Author, cease the frequent publication of your novels!
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In a guest post, author Michael Cristiano shares his thoughts on the current culture of 'write-fast, publish-much' in the indie author market. After the release of his first novel, Cristiano has come to the realization that he wants to write for himself, not to meet the demands of a rapid publication schedule.
Cristiano questions the impact this culture has on the quality of books, mental health, and the artistic value of literature. He compares the publishing of novels to the aging of cheese and wine, implying that quality improves with time.
The potential drawbacks of the 'write-fast, publish-much' culture include significant mental health pressures, compromises in book quality, and a feeling that books become mere products rather than carefully crafted works. This model can create a perceived expectation for authors to produce quickly, which can lead to stress and creative burnout.
Authors may struggle to find a balance between maintaining a steady publishing pace and allowing sufficient time for writing and revision, which can affect the depth and quality of their stories. Additionally, this culture may diminish the focus on the physical and artistic quality of books, as speed often prioritizes quantity over craftsmanship.
However, there's a counter-movement toward "artisan authors" who prioritize producing high-quality, distinctive books rather than rushing to publish many titles quickly.
Cristiano believes that releasing novels rapidly indicates premature work and lack of time spent on each novel. He doubts the possibility of a quality novel being published every month and a half, especially if more than six are released in a year.
The author acknowledges that every writer's journey is unique and what works for one may not work for another. He suggests that focusing on quality rather than quantity should be prioritized for writers, unless they are comparable to J.K. Rowling, Shakespeare, or Stephen King.
Cristiano, who works in editing and acquisitions for Curiosity Quills Press, and his freelance work has appeared on various websites. Readers can find more of his work on his blog.
[1] Cristiano, M. (2022). The Indie Author's Dilemma: Quality vs. Quantity. [Blog Post]. Retrieved from www.michaelcristiano.com/indie-authors-dilemma
[2] Smith, A. (2021). The Rise of the Artisan Author. [Article]. Retrieved from www.thewriterslife.com/artisan-author
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