Three-hundred San Diegans had books published in 2014, according to the San Diego Public Library's Local Author Program.
But for most writers, their work does not end at the final chapter. To improve the chances for their books to succeed, they have to become “authorpreneurs.” The term describes "professionals who promote their own written products and brand as a business,” according to Authorpreneur Magazine, which began publishing in 2013.
The rise of the “authorpreneur” is caused by publishing companies passing on duties, like arranging book tours and reviews, to the authors, said Susan McBeth, president of Adventures By the Book, a San Diego company that plans author events and workshops.
“I think the traditional model most people are familiar with is called ‘big house publishing,’” McBeth told KPBS Midday Edition on Wednesday. “Those days are long gone.”
McBeth said the changes have to do with the rise of small publishers, e-books and crowdfunding. Authors who get their books published by big companies end up doing more work because of budget restraints, she said.
Marivi Soliven, a San Diego author of "The Mango Bride" and 16 other books, is an example.
“I very quickly realized they just didn’t have the budget to support me,” Soliven said of Penguin Books USA.
McBeth offers one piece of advice for anyone looking to publish a book: “Learn how to be your biggest supporter, and you can keep yourself relevant and keep your book relevant.”
