There are a million different writing blogs out there, covering all manner of topics and created by all manner of writers. A simple Google search will yield you a wealth of information from a variety of sources, ranging from amateurs to the wildly successful, to those that fall in between. You'll see the hotshots that rose to the top with their first book, and the author who has never made a bestseller list but has carved out a productive 20, 30, 40 year career regardless. You'll see awesome advice that will change the way you think and operate, and you'll see baffling advice that simply leaves you shaking your head.

So in the midst of all that noise, why should you bother listening to this?

I'm going to do things a little differently in this blog, focusing on the early career trajectory of a midlist independent author. This series will be heavily business focused, because in my belief that is the most critical part of being an author, whether traditionally published or an independent.

I don't claim to know everything (not even close), my word is not gospel, and I'm continually learning and adapting like the rest of you. But I do have some experience and some success within the field, and hopefully you can find something useful within these lines. My focus is on aspiring authors, though established writers may find something to their liking as well.

So here we go.

What do I mean by writing on the edge?

First, let me give a few details about myself in the interests of disclosure. One of my history professors in college made a statement that has stuck with me. When accused of being biased he said (paraphrased):

"Of course I'm biased. Everyone is biased. Your responsibility as a historian is to be up front about your biases so the audience can take them into account and form their own decisions about what you're saying."

At the time of this writing, I've been an independent author for about a year. I did not have a fast start out of the gate, nor did I start having success until about six months in. I'm nowhere near being a bestseller, and though I make a comfortable living I'd be at the lower end of the earnings scale for full time authors.

So once again, why should you listen to me?

I would answer, because I'm approaching this as an average, midlist writer in the early stages of his career, which put me squarely at what most aspiring authors should expect when going into the field.

More disclosures:

I've been a paralegal (primarily real estate) with experience in several law offices. Nothing I say should be taken as legal advice, but I approach many parts of the business having seen how slipshod handling of the legalities can ruin a situation. As a result, some of my statements on contracts and the like might come off as harsh at times. Aspiring authors need to be aware of the potential pitfalls in front of them.

I view writing as an art, but I view publishing that writing as a business.

I'm not much of a trend follower. I pay attention to them of course, but I generally stick with what I'm doing. I'm someone who wants to forge his own path, for better or for worse.

I'm squarely in the independent side of publishing. I don't think that traditional publishing, agents and the like are the spawn of Satan come to suck us dry of our money and creativity. They have their place. I simply don't see that path as a good business decision at the moment, especially for an aspiring author. Depending on how the industry shifts, that view may change.

Still with me? Good, then lets get back to the topic at hand: when I say 'writing on the edge,' what do I mean by that? Writing on the edge is the slogan of my publishing house, Xiphos Press. From that standpoint it means utilizing fiction in all forms through all channels, whether those are serials, novels, novellas, flash fiction, short stories, and whether they's distributed through print media, magazines, e-books, the internet, or any other fashion.

But taken from an author's perspective, writing on the edge means something much different. Before the advent of the indie publishing revolution (actually more of a restoration, but I'm not going to get into that right now.), there was one clear path to success: sign with an agent, get picked up by a publishing house and then go through the process of publishing the book. Few made it, but the path was relatively straightforward. Now, with the whirlwind changes of the last few years, the path has become much less well-defined.

With the proliferation of e-readers worldwide and the rise of self-publishing platforms, authors can turn their manuscripts into books and have them on a market populated by millions and millions of customers within minutes or hours. They can reach worldwide to anyone who has an internet connection. The gatekeepers are gone. The possibilities are endless.

But with so much freedom comes an overwhelming number of choices. What should I write? Where should I publish? Should I sign up for KU with Amazon, or should I distribute to all major retailers? What cover should I use? Where to I advertise?

Our new-found freedom comes with many advantages, but at the same time, we're all dancing on the edge of a knife. I don't mean that in a dangerous sense, but rather regarding the balancing act that every author has to perform.

That's what writing on the edge means.

This blog is meant to help aspiring authors in their quest to become actual authors. This is not, nor should be your only source of information. Read as much as you can, compare suggestions and styles, and make your own decisions. Be smart, be vigilant, and always remember to have fun.

We may be dancing on the edge of a knife, but there's no greater thrill.