Don't miss this book, folks! Philip not only rethinks publishing from the ground up, he rethinks the novel form from the ground up, too. It's absolutely brilliant!
Basically, the country-wide tour was a way of ensuring that readers would actually have access to my novel, readers who might never encounter it otherwise. And that--in the spirit of Little Free Libraries--it would be a gift.
But while doing this I also planned for the print book to be reincarnated digitally, one that requires a modest subscription payment in order to continue past the third chapter. The readership for this version continues to grow (no worries about a short life on a book store's shelf!), and so it's a way to recoup my initial investment.
Publishing has become so dreary in recent years--why not have an adventure instead?
What a remarkable journey and kudos for this author in taking it on. All of us know how f---ed up the publishing world can be these days in some circles. More power to you.
Terrific interview! I love what Graham did with What the Dead Can Say. It makes me feel hopeful to think there are ways around that toxic world of publishing.
Philip's energy and ingenuity are forces to reckon with! Loved the choices he made in getting his new book into the world. And congratulations on your new novel too!
Very intriguing! But delivering books to little free libraries means not making any money. Did he decide from the start that he didn't care, that he just wanted readers? And to distribute in an unorthodox way? (I know he mentioned subscriptions for the digital version - was that compensation enough, or just not an issue?)
Also, very glad you mentioned the blob book covers. When I was still working as a librarian, I used to think I was going crazy, asking myself time after time while processing new books, hadn't I seen that cover before? Nice to have an explanation!
Basically, the country-wide tour was a way of ensuring that readers would actually have access to my novel, readers who might never encounter it otherwise. And that--in the spirit of Little Free Libraries--it would be a gift.
But while doing this I also planned for the print book to be reincarnated digitally, one that requires a modest subscription payment in order to continue past the third chapter. The readership for this version continues to grow (no worries about a short life on a book store's shelf!), and so it's a way to recoup my initial investment.
Publishing has become so dreary in recent years--why not have an adventure instead?
Don't miss this book, folks! Philip not only rethinks publishing from the ground up, he rethinks the novel form from the ground up, too. It's absolutely brilliant!
I really liked your interview with Philip for 3 Quarks Daily too - such an excellent discussion of short fiction!
Hi Diane, a great question, thanks!
Basically, the country-wide tour was a way of ensuring that readers would actually have access to my novel, readers who might never encounter it otherwise. And that--in the spirit of Little Free Libraries--it would be a gift.
But while doing this I also planned for the print book to be reincarnated digitally, one that requires a modest subscription payment in order to continue past the third chapter. The readership for this version continues to grow (no worries about a short life on a book store's shelf!), and so it's a way to recoup my initial investment.
Publishing has become so dreary in recent years--why not have an adventure instead?
https://www.whatthedeadcansay.com
This is fascinating! Christine, thank you for sharing this interview.
Thank you, Sara! Nice to see you here and I hope you’re doing well - I think about Treasure Island!!! often - such a great novel.
Thank you so much, Christine! That means a lot. I’m glad I found your Substack.
Interesting interview. Thanks!
Truly my pleasure, Victoria - thank you for reading!
What a remarkable journey and kudos for this author in taking it on. All of us know how f---ed up the publishing world can be these days in some circles. More power to you.
Thank you, David! I love Philip’s What the Dead Can Say stories - so interesting and inspiring.
Terrific interview! I love what Graham did with What the Dead Can Say. It makes me feel hopeful to think there are ways around that toxic world of publishing.
Philip's energy and ingenuity are forces to reckon with! Loved the choices he made in getting his new book into the world. And congratulations on your new novel too!
A splendid post, Christine!
Thank you, Frank!
Very intriguing! But delivering books to little free libraries means not making any money. Did he decide from the start that he didn't care, that he just wanted readers? And to distribute in an unorthodox way? (I know he mentioned subscriptions for the digital version - was that compensation enough, or just not an issue?)
Also, very glad you mentioned the blob book covers. When I was still working as a librarian, I used to think I was going crazy, asking myself time after time while processing new books, hadn't I seen that cover before? Nice to have an explanation!
I’ll ask him, but I don’t think he expected to make much money. And yes, the blob book covers :( :( :( !!!
Hi Diane, a great question, thanks!
Basically, the country-wide tour was a way of ensuring that readers would actually have access to my novel, readers who might never encounter it otherwise. And that--in the spirit of Little Free Libraries--it would be a gift.
But while doing this I also planned for the print book to be reincarnated digitally, one that requires a modest subscription payment in order to continue past the third chapter. The readership for this version continues to grow (no worries about a short life on a book store's shelf!), and so it's a way to recoup my initial investment.
Publishing has become so dreary in recent years--why not have an adventure instead?
https://www.whatthedeadcansay.com