Greetings!
I'm a new member but I'm an active author. Recently contacted by a 'startup' publisher called Chameleon. I'm trying to go slow and collect as much information as possible before committing to anything.
According to my discussion with the CEO, the way they work goes like this:
She mentioned that they have a partnership with the http://www.codexgroup.net/
Anyway - hopefully you get the idea. I think the idea that agents are left out of the process is a bad idea. On the other hand, if they're willing to pay $$ while I work instead of selling it and hoping to see some $$ after the fact, that might work as well.
Wanted to ask for your thoughts as I navigate this process ...
I'm a new member but I'm an active author. Recently contacted by a 'startup' publisher called Chameleon. I'm trying to go slow and collect as much information as possible before committing to anything.
According to my discussion with the CEO, the way they work goes like this:
We're still gearing up with Chameleon - you can get basic information on our website. www.chameleonmedia.co
we are raising funds for start-up - they will pay for marketing and market development, primarily
Also we're doing 1099 contractor contracts, not single-book. Time-based, whatever books you want to do with us during a specified time period.
the deal is 50-50 across the board, all editions.
paid monthly
we invest in the market development and research, and of course will edit, copyedit, design books etc. Authors will work as part of a development team. We have artist-partners lined up also. So authors would have their own artist.
You'll get feedback from real readers as you work.
No single-book acquisitions, no agents.
Me: I think you know that the real issue for authors is getting their books sold, right?
Yes that's why we're investing in the market research and development before publication.
Me: Almost like Agile development but for books
yes
and also every other manufacturing industry known to man that's successful
It's not a good process for people who just want to write books and want someone to "sell them for them"
Me: Sounds like a good plan
Or who can't respond to reader feedback, good and/or bad
She mentioned that they have a partnership with the http://www.codexgroup.net/
this is one of our key marketing partners
We believe there's a market for every good book. Also we are doing our market testing based in a group of key criteria. We call them "bookfeel" - like "mouthfeel" in the food industry
Anyway - hopefully you get the idea. I think the idea that agents are left out of the process is a bad idea. On the other hand, if they're willing to pay $$ while I work instead of selling it and hoping to see some $$ after the fact, that might work as well.
Wanted to ask for your thoughts as I navigate this process ...