish it. Of course, the problem is...will I finish it if I don't have that immediate feedback?

I don't know. I'm considering writing a couple of things that will just be online serials--a few other people are doing that, and actually making some money off of it.

Thoughts, anyone?

Comments

[leannan-sidhe.livejournal.com]

Have you thought about having an email list of beta testers as it were? Then you could email out the chapters, people could read it and give feedback, but it wouldn't appear online. Also, if you do that I would very much like to be on the list please and thank you.

[arielblue.livejournal.com]

I was going to suggest something similar. Even a webspace that requires login would work - then it's shared privately, you get your feedback, and editors don't consider it published, it's just been "workshopped" by your private group. If you want people to feed off of each other's feedback, authenticated webspace might work better than email (but might be more work for you).

[leannan-sidhe.livejournal.com]

Hmm... or something like google wave or google documents maybe?

[lishablog.livejournal.com]

If you get a good audience online, you won't have trouble getting a publisher. Publishers have learned that a proven winner is a good bet, and they will go for it. So, if you like publishing in serial form, do it. And ask for donations on your site while you are at it to help out along the way. ;)

[dark-infidel.livejournal.com]

Google Wave or Dropbox would be my pitch. Have a kind of closed Beta feel with the people you would usually have reading it anyway. Like me.

[obelletto.livejournal.com]

I agree with lishablog, popularity online leads to popularity elsewhere. Publishers are savvy enough to know they need to be in on this medium or they will be left behind.

If your concern is making money, there are a number of money-making models for a writer's website in existence on the web already.

If you're concerned about fame, then the same thing is true.

If you don't want to bother with the mechanics of choosing and setting up one of those models for yourself, and publicizing, then bingo. That's what Publishers are good for.

[ivy]

I really enjoyed reading your serials, so I selfishly advocate that. [grin] Could you post to beta readers who will give you feedback, and just lock it so that it doesn't limit things so?

[miryai.livejournal.com]

I agree with closed readership with the possibility of donating. :)