Writing Group not looking kindly on epubs
Posted by heitzqp on June 17, 2009
First of all, I will not name names, but I am a member of this writing group which I joined with the hopes of it providing me with the resources I need to obtain a writing career.
I thought it to be a very reputable, genuinely-want-to-support-writers group. The fees are a little stiff in my opinion but I still felt it would be worth my hard earned money to join.
Now, not even a year into membership I’m finding out that they are pretty much snubbing their noses at epub authors. I know there is a lot of controversary over epub vs. print pub, but I feel if you are published by a reputable epub that you should not be singled out and made feel to be inferior to print pub authors. I am an epub author, but if my book sells enough copies, it will go to print.
Point being, I’m just a little miffed that I’m being told I’m not as good as print pub authors and if I don’t like it I can get out of this group. It kind of strikes me as funny though that this is a “writer’s” group for support not a “print pub author writer’s group.” And, if you really look down on me and other epub authors to such an extent maybe you shouldn’t take our money to begin with because we are obviously not good enough for you.
So I say to you epub authors maybe we should just “get out” as suggested and find another group who is genuinely willing to give their support and not look down their noses at us. I wonder if this group realizes how many epub authors are members? I wonder if they actually stopped to consider this and what substantial membership dues they could potentially lose by refusing to “change with the times.”
Tatiana Caldwell said
I say that instead of leaving, ePubbed authors should STAY with that group and challenge the leaderships’ outdated beliefs. You’re part of a writer’s organization not just for your benefit, but for the benefit of other writers as well, and all writers need to be aware and educated about ALL of their options for publications. Without the voice of epubbed authors in this group, the writers that remain will be left with a one-sided view and the opportunity to help a potentially wonderful organization will be missed. Leaving and forming your own group may only broaden the divide, not close it.
Just my honest opinion.
heitzqp said
I completely agree that all of us should get along and support one another as writers. But, obviously the leaders are being challenged and the response is basically I-don’t-care-you-aren’t-that-important. I’m very sad at the invisible line that is drawn between pub authors and epub authors. I don’t understand it. I thought we were all simply writers. Apparently even with epub in the group it is all still one-sided. I simply thought that if we formed our own group and showed how vast our numbers were that maybe it would open some eyes. I don’t think epub authors should in anyway shun pub authors. I’m just not sure at this point how to get the point across. My suggestion that we all leave would definitely drive the point home as they couldn’t shun the huge loss of membership fees. Maybe that would make them more open to epub authors and we could all come to a peaceful and respectable union.
Jaime said
Hey Sky,
I’ve partaken in several discussions on this topic, namely with a certain press I’m a part of.
I’m of this opinion – If it gives someone a rocking Johnson because they find themselves superior to me, let them! I refuse to allow it to mar or taint my work (or my opinions of what constitutes the word “writer”). I’ve heard the argument that mostly crap gets accepted by e-pubs and that it’s an insult to the market. Well, guess what? I’ve read material straight out of local B&N that made me weep for the $7.95 I can never get back! Of a certainty there will be things that are taken to press that someone won’t “like”. The market is subjective for a reason!
I’m not sure how I would react as far as the writing group is concerned. Personally, I’d only want to be surrounded by those that care about good “writing”, focusing attention on the quality material versus where an author is published.
All my best!
Jaime