AN INTRODUCTION BY FOUNDER RANDY MORSE…
Mark Twain knew a thing or two about writing & publishing. When it suited him, he was an indie publisher — an author/publisher who hedged his bets. He’d have loved Authorcloud!
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There was a time when creators really didn’t care how they got their message out to an audience. Authors like Twain and Dickens used every means at their disposal to reach people. They published with traditional publishers. They published themselves. They wrote for magazines and newspapers. They toured and gave speeches. They used every means at their disposal to ensure that as many people as possible had a chance to hear, and sometimes watch, what they had to say. Note that we said “people,” not readers. Because people are also thinkers and dreamers, worriers and wishers, listeners and viewers. They were in the 19th century, and they certainly are today
Authorcloud was created specifically for creators who understand the importance of both creating works that are worthy of an audience, and using — just as Twain and Dickens did 150 years ago — every technology, platform, and approach possible to give their work the best chance of reaching that audience.
We’re talking books, ebooks, e-magazines, blogs, websites, social media outreach, podcasts, videos, public speaking — a daunting, often bewildering list of options for many writers.
No worries. We’re here to help. Through outstanding editorial and design services. Through webinars and conference calls. Helpful blogposts. A forthcoming new Authorcloud e-magazine. Writer & indie publishing retreats in ridiculously beautiful places. Whatever it takes to give you the best possible shot at success.
For most of you, it all starts with a book. Or we should say an idea for a book. Or a manuscript. So let’s start there.
The web is full of so-called “POD book publishers.” Some of them are big — big box store big — others are smaller, but most of them share a couple of things in common. For one, they’re usually run by a faceless group of folks who have no actual publishing background. To be blunt, they pretend to be publishers, but in reality they’re simply web-based quick printers.
Then there’s their tendency to package everything — you can buy a Platinum, Gold or Bronze publishing package, a Genius, Smart or Average marketing package — it often feels like you’re walking through the aisles of a giant supermarket, where all the food is pre-packaged and so refined there’s virtually no nutrition left in it. If you like sugar and MSG, you’re laughing — and hey, look at those prices! POD publishers generally treat your manuscript the same way. It’s essentially an industrial process, designed to move as many people as possible through their systems, with as little human contact as possible (apart from often-ruthless telemarketing types who will hound you to “upgrade your marketing package” until you’re ready to cry for mercy).
Well, it is with books as it is with bananas and baby food — you get what you pay for!
Authorcloud is the antithesis of a sprawling “big box-style” POD publisher. We’re more like a small, bespoke tailor, offering every author we work with specific support & solutions expressly designed for her or him. Authorcloud is founded and run by a real, honest-to-goodness publisher, with over 30 years in the business. His name is Randy Morse. You can drop him a note anytime, at randy@authorcloud.com, and he’ll actually respond, we promise!
I love to write myself — I’ve authored or co-authored eight books to-date, and have a couple more on the go. So unlike most publishers, I know what’s it’s like to be compelled to create a manuscript. I’m not just on your side — I’m one of you! So it should come as no surprise that we’re constantly looking for new ways to support the efforts of writers, making full use of nifty new technologies to make it easier for good books (and ebooks) to emerge, without throwing all the traditional publishing virtues (yes, there are some) out with the “traditional publishing is dead” bathwater.
What’s our fearless founder talking about?
Well, among other things, it means that we treat every project as unique. Real book editors and publishers advise you on what your manuscript requires to make it as strong as possible. And when you turn to us for editorial assistance, you’ll have the experience of working with real pros.
Likewise when it comes to page and cover design, printing and ebook production, fulfillment (i.e. getting books to your customers), and marketing. You work with folks with extensive experience at every step.
Seeing an idea take shape and become a good book should be a deeply fulfilling, exciting experience. We’re here to help you make that happen. Contact us if you have any questions (info@authorcloud.com). And if you’re ready to get started, click away, we’re here to help!
You know when you go to the movies and watch a show you really like, and stay to the bitter end watching the credits roll (What? That was filmed in Bangladesh? I could have sworn it was Uttar Pradesh!)? And then, when all the boring copyright stuff starts to roll and you’ve just reached for the jacket draped over your seat back, it happens – a totally unexpected teaser from the upcoming sequel!!
Well, this is sort of, kind of, like that. Not a teaser, exactly, but a little bonus for those of you who scrolled all the way down to the end of this page. What you’re going to find below is a… fantastic, animated ode to the importance of writing, sort of a love song to the book. I’m proud to say I was recommending this film (it’s also a really cool ebook) to people well before it won the Academy Award for Best Animated Short (have they ever had an award for Best Animated Tall?)
So, well done. You deserve this. Pour yourself another cup of lukewarm coffee, and enjoy The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore… my treat!