What do you think?
Rate this book
Self-Publishing In the Eye of the Storm
The Author’s Revenge
A MUST BUY for all self-published authors, writers, scribblers, bloggers, song-writers and spin-doctors
The moment you click ‘Save and Publish’ you’re no longer on your own. You are now connected to a huge network of hundreds of thousands of fellow writers, and that feels both scary and exciting. By definition writing is a solitary profession. Writers need peace and quiet to gather their thoughts, to research, to dig deep into their subconscious for ideas. Marketers on the other hand need people, and the majority of authors are pretty poor at marketing and have absolutely no interest in it
So I’ve put this book together with the assistance of a number of fellow authors who’ve all contributed a piece or two. My objectives with this book are a) to demonstrate to those just about to publish their first book the amount of work they should expect to put in afterwards, b) to perhaps offer direction, to advise on what works and what doesn’t, and, I guess c) to establish for the reader just how hard authors have to graft to promote their work, which is why I’ve included pieces from various authors, who all deserve my recognition and gratitude for demonstrating their often contradictory points of view. What worked for some, bombed when fellow authors tried the same tack, so it’s crucial that I’m true to myself and present the Indie industry in a genuinely transparent form.
Thanks to these fellow authors - who’ve contributed a full 28% between them - the reader will find a variety of opposing viewpoints, conflicting assessments and impressions of the industry, and differing outlooks and perspectives. The reader will also discover that a number of authors share identical points of experiences and viewpoints.
Special thanks to all contributors, but especially Harpie for baring her soul in sharing excerpts from her wacky, psycho, screwball, demented diaries with us. You’ll be hearing a lot more from Harpie in the future.
WARNING: Writers can often be a precious breed of born-again goody-goodies. Me? I never ask anyone to like him. I never pretend to be anything that I’m not. I’m a handful and I know it. I’m strong-willed, a bit outspoken and I write exactly what I’m thinking. If strong language offends or you have an aversion to self-deprecating, piss-taking humour then please DO NOT buy this book, because I use these methods of bringing to light situations that just don't stack up. I truly believe that serious issues can be approached with humour, but I understand not everyone feels the same.
So what, or specifically who, is the Storm that the title refers to? I’ll tell you. The Storm refers to a group of people who have no issue whatsoever with an artist hiring out a gallery and displaying his paintings. They don’t mind if a chef opens a new restaurant by inviting local residents to an opening night special, or a beautician promotes her services with the use of posters and referral specials for nails, waxing or sun beds. They don’t even mind a scuba diving club offering come-and-try-it sessions. And they certainly don’t object to a local swing band or orchestra advertising an upcoming concert. They don’t even mind their friends trying out a recently acquired capacity for wine-making on them.
BUT, if a hard-working author does similar, if he/she promotes the book they’ve slaved over for the last year, this relentless and insidious enemy of all honest scribblers will have that poor author in their crosshairs in a New York heartbeat.
If you’re the Storm, you’ll recognise yourself here.
A MUST BUY for all self-published authors, writers, scribblers, bloggers, song-writers and spin-doctors
The moment you click ‘Save and Publish’ you’re no longer on your own. You are now connected to a huge network of hundreds of thousands of fellow writers, and that feels both scary and exciting. By definition writing is a solitary profession. Writers need peace and quiet to gather their thoughts, to research, to dig deep into their subconscious for ideas. Marketers on the other hand need people, and the majority of authors are pretty poor at marketing and have absolutely no interest in it
So I’ve put this book together with the assistance of a number of fellow authors who’ve all contributed a piece or two. My objectives with this book are a) to demonstrate to those just about to publish their first book the amount of work they should expect to put in afterwards, b) to perhaps offer direction, to advise on what works and what doesn’t, and, I guess c) to establish for the reader just how hard authors have to graft to promote their work, which is why I’ve included pieces from various authors, who all deserve my recognition and gratitude for demonstrating their often contradictory points of view. What worked for some, bombed when fellow authors tried the same tack, so it’s crucial that I’m true to myself and present the Indie industry in a genuinely transparent form.
Thanks to these fellow authors - who’ve contributed a full 28% between them - the reader will find a variety of opposing viewpoints, conflicting assessments and impressions of the industry, and differing outlooks and perspectives. The reader will also discover that a number of authors share identical points of experiences and viewpoints.
Special thanks to all contributors, but especially Harpie for baring her soul in sharing excerpts from her wacky, psycho, screwball, demented diaries with us. You’ll be hearing a lot more from Harpie in the future.
