So last week, Writer Abroad got an e-mail with the subject: Exciting news from Chicken Soup for the Soul.
The announcement was that three of Chicken Soup’s best-selling anthologies, including the one Writer Abroad has a story in, will now be available at Wal-Mart. Yipee! I mean, Wal-Mart is Writer Abroad’s favorite store…Not. Anyone read The New York Time’s recent investigation about Wal-Mart's corruption in Mexico?
Admittedly, Writer Abroad’s first reaction to the news of her story being sold in Wal-Mart was like, hey, cool! Millions of people will read it!
Then an hour later she realized: Way. Not. Cool.
Can you hate all things Wal-Mart and in good conscious have a story you wrote being sold in a book there?
And the other killer for Writer Abroad: Even if millions buy the book containing her story, she won’t get a dime.
Happy holidays, writers. This is what happens when we get paid one flat $200 fee for a story in an anthology and that anthology becomes a bestseller.
But what choices do writers have with their little stories and articles against the few big publishers that are actually buying them these days?
Writer Abroad isn’t sure yet.
Which brings her to TIPE, an independent publishing event that will be held in Zurich, Switzerland on January 25th. At this event, we can learn from successful self-published writers like Joanna Penn about how to keep control over your manuscripts…and your profits.
Have any other writers out there triumphed over the current publishing industry? How can we demand better treatment and still get published?
Ugh.. this is a tough one. Keep in mind that one more notch on your publishing credit belt can't be measured in cash. That being said, those Chicken Soup folks are pretty shrewd business people ;)
ReplyDeleteWell, compared to a lot of anthology collections, I do have to say this in their defense: 1. They pay. 2. They allow you to keep your copyright. But yeah, getting an email saying how successful the book is doesn't seem so great if there's nothing in it for us. Other than fame, ha ha...
ReplyDeleteThis is a very good tip especially to those new to the blogosphere.
ReplyDeleteBrief but very precise info… Thanks for sharing this one.
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I have to agree with L. Shanna. A publishing credit from such a well-known publishing brand is a wonderful writing credit to have on your literary resume.
ReplyDeleteAs for Wal-Mart....you cannot control where the book is sold. But the good news is that this particular distribution channel is likely to make sure that your story is read by a lot more people....which is really the point, isn't it?
Congrats and cheers for 2013!
“Chicken soup “one of my life time favorite book. These books never get out dated. Love to read always. I just don’t like it, I love it. That obvious it earns $200. Every one loves it. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThis news seems a mouth watering news.
ReplyDelete