Lately, every time I see someone complain offhandedly about the quality of self-published/indie books on Amazon (or anywhere) I tend to cringe a little. And that’s because it’s getting tired as a general statement. Even though there are bad self-published books out there all over the place (and a few bad published books as well that cost far too much money), there are also experienced, bestselling authors now moving into self-publishing. The reasons authors who have been traditionally published do this are many, and far too complicated to get into in one simple post. I had very distinct reasons, one of which was I wanted more control over my work. I got that control with “Chase of a Lifetime.”
But the main point nowadays is that with more and more traditionally published authors self-publishing their own books (most seem to be on Amazon)the reputation of indie/self-publishing is taking a turn for the better and that old cliche about authors who do self-publish because they can’t get a publisher or agent doesn’t work anymore. In fact, literary agents are now taking advantage of these self-publishing opportunities and I know they are offering “services” for their clients. I even know authors who are trying to juggle their schedules with publishers because they prefer self-publishing their own books. And, more important, pricing their own books.
More than a few authors I know who have been traditionally published, and have had agents, have moved into indie publishing quietly, and Hal Bodner is one of them. I met Hal through a friend when he started getting into the digital first market about four years ago. I’ve posted about Hal before on the blog, and about his books. I’ve read his latest LGBT novel, THE TROUBLE WITH HAIRY, that he released on Amazon himself, and I can tell you without question the quality is there, the story is there, and it’s just as good…if not better…than anything he’s had published before.
Hal recently did an interview that is now on youtube, to which I’m linking right now. It’s not only interesting to watch Hal on video and to put the face and voice with the name, but also to listen to what he has to say about his own personal experiences. And like the title of the post says, Hal’s an outspoken gay man with a professional background in law, he’s a businessman, he was in a long term relationship before his partner died suddenly, and he’s a bestselling author with books that have been released from traditional publishers. You can check out his books here.
