Although I found this on the web, this is exactly the types of notes I take…
The problem with taking notes at an event is you should always “clean them up” just after or you might find yourself in my situation: I wrote somewhere “check out proof of concept/self publishing + post smthg” What the hell did I mean? This could apply to a lot of different things! I’m not even sure what Proof of Concept (POC) really means!
As my father wisely taught me “whenever you aren’t sure what a word means, go look for the definition”… No, that’s not mind blowing advice but it takes years to actually do it.
According to the Project Gutenberg Self Publishing Press:
A proof of concept (POC) or a proof of principle is a realization of a certain method or idea to demonstrate its feasibility, or a demonstration in principle, whose purpose is to verify that some concept or theory has the potential of being used. A proof of concept is usually small and may or may not be complete.
This could mean a lot of things for self publishers but I’m going to focus on the first thing that popped into my mind: self published books are becoming proof of concepts for publishers. Let me elaborate: When an author self publishes a book, he’s giving it to a reading committee that comprises all the readers who’ll get their hands on his book. Publishers – thanks to our digital age, reviews, bloggers, 5 to 1 stars and indie awards – can quietly collect this committee data and offer the author a contract if they are satisfied with the result.
Most of the time, publishers (or any business person actually) relies on observable and tangible proof of potential success before investing on a project. For new genres, unknown formats, etc. there can be no proof coming from the publisher’s experience itself: if it’s new, they haven’t tried it yet, if they haven’t tried it, they don’t have any proof it will work, hence the absence of investment there. Except now they do have proof: thanks to self publishing.
Heracles rerouting the rivers Alpheus and Peneus, to clean out the Augean stables. Roman mosaic, 3rd century AD.
Much like gods looking over the Mont Olympus’ clouds to observe and judge poor humans and grant them a more or less gloomy after life depending on their judgment, opinion, temper and simply mood of the day, publishers benevolently (or not) extend a helpful hand to the said author.
The author, too happy to be approached by a publisher spontaneously, often jumps on the offer. If a Greek god approached you, you’d probably say “yes” to whatever he’s offering. You could end up cleaning up Augean stables…
Having an opportunity to show a book can work and be sold to convince Publishers is a great thing. However, it’s worth considering all the pros and cons involved. If you are doing really well by yourself and a publisher wants you, you have the upper hand. You should think about what the publisher will get you as you will be giving up control (and money).
