Novelty Fiction: Visions and Opportunities

For some time, I pondered on the difference between vanity publishers and commercial publishers, as well as between publishers and self-publishers. Being a pragmatist, I really have no particular preference for one model over another. If a vanity publisher delivers a good service that the writer can afford, fine (although this may seldom be the case in practice). Self-publishing is an attractive solution for many writers, provided they can handle editing and marketing (not everyone can, obviously). Commercial publishers are a good choice for those with the stamina, ambitions and talent to wait for a long time to get representation or a publishing contract.

With my typical preference for finding new paths, I developed a fourth model: I would help people get published with money earned through editing, critique, and such similar services. First, I would help them complete their novellas and novels inside Novelty Fiction's private network. Then, when the time came, I would offer to give away 100-200 copies of their work, and to pay royalties to the authors on such promotional giveaways. I would never charge for editing or anything else.

In return, I would want these authors to set up Novelty-sponsored author websites, both to help promote their books, and to gradually also help bring in new editing and critique clients. Eventually, as we had enough materials published, Novelty Fiction should be able to establish itself commercially on equal terms with other independent publishers.

The Business Plan and its implementation

My business plan was primarily centered around Novelty Fiction's private network and aforementioned author websites. Unfortunately, conflict broke out – involving several Hubbers – which caused some shrinkage of the network and the number of author websites, as well as stalling the growth of Novelty – Stories & Perspectives, our free monthly newsletter and magazine.

Several good projects have been in the pipeline, so that Novelty Fiction can show real results in “building” books from scratch; novels and other stories that ordinarily might never have seen the light of day. We have also seen good results with contests, on-site critique, and Novelty Fiction's creative writing course.

In spite of these good results, the economical side of things – in terms of turnover – has been disappointing. Activity on the network is below what it should be. Hence, it is now tempting not to look so narrowly at Novelty Fiction's private network and an online community such as HubPages for growth.

The next step is the Internet and the market. Novelty Fiction must learn to play the game such as it is played on the Internet: Building a readership that is not based upon supportive online communities alone (oftentimes dominated by aspiring writers, not readers), but which also includes a significant audience recruited via the search engines, advertisements, and other traffic sources.

Novelty Fiction's private network will continue to grow. But more importantly, Novelty Fiction's website will begin to add lots of content: Some for reading online, some for purchase in book, e-book, and audiobook format.

It is my vision that print and e-book publications will keep following a restrictive model for approval, such as I have repeated so many times: “Novelty Fiction is a real publisher, not a vanity or subsidy publisher.”

On the other hand, we want creative writers to post their stories and literary articles on our site, in exchange for which we are prepared to pay 25% of any revenues generated. This could amount to significant earnings, since Novelty Fiction's revenue tends to come from editing, critique, and similar assignments, which typically bring in $300-1,200 per project.

Imagine...

On Novelty Fiction's sites, all work published has been edited and proofread for quality. All works are original and of an adequate quality to give readers a rewarding experience.

All you have to do, if you are so inclined, is to give Novelty Fiction the right to post your work on our website (you retain copyright), and to insert suitable advertisements, for which you will reap a 25% commission on all sales. Should you want to enjoy the supportive community and service-minded administrative support on Novelty Fiction's private network, you could then have both: A free Novelty-sponsored author website of your own, and a free membership of this exclusive private network.

Final remarks

If you get around to thinking that Novelty Fiction may help you prosper financially and creatively, then... well, you will have to get in touch with me. Imagine a network of dozens, maybe hundreds of author sites, each attracting readers through Twitter, Facebook, Novelty-sponsored author newsletters, and word-of-mouth. Then imagine these sites passing on clients to Novelty Fiction, which will send 25% back to the author. This coupled with free critiques and editing, plus a vision for actually getting profitably published someday.

If it does appeal to you, you could take the time to check out Novelty Fiction's minimalist website. Then get in touch when you have a free moment. You may contact me through HubPages or by sending an email to noveltyfiction@gmail.com or editors@novelty-fiction.com.