WARNING: Writers can often be a precious breed of born-again goody-goodies. Me? I never ask anyone to like him. I never pretend to be anything that I’m not. I’m a handful and I know it. I’m strong-willed, a bit outspoken and I write exactly what I’m thinking. If strong language offends or you have an aversion to self-deprecating, piss-taking humour then please DO NOT buy this book, because I use these methods of bringing to light situations that just don't stack up. I truly believe that serious issues can be approached with humour, but I understand not everyone feels the same.
So what, or specifically who, is the Storm that the title refers to? I’ll tell you. The Storm refers to a group of people who have no issue whatsoever with an artist hiring out a gallery and displaying his paintings. They don’t mind if a chef opens a new restaurant by inviting local residents to an opening night special, or a beautician promotes her services with the use of posters and referral specials for nails, waxing or sun beds. They don’t even mind a scuba diving club offering come-and-try-it sessions. And they certainly don’t object to a local swing band or orchestra advertising an upcoming concert. They don’t even mind their friends trying out a recently acquired capacity for wine-making on them.
BUT, if a hard-working author does similar, if he/she promotes the book they’ve slaved over for the last year, this relentless and insidious enemy of all honest scribblers will have that poor author in their crosshairs in a New York heartbeat.
If you’re the Storm, you’ll recognise yourself here.
- GenresWritingNonfiction
335 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 24, 2015
1 person is currently reading
306 people want to read
About the author
Karl Wiggins
25 books322 followersKarl Wiggins – Author, humourist, raconteur and (unfortunately) master of dysphemism
I'm an author with seven books on Amazon Kindle, and I'll state right from the start that I have a particular aversion to fellow authors who befriend you and then immediately message you saying, "You might like my book ..... check it out."
I don't do that. If people wish to know more about my books the information is here to read, but I won't invade your personal space (not to mention precious time) with pleas to check out my own books
My goal, my life’s ambition if you like, is to give direction to comedy, purpose to satire. And this is probably why I write the way I do, in order to use self-deprecating, piss-taking humour to bring to the fore situations that just don’t stack up. To demonstrate that serious issues can be approached with humour.
Embarrassingly, a number of the reviews for my books seem to involve people losing control of their bladder; “Anyone who is a bit saucy, very fond of boobies and doesn't mind peeing slightly when they laugh too hard, this is the book for you!” “Best not to read this book on the train if you have a full bladder because by the end of your journey you will have a damp patch in an embarrassing place.” “I have to admit that I wet myself twice while reading it but this may in part have been due to my age and a couple of bottles of a fine St. Emilion,” “Due to the laughter you owe my secretary one clean pair of knickers.”
Two reviewers have even suggested I should tour as a stand-up comedian; “I found myself laughing out-loud and even sharing segments with my spouse ….. I think Karl could tour as a stand-up comedian,” “Mr Wiggins has views on life that are expressed in a manner worthy of any stand-up comedian.”
So my scribblings do seem to raise a smile and a chuckle, and either way you look at it, that has to be a good thing. Hardly any subject is taboo to the Englishman when he’s laughing, and this often seems insensitive to other cultures, but the bedrock of the British sense of humour is a strong sense of sarcasm and self-deprecation. The British can be very passionate – and if you doubt that try going to a football match - but that passion is hidden deep in our humour so that other nationals often fail to recognise the deadpan delivery and are never quite sure if they’ve been involved in a serious conversation or just a little bit of friendly banter.
Having said that my style of writing is now appealing more and more to the American market, and I write a regular column for a newsletter in Copiague, Long Island, New York. I’m really enjoying connecting with the people over there.
Interestingly enough, my writing style has been compared to two people, both now dead, Charles Bukowski and Socrates. Their names keep popping up in reviews; “Mr Bukowski, meet Socrates. This is an exceptionally amusing collection of observations of daily life,” “The prose style reminded me quite a lot of Charles Bukowski’s short essays and observations,” “It reminded me a lot of Bukowski’s novels, but particularly Factotum and Post Office,” “Had me laughing out loud several times, which doesn’t happen often to me. It reminded me a lot of Bukowski’s novels,” (I swear those are two completely separate reviewers), “Karl Wiggins is like a contemporary Socrates.”
I’m sure both Socrates and Charles Bukowski would turn in their graves. But then again, maybe not.
