Understanding the new economy, for writers - O'Leary

As a teacher of business skills to writers, one of my major concerns in recent years has been the limited understanding of Canadian writers of how much the publishing industry has changed.

Consider, for example, that major Canadian newspapers are in bankruptcy protection.

Journalism organizations are struggling.

Pretty much anyone who is not supported by your tax or charity dollar is struggling (and maybe some of them are too). For example, here is an article I would recommend to any writer or avid reader, to understand the situation we face now. Brief excerpt:

According to Grandinetti, publishers are asking the wrong questions. “The real competition here is not, in our view, between the hardcover book and the e-book,” he says. “TV, movies, Web browsing, video games are all competing for people’s valuable time. And if the book doesn’t compete we think that over time the industry will suffer. Look at the price points of digital goods in other media. I read a newspaper this morning online, and it didn’t cost me anything. Look at the price of rental movies. Look at the price of music. In a lot of respects, teaching a customer to pay ten dollars for a digital book is a great accomplishment.”

Solution? Adopt a business approach to your writing. Yes, it is a ministry, but if no one is willing to pay for it, well ... what are alternative best uses of your time?

Find out why there is an intelligent design controversy: