Amazon's Kindle ereaders plus available apps give almost anybody a viable method for reading ebooks. Their author services lower the entry barriers for someone to "break into print" (virtual print or, through their Createspace publishing subsidiary, traditional paper and ink as well). If this leaves you with visions of "vanity press" and the attitude that if it wasn't good enough to attract a traditional publisher then it isn't good enough, you might reconsider. Times have changed.
Not unlike the music business, traditional publishing often aims for what the most people will like. This leaves talented musicians doing it themselves because they don't fit neatly with what the big labels want. Yet many music fans find their favorites by looking outside the mainstream. Sure, you'll find more duds, but you'll also find those acts that break the formulas you're tired of hearing. As I've been exploring indie authors I've found the same thing. "Cold Case in Ellyson" is my latest case-in-point.
This book is as well executed as most mainstream releases I've read. But I can imagine an agent, editor, or other gatekeeper saying "this book doesn't know if it's a murder mystery or police procedural." Or "you can't have THAT happen halfway through the book - the readers won't like it." I won't tell you what THAT is, you'll have to read it for yourself. I will tell you it works. Anderson imbues the story with Southern texture and a lot more food for thought than your standard by-the-book mystery. Sometimes independent really is better.
Not unlike the music business, traditional publishing often aims for what the most people will like. This leaves talented musicians doing it themselves because they don't fit neatly with what the big labels want. Yet many music fans find their favorites by looking outside the mainstream. Sure, you'll find more duds, but you'll also find those acts that break the formulas you're tired of hearing. As I've been exploring indie authors I've found the same thing. "Cold Case in Ellyson" is my latest case-in-point.
This book is as well executed as most mainstream releases I've read. But I can imagine an agent, editor, or other gatekeeper saying "this book doesn't know if it's a murder mystery or police procedural." Or "you can't have THAT happen halfway through the book - the readers won't like it." I won't tell you what THAT is, you'll have to read it for yourself. I will tell you it works. Anderson imbues the story with Southern texture and a lot more food for thought than your standard by-the-book mystery. Sometimes independent really is better.