My books;
'You Really are full of Shit, Aren't You?' is my latest and possible my favourite. It's an agony uncle / advice columnist style book, but unlike most agony aunts I cut them no slack.
I'll be the first to admit that 'Dogshit Saved my Life' and 'Calico Jack in your Garden' are not to everyone's taste, but the reviews are good, so I seem to be hitting the right note.
'Shit my History Teacher DID NOT tell me' kind of speaks for itself I guess, as does 'Grit - The Banter & Brutality of the Late-Night Cab Driver.' I drove cab in b
I'm an author with seven books on Amazon Kindle, and I'll state right from the start that I have a particular aversion to fellow authors who befriend you and then immediately message you saying, "You might like my book ..... check it out."
I don't do that. If people wish to know more about my books the information is here to read, but I won't invade your personal space (not to mention precious time) with pleas to check out my own books
My goal, my life’s ambition if you like, is to give direction to comedy, purpose to satire. And this is probably why I write the way I do, in order to use self-deprecating, piss-taking humour to bring to the fore situations that just don’t stack up. To demonstrate that serious issues can be approached with humour.
Embarrassingly, a number of the reviews for my books seem to involve people losing control of their bladder; “Anyone who is a bit saucy, very fond of boobies and doesn't mind peeing slightly when they laugh too hard, this is the book for you!” “Best not to read this book on the train if you have a full bladder because by the end of your journey you will have a damp patch in an embarrassing place.” “I have to admit that I wet myself twice while reading it but this may in part have been due to my age and a couple of bottles of a fine St. Emilion,” “Due to the laughter you owe my secretary one clean pair of knickers.”
Two reviewers have even suggested I should tour as a stand-up comedian; “I found myself laughing out-loud and even sharing segments with my spouse ….. I think Karl could tour as a stand-up comedian,” “Mr Wiggins has views on life that are expressed in a manner worthy of any stand-up comedian.”
So my scribblings do seem to raise a smile and a chuckle, and either way you look at it, that has to be a good thing. Hardly any subject is taboo to the Englishman when he’s laughing, and this often seems insensitive to other cultures, but the bedrock of the British sense of humour is a strong sense of sarcasm and self-deprecation. The British can be very passionate – and if you doubt that try going to a football match - but that passion is hidden deep in our humour so that other nationals often fail to recognise the deadpan delivery and are never quite sure if they’ve been involved in a serious conversation or just a little bit of friendly banter.
Having said that my style of writing is now appealing more and more to the American market, and I write a regular column for a newsletter in Copiague, Long Island, New York. I’m really enjoying connecting with the people over there.
Interestingly enough, my writing style has been compared to two people, both now dead, Charles Bukowski and Socrates. Their names keep popping up in reviews; “Mr Bukowski, meet Socrates. This is an exceptionally amusing collection of observations of daily life,” “The prose style reminded me quite a lot of Charles Bukowski’s short essays and observations,” “It reminded me a lot of Bukowski’s novels, but particularly Factotum and Post Office,” “Had me laughing out loud several times, which doesn’t happen often to me. It reminded me a lot of Bukowski’s novels,” (I swear those are two completely separate reviewers), “Karl Wiggins is like a contemporary Socrates.”
I’m sure both Socrates and Charles Bukowski would turn in their graves. But then again, maybe not.
My books;
'You Really are full of Shit, Aren't You?' is my latest and possible my favourite. It's an agony uncle / advice columnist style book, but unlike most agony aunts I cut them no slack.
I'll be the first to admit that 'Dogshit Saved my Life' and 'Calico Jack in your Garden' are not to everyone's taste, but the reviews are good, so I seem to be hitting the right note.
'Shit my History Teacher DID NOT tell me' kind of speaks for itself I guess, as does 'Grit - The Banter & Brutality of the Late-Night Cab Driver.' I drove cab in b
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
May 12, 2015
Pearls of wisdom from self published authors, alongside Wiggins Wit! A win-win.
Self-Publishing! In the Eye of the Storm! is a Must Read for those who have never self- published and even those who have. Inside this volume of information from various authors of every genre, you will learn something new. Don't think you can ride out the storm without being prepared, otherwise you might fall prey to the vultures circling cyberspace to prey on the vulnerable newbies.
Chock full of true life experiences penned by SP authors, these vital details will teach you things to save you money, help you learn the marketing ropes, and many other essential facts that help assure you will become a SP VICTOR - instead of a Self-Pub VICTIM. There are plenty writers who have horror stories about naïve decisions causing grief and taking away most of their budgeted allowance for their novel.
