The Shattered Glass Project (Used with permission)
The Shattered Glass Project is a unique project in the works by Jess Hartley to promote an as-yet-unpublished work.
This Examiner will take a closer look at the Shattered Glass Project in this and the next two articles.
The following is the first part of Jess' press release from March 21, 2010, reprinted with permission:
Author announces fae fiction experiment
Author Jess Hartley has announced a new urban fae fiction project, one that allows "Patrons" to support her fiction directly (and get exclusive access to it, as well as other benefits.) Known as "direct-market fiction" or "reader-sustained writing", The Shattered Glass Project invites readers to take a direct role in the publishing process through a variety of different Patronage options during the Spring of 2010.
Bisbee, Arizona - March 21, 2010 - For decades, traditional publishing has been one of the only legitimate avenues for aspiring fiction authors. While the publishing industry offers countless positive opportunities and advantages for writers, there are also challenges. Some works or formats aren't economically feasible for large publishing houses to consider, leaving writers seeking new ways to get their work into reader's hands.
Jess Hartley (Used with permission)
Technology and new fiction
Recent advances in technology have opened a new world of opportunity for writers and readers to connect. From advances in printing--high-quality desktop publishing, Print-On-Demand (POD) and electronic .pdf file programs--to social media networking and safe electronic banking, technological tools are being developed at a break-neck speed, and writers are experimenting with how best to use them to address needs which are not being met directly by the traditional publishing industry.
"I'm a firm advocate of traditional publishing," stated Hartley, when asked about her direct-marketing experiment. "I've been a freelance writer for traditional magazines and game companies for years, and am currently seeking publication of a novel through the mainstream publishing industry. This isn't about opposing traditional publishing or doing an "end run" around the challenges of becoming published there. Those challenges are in place for a reason, and facing them forces writers to hone their skills--both writing and business-wise-- to the level they need to be."
Reader-sustained writing
But, Hartley points out, new technology offers authors options for experimenting with writing that isn't necessarily mainstream-marketable. "Poetry, short stories and novellas are much more difficult to place in the traditional market, which relies on the novel-length work as its main bread and butter. Direct-market fiction experiments can put these sorts of works into the hands of hungry readers without many of the concerns that would face a mainstream publisher. A story being supported and enjoyed by 100 enthusiastic readers can be a complete success in a direct-market situation, whereas it wouldn't pay for shipping through mainstream publishing."
For more info: Go to Jess' website
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