Surviving the Transition: How Writers Can Thrive in the New World of Publishing

by Kristine Kathryn Rusch

Most writers run their careers the same way they did in the 1990s. But publishing has changed so much since then that any writer who works on the old model will no longer make a living. In this WMG Writer's Guide, international bestselling writer Kristine Kathryn Rusch shows you how to think about the new world of publishing, who to trust, and who not to trust. She also gives you a blueprint for survival-what to learn, what to ignore, and how to find help. If you are a successful professional writer-or hope to become one-then this book is for you. "I have friends who have absolutely relied on Rusch's advice and it never leads them astray." -Orson Scott Card, New York Times bestselling author "Not many people understand the publishing business as well as the author business-Kris Rusch is one of them." -Kevin J. Anderson, New York Times bestselling author "Kristine Kathryn Rusch still knows twice what I do about writing and publishing. Good thing she's put all her wisdom down in a book so I can start stealing some of it." -Steve Hockensmith, New York Times bestselling author

82 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 29, 2012

About the author

Kristine Kathryn Rusch is an award-winning mystery, romance, science fiction, and fantasy writer. She has written many novels under various names, including Kristine Grayson for romance, and Kris Nelscott for mystery. Her novels have made the bestseller lists –even in London– and have been published in 14 countries and 13 different languages.

Her awards range from the Ellery Queen Readers Choice Award to the John W. Campbell Award. In the past year, she has been nominated for the Hugo, the Shamus, and the Anthony Award. She is the only person in the history of the science fiction field to have won a Hugo award for editing and a Hugo award for fiction.

In addition, she's written a number of nonfiction articles over the years, with her latest being the book "A Freelancer's Survival Guide".

She has also published as:
Sandy Schofield (collaborations with husband Dean Wesley Smith)
Kristine Grayson - romances
Kathryn Wesley (collaborations with husband Dean Wesley Smith)
Kris Nelscott - mysteries
Kris Rusch - historical fiction
Kris DeLake - romances

Reviews

[Traci Ashbe · Rating 5 out of 5]

You're future could go further than you think.

Rusch discusses business of many types. She makes solid points for going traditional or Indie for writers. Or doing both. Worth the read and the information.

[Heather Pagano · Rating 5 out of 5]

I learned so much about the history and current state of traditional publishing, as well as learning about alternatives to traditional publishing.

[Richard Wright · Rating 3 out of 5]

As an author tentatively exploring the merits of Indie publishing I'm a fan of Rusch's excellent blog, in which she breaks down the new business model in sensible details. That said, this book isn't really for me - it speaks directly to existing mid-list writers at traditional publishing houses, and talks them through the reasons they might consider publishing themselves, and the pitfalls they might hit if they do. All seems very sensible, though in the end I'm not the target audience.