Be smart, and enter the Self-Publishing storm wiser for having bought & read this super helpful book!
Self-Publishing! In the Eye of the Storm! is a Must Read for those who have never self- published and even those who have. Inside this volume of information from various authors of every genre, you will learn something new. Don't think you can ride out the storm without being prepared, otherwise you might fall prey to the vultures circling cyberspace to prey on the vulnerable newbies.
Chock full of true life experiences penned by SP authors, these vital details will teach you things to save you money, help you learn the marketing ropes, and many other essential facts that help assure you will become a SP VICTOR - instead of a Self-Pub VICTIM. There are plenty writers who have horror stories about naïve decisions causing grief and taking away most of their budgeted allowance for their novel.
Be smart, and enter the Self-Publishing storm wiser for having bought & read this super helpful book!
May 3, 2015
This is a good mix of bitchiness and insight. And I always find bitchiness funny, so it was a most entertaining book.
This book gives certain authors a platform to talk about the self-publishing world. I'm sure most people are aware that publishing a book is an arduous task, but this book opens it up about the abuse authors may suffer at the hands of reviewers and the lack of respect extended to those who publish of their own volition.
Having been a fan of Karl Wiggins for a few years now, some of his interjections can be found in some of his other work. He is an insightful and entertaining author and puts a lot of effort into his research, but I found myself equally drawn to what other authors had to say. Trolls and one star reviews seems to be the biggest complaint. Along with following along with the trials and tribulations associated with the writing world, it gives a glimpse into the actual writing style of some of the authors. After reading "Eye of the Storm" there are some authors that I will be reading in the near future because I liked their 'style' found in this book. By the same token, there are some authors I will be avoiding.
I enjoyed it and award it five stars
This book gives certain authors a platform to talk about the self-publishing world. I'm sure most people are aware that publishing a book is an arduous task, but this book opens it up about the abuse authors may suffer at the hands of reviewers and the lack of respect extended to those who publish of their own volition.
Having been a fan of Karl Wiggins for a few years now, some of his interjections can be found in some of his other work. He is an insightful and entertaining author and puts a lot of effort into his research, but I found myself equally drawn to what other authors had to say. Trolls and one star reviews seems to be the biggest complaint. Along with following along with the trials and tribulations associated with the writing world, it gives a glimpse into the actual writing style of some of the authors. After reading "Eye of the Storm" there are some authors that I will be reading in the near future because I liked their 'style' found in this book. By the same token, there are some authors I will be avoiding.
I enjoyed it and award it five stars
May 8, 2015
Karl Wiggins' expertise as a raconteur serves him well as he leads the reader into the perils of self-publishing. His advice regarding marketing Indie books, and dealing with pitfalls such as trolls and one star reviews is well-researched and invaluable. In-between hints is Karl's unique slant on the subjects, with helpful advice from other Indie authors, and also Karl's amusing answers to my interview of him (thanks for that!)for a light-hearted ending.
August 28, 2015
This book has a lot of personality and Karl is both inspiring and encouraging. He shares his journey of a writer that proudly holds the title of self-published and he certainly has had a colourful life!
As a self-published writer myself, reading these fellow authors experiences makes you feel less alone. We all go through the same struggles walking the self-published road and it’s nice to be reminded of this.
Eye of the Storm, isn’t like some textbook dishing out instructions, it’s humorous, but also insightful and full of great analogies and advice.
There’s a mixture of poetry and memoirs from other authors too. Jan Hurst-Nicholson is funny and honest and I was pleasantly surprised to see one of my favourite self-publishing authors, Catherine Lockwood had written a hilarious chapter!
Some of these authors I will definitely be checking out and “Shit my History Teacher Didn’t Tell Me,” written by Karl is right up my street and is now on my WTR list!
If you’re an author, whether self-published or not, I would definitely recommend this book. Hell, even if you’re not a writer, I’d recommend it just for the laughs!
As a self-published writer myself, reading these fellow authors experiences makes you feel less alone. We all go through the same struggles walking the self-published road and it’s nice to be reminded of this.
Eye of the Storm, isn’t like some textbook dishing out instructions, it’s humorous, but also insightful and full of great analogies and advice.
There’s a mixture of poetry and memoirs from other authors too. Jan Hurst-Nicholson is funny and honest and I was pleasantly surprised to see one of my favourite self-publishing authors, Catherine Lockwood had written a hilarious chapter!
