Michael, thanks so much for this post. It was a terrific mixture of things I knew, things I suspected, things I had convinced myself weren't true, and things I learned. This was a unicorn of a post.
As somebody whose had my own adventures in different aspects of the publishing industry, I found your outcome to be really interesting and compelling. But most of all, I loved your perspective of a) give freely, and b) be kind. This is just great advice for being a good citizen of social media, as well as establishing oneself as a voice people like hearing.
Thanks, Michael! Not so much a question, but a comment. Your book cover is outstanding, and to the point you made in your post, it's highly distinctive from the depressing sameness of so many book covers nowadays. A lot of authors struggle with cover creation, and I think they balk at getting a proper designer to design a proper cover, either because of the perceived cost, or just not knowing what it's like to collaborate with a designer. I don't want to press on the cost issue, but perhaps some insights on how you found your designer and what that creative process was like would be helpful to folks. (I do a lot of business publishing, so I'm pretty familiar with that process, but not everyone is, and I'm sure some folks have it built up in their heads to be more than it really is.)
I couldn’t find a publisher for my memoir (couldn’t get my agent that interested), but an editor at Audible reached out to me four years ago after reading an excerpt online. I wound up doing an audiobook for Audible that’s out there but I retain all my other publishing rights. Definitely want to go to school on your experience. Thanks so much for this.
This was, as Bill Coffin says below, a really interesting and insightful mix of things I knew, things I suspected and things I felt in my gut. I have come to Substack in order to find a readership for the book I am writing but after only a few weeks on here I have found so much more. A richness of knowledge and experience in so many areas I feel like a kid in a sweetshop. Still want to do what I set out to do, but am enjoying the journey way more than I could have anticipated. Would be super interested in hearing more about your practical process of publishing and in the meantime am ordering your book (audio version as curious to experience your production values.).
Thanks so much, Jennifer. I’ve scheduled a post for February where I’ll go more into details. Enjoy the audiobook and please let me know what you think.
My collection of essays is with my editor now. I’ve been on the fence about how/where I want to publish it. This was just what I needed today. I ordered your book, and can’t wait to read it. Thanks so much for sharing your experience.
Needed this inspiration. Diving in head first to the self publishing world (after many agent rejections). Thank you and excited to read your book (just ordered!)
HI Michael! I loved the book (and I'm a huge Sedaris fan, as well)...I'm curious. What company did you use to self-publish? I'm a MG writer, and considering self-publishing and would love to know what company worked for you. thank you!
I came across this post because I'm a nerd and have a Google alert set for David Sedaris. Incredible stuff, and I'm glad I found you. Subscribed and just downloaded Paper Orchestra on my Kindle. Keep it up!
Fantastic insights, thank you. Just added it to my Amazon cart!
Thanks so much! Welcome to my 1%!!!!
Interesting & insightful post! Inspired me to buy the book. I look forward to reading it!
Thank you! I'm so happy to hear that. Please let me know what you think. :)
Michael, thanks so much for this post. It was a terrific mixture of things I knew, things I suspected, things I had convinced myself weren't true, and things I learned. This was a unicorn of a post.
As somebody whose had my own adventures in different aspects of the publishing industry, I found your outcome to be really interesting and compelling. But most of all, I loved your perspective of a) give freely, and b) be kind. This is just great advice for being a good citizen of social media, as well as establishing oneself as a voice people like hearing.
Book ordered.
Thank you so much, Bill! I'm glad it was helpful. Let me know if you have any questions, and maybe I can do a follow up post.
Thanks, Michael! Not so much a question, but a comment. Your book cover is outstanding, and to the point you made in your post, it's highly distinctive from the depressing sameness of so many book covers nowadays. A lot of authors struggle with cover creation, and I think they balk at getting a proper designer to design a proper cover, either because of the perceived cost, or just not knowing what it's like to collaborate with a designer. I don't want to press on the cost issue, but perhaps some insights on how you found your designer and what that creative process was like would be helpful to folks. (I do a lot of business publishing, so I'm pretty familiar with that process, but not everyone is, and I'm sure some folks have it built up in their heads to be more than it really is.)
Great idea! I'll be sure to write about how I found and collaborated with a book cover designer in the new year. Thanks!
I couldn’t find a publisher for my memoir (couldn’t get my agent that interested), but an editor at Audible reached out to me four years ago after reading an excerpt online. I wound up doing an audiobook for Audible that’s out there but I retain all my other publishing rights. Definitely want to go to school on your experience. Thanks so much for this.
Screenwriter who chose self publishing for my books and I couldn’t love this more!!!! Definitely grabbing your book
Thanks so much, Melissa! Screw the gatekeepers, we'll do it ourselves! Please let me know what you think of my book. :)
This was, as Bill Coffin says below, a really interesting and insightful mix of things I knew, things I suspected and things I felt in my gut. I have come to Substack in order to find a readership for the book I am writing but after only a few weeks on here I have found so much more. A richness of knowledge and experience in so many areas I feel like a kid in a sweetshop. Still want to do what I set out to do, but am enjoying the journey way more than I could have anticipated. Would be super interested in hearing more about your practical process of publishing and in the meantime am ordering your book (audio version as curious to experience your production values.).
Thanks so much, Jennifer. I’ve scheduled a post for February where I’ll go more into details. Enjoy the audiobook and please let me know what you think.
My collection of essays is with my editor now. I’ve been on the fence about how/where I want to publish it. This was just what I needed today. I ordered your book, and can’t wait to read it. Thanks so much for sharing your experience.
Thanks so much. I hope it helps! And thank you for reading my book. Please let me know what you think. :)
This is cool and helpful! As a physician who writes memoir, I'm always looking to read humor, will add Paper Orchestra to my to-read list.
Oh great, Istiaq! Please let me know what you think.
Needed this inspiration. Diving in head first to the self publishing world (after many agent rejections). Thank you and excited to read your book (just ordered!)
I'm so happy you found it helpful. And I hope my book further inspires you. Tell your story!!
HI Michael! I loved the book (and I'm a huge Sedaris fan, as well)...I'm curious. What company did you use to self-publish? I'm a MG writer, and considering self-publishing and would love to know what company worked for you. thank you!
Great question. No company. I did it all myself, but I’ll make a post a listing all the resources I used.
Would love to see that list! Can’t find it! 😃
I'm still writing the post. I'll publish it next month.
Thank you! I will be eagerly waiting by the Substack mailbox! 😃
Thank you! I appreciate it!
I came across this post because I'm a nerd and have a Google alert set for David Sedaris. Incredible stuff, and I'm glad I found you. Subscribed and just downloaded Paper Orchestra on my Kindle. Keep it up!
Oh wow. That's so cool! I'm happy you found me. Please let me know what you think!
By far, the most inspiring thing I’ve read in a while. 👍 thanks!!
Thank you! I'll post more details in the near future, but if you have any questions you want me to address, let me know!
I love your book and your advice, Michael. Building up an audience is work, but I'm enjoying the process.
Now, it's time to reread A Paper Orchestra to study, grow, and improve as a writer.
Thanks for all you do!
Thank you, Khalid. That's so kind of you. I hope it helps!
Btw, I restacked your post. And before that, I bought your book. Never thought I would be the top 1% of anything, so I'm honored.
That puts you in the 1% of the 1%. Thank you so much David!
You're welcome. Take that, Jeff Bezos!
In that case, do you have some top 1% of the 1% merch? :)
Just don't make too much of it. Us one percenters of the one percenters have to feel special somehow.
"If you really want to stand out on the internet, BE KIND! I can do a whole post on this subject, and maybe I will."
(Beavis voice) mmmhmhmheh DO IT! mmmhmhmeheh
But seriously, great post. Very interesting glimpse into the publishing world.