The Times, They are A-Changin'!

In case you have not heard about it, million-book-selling author John Locke signed a book deal with a traditional publisher (Simon & Schuster). However, this deal is remarkable because it only covers the print books. It used to be that the book deals of self-published authors with traditional publishers covered both print books and e-books, but in this deal Mr. Locke will keep control of his e-books (he will be able to sell them at whatever price he pleases). Simon & Schuster will only sell the print versions, which are more expensive, but this caters to the important market of book readers who still buy print books.

This is a development that bodes well for self-published authors. Traditional publishers are beginning to understand that they can't continue defending their print book market by locking self-published authors to deals that will result in e-books being sold at the same price and within the same timeline as print books.

And for those still belittling the self-published crowd, I refer you to a stanza from that great Bob Dylan song.

Come writers and critics
Who prophesize with your pen
And keep your eyes wide
The chance won't come again
And don't speak too soon
For the wheel's still in spin
And there's no tellin' who
That it's namin'
For the loser now
Will be later to win
For the times they are a-changin'.