Some of these authors I will definitely be checking out and “Shit my History Teacher Didn’t Tell Me,” written by Karl is right up my street and is now on my WTR list!
If you’re an author, whether self-published or not, I would definitely recommend this book. Hell, even if you’re not a writer, I’d recommend it just for the laughs!
May 1, 2015
I am one of the contributors, but am taking no royalties, so I'm OK to review (imho)...
Upon first reading this you may think "what a bunch of whinge bags"! But I read a whole lot of passionate authors with valid points.
This is a collection of self-publishing woes/cautionary tales.
If you're just about to publish your first novel please do read this first; you may be hoping that now you've put all that hard work into writing/creating your masterpiece it will magically sell itself. It won't! And this book will help show you the way forward (and what to avoid).
Any trolls; you too should read this book. You may learn something! ;-P
Great collection of comments, wonderfully brought together by the ever funny Karl Wiggins. :-0
P.S. I'm really not as grumpy as I sound in my tiny contribution. Really I'm not. :-)
Upon first reading this you may think "what a bunch of whinge bags"! But I read a whole lot of passionate authors with valid points.
This is a collection of self-publishing woes/cautionary tales.
If you're just about to publish your first novel please do read this first; you may be hoping that now you've put all that hard work into writing/creating your masterpiece it will magically sell itself. It won't! And this book will help show you the way forward (and what to avoid).
Any trolls; you too should read this book. You may learn something! ;-P
Great collection of comments, wonderfully brought together by the ever funny Karl Wiggins. :-0
P.S. I'm really not as grumpy as I sound in my tiny contribution. Really I'm not. :-)
May 11, 2015
Everything this man writes is worth reading. If it doesn't make you split your sides, it's educational--or both. Karl Wiggins is not just a funny man, but he is also intelligent and well-informed on many subjects. This book has a lot of eclectic information that is valuable to anyone who wants to publish or has already published--or for anyone who is interested in what authors have to deal with. There are excerpts from several authors, including yours truly, telling of their good and bad experiences in self-publishing. Great job!
Carole McKee, Author
Carole McKee, Author
September 1, 2021
Thoroughly enjoyed it. Everything rang true for me. Loads of matter-of-fact advice for indie authors - and from several different authors. I only wish I could have contributed to this book. Loved it.
August 28, 2021
Thought provoking stuff!
This is a great insight into self-publishing, full of great tips, hints, stats and general information on the heights and pitfalls of being a writer. I love the chapters about giving away free books which has definitely made me stop and think! There is plenty of humour within the book and I just wish a director would check out some of the reviews Karl has given as we would have loads more TV series to watch! I'm sure all authors can relate to the Trolls and lower reviews and it's hard not to take it personal, especially when it's your debut book. However I love some of the advice given and how Karl responds to negativity. I've learnt a lot, thanks Karl.
This is a great insight into self-publishing, full of great tips, hints, stats and general information on the heights and pitfalls of being a writer. I love the chapters about giving away free books which has definitely made me stop and think! There is plenty of humour within the book and I just wish a director would check out some of the reviews Karl has given as we would have loads more TV series to watch! I'm sure all authors can relate to the Trolls and lower reviews and it's hard not to take it personal, especially when it's your debut book. However I love some of the advice given and how Karl responds to negativity. I've learnt a lot, thanks Karl.
October 22, 2021
Loved this book and all who sail in her.
I loved this book. Informative from Karl and his collaborators. In places it was so funny but it doesn’t detract from the serious business of the self publishing world. Got to give it five stars and recommend it to anyone embarking on the bumpy road of Independent publishing.
I loved this book. Informative from Karl and his collaborators. In places it was so funny but it doesn’t detract from the serious business of the self publishing world. Got to give it five stars and recommend it to anyone embarking on the bumpy road of Independent publishing.
May 17, 2015
"Eye of the Storm" is a fascinating book into the world of SP. The marketing of Indie books, dealing with the abusive trolls that roam, lack of respect, and the demanding effort that one puts in. It’s not easy out there in the world of self-publishing. Author Karl Wiggins give excellent advice, which is well received by hundreds, if not thousands. It gives many authors a platform for discussion. I have been a fan of this author for quite some time, as he does not hold back; his insight and humor is always refreshing. This book is a must read for any author, and I give it five stars. Wish I could give more.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews