Scott Sigler on the future of publishing
It’s arguable that Scott Sigler is more than just the most successful podiobook author — he’s also a shining example of how individuals can use new media and social media to create opportunities. His long interview with Podcasting News is now1 up, and I suggest fans, authors and publishers give it a solid read.
He was asked about the future of book publishing and how new media fits into the picture:
Well, I think book publishing is heading for a very serious change. You go back to the heyday of publishing which was maybe 20, 25 years ago, when you had three channels on TV, four if you count PBS; you had no Internet, you had no videogames. All of these new entertainment options are being put in front of the customer. That’s why readership could be down: there’s just better options available for some people. So publishing needs to learn how to compete with that…. well, maybe not compete with it, but somehow merge with it and embrace it.
So a lot of what’s coming is the kind of things like I and the other podcast novelists are doing, [and] the people over at Podiobooks.com are doing, which is just give it away. Give the audience a chance to get to know you as a content creator, and as a performer, and know whether they like your stories. Then, once the audience develops that relationship and that affinity for you, then they’ll go out and buy your books, knowing that it’s going to be money well spent. They know what they’re going to get. So you’re allowing people to try it before you buy it.
And the other thing that’s really going to come into play heavily is story extensions and expansions. You’ve got your core story, which will be in the [physical] book. You’ll probably be having to give that away as a podcast, just to compete. But then there’s a lot of other things you can do. You can do the “back story” of your characters. You can do all kinds of background information. You can combine the extra podcast content with wiki content, with links to websites. The book sort of becomes the “gem in the tiara of entertainment,” if you will, instead of just the whole crown all by itself.
The whole interview is full of insight and information much like that. You can listen to all of Scott’s serialized audiobooks right here on Podiobooks.com. And you can find links to buy the physical copies, too!
This interview happened back in mid-April of 2008, so much of the “what is happening” has already happened.
August 29th, 2008 at 5:29 pm
Mr. Sigler couldn’t be more on the money if he tried. I, for one, hardly ever have the time to read because of a busy schedule. Once I discovered Scott’s incredible imagination in audio format I was set free. The future of book publishing in my case, and MANY other people’s,(speak up OJ’s!) is definitely in allowing the future customer to get a glimpse of what the author is capable of. In Scott’s case, especially, he has introduced characters that he could revolve stories around forever. I would go so far as to say each supporting character in his works of fiction, i.e. Earthcore, Infection, and his latest, the incredible tale of Nocturnal, could have their own story. That’s how strong he paints the characters in your mind as you listen. Needless to say, I and many others will buy every book this man publishes. NO DOUBT! Please, definitely check Sigler’s work out, and his other author friens. You will be very satisfied you gave them a chance.
September 1st, 2008 at 6:39 am
rivarij99 right on! Scott is definitely at the forefront (along with his arch nemesis JC Hutchins) in elaborating on character development, backstory, etc in podcasting. Take for example, The Rookie: one of my favorite Sigler books, and his release of several mini stories during the galactic war.
I also enjoyed how JC Hutchins allowed for fan contributions to his Obsidian backstory to 7th Son.
But back to Scott: the other important aspect to these podcasting authors is that they KNOW that it is their fans who truly support and encourage them. The fact that you can email or IM these authors and actually converse with the author and not some feeble minded drone, also makes that 1 on 1 connection.
There are many great authors I have found on podiobooks including the aforementioned authors but also (to name a few): the Mighty Mur Lafferty, Basil Sands, Edward Talbot, Karen Marie Moning, Bill Desmedt, Remy Gibson, and General Val Pattee.
Scott - great work