Summary: Self-publishing: some writers swear by it, others treat it like it’s a dirty word. The truth is, many writers and publishers self-publish something at some point in their career. And self-publishing isn’t new, even though the tools used to self-publish continue to change. In this episode, Jason and I discuss the fraught history of self-publishing. We talk about the DIY art movements of the past, but we also cover what the future holds for DIYers. Is self-publishing finally mainstream? How hard is it for writers to get their name out there? What are some of the best examples of self-published and DIY publishers right now? We discuss a lot of interesting stuff in this show – articles, books published online, and examples of self-publishing. Go check them out: Notable Moments in Self-Publishing History: A Timeline, Poets & Writers How Hugh Howey Turned His Self-Published Story “Wool” Into A Success (& A Book Deal) Shelley Jackson’s Ineradicable Stain – project publishes a story via tattoos The Silent History - A New Kind of Novel [App] “Forget Twitter. In St. Louis, Bare Your Soul Via Typewriter,” NPR Pubslush – a crowdfunding service for writers (works a lot like Kickstarter). Storium — The Online Storytelling Game Espresso Book Machine – On Demand Books The Newer York – Small press doing unique things for artists and writers. Specifically, this book: Small Creatures / Wide Field by John Mortara Jason mentioned this excellent book for the self-starter who wants to do more than publish books: The $100 Startup by Chris Guillebeau If you need to find your own writer’s group in your area, check out Meetup.com. Finally, what are some of the things you’ve seen self-published that you’ve enjoyed? Sound off in the comments or hit us up on Twitter: @criticalmargins If you enjoy our show, rate us on iTunes, Stitcher Radio, or Soundcloud. Our show theme song is “Street Preacher” by Jason’s band, Jason and the Beast.
