The $1.99 Author

by E.A. Barker

The 1.99 Author is an informative and fun book for those who write books and people who think they might want to.

This book offers a pragmatic look at today’s publishing options for both budding and previously published authors. Almost every conceivable publishing path is touched upon with the pros and cons of each laid bare. This book is free of sugar-coated empty promises of success. Instead, readers will be made to understand there is a ladder awaiting them, and The 1.99 Author shows us how to climb it safely without going broke, without getting taken, and without too many heartbreaks.

ebook

First published November 1, 2021

About the author

For the nonfiction crowd, E. A. Barker believes he is an average guy in mid-life who has led a mostly average life. His readers may not agree with his assessment. The single biggest difference between him and most other people is his pursuit of knowledge. Throughout his life he never stopped asking the simplest question: Why? E. A. fancies himself as a collector of ideas and a purveyor of dot connections. He attempts to present his findings in an entertaining fashion in an effort to encourage people to read—especially men who are reading far too little these days. He is an advocate of education for its ability to affect social reform and actively promotes the idea that a global conscience is possible.

For the fiction set, E. A. is a little less reserved. While he would love nothing better than leading a screen-free life using a typewriter in a grass hut on a beach somewhere near the equator, he is committed, for now, to remaining accessible to his readers in a limited way. Each of his books has its own website/blog and twitter page.

The You & I Erotic Tales Series can be found on twitter @EroticYou as well as on Wordpress at: YouAndI.art.blog.

His first book, Ms. Creant: The Wrong Doers!, can be found on twitter @EABarker1 as well as on Wordpress at: MsCreants.wordpress.com

He currently lives within walking distance of a beach in Ontario, Canada; although he is not happy about the short beach season and the city’s denial of his proposed erection of a private beach hut on the waterfront.

Reviews

[S.A. Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Never have I ever seen an industry preying upon itself the way the book publishing industry does."

So, I've recently read a book that I think all indie authors should read...something about writing a sizzling synopsis. "The $1.99 Author" might be just as important of a book for upcoming indies. Actually, I wish this book would have been around before I started my self-publishing career, it would have put things into perspective.

First of all, it's hilarious. I mean it is generally funny, especially for anyone that has experience in this field. Secondly, its pessimism is like a breath of fresh air compared to all the smoke that has been blown up our indie asses by all the so-called self-help publishing gurus. On second thought, it's not pessimistic. It's actually closer to the truth than any other book about self-publishing.

I don't know if the author gets it 100% right, there are actually quite a few people making a good living from selling books on "damazon" (sham-a-zon might be better...ssshhh they're listening) - a lot fewer people than are advertised, but certainly more than a handful. And I'm not sure everyone is in it for narcissistic reasons, quite a few people I know couldn't care less about recognition, and would take money over fame any day, (ME!).

One thing the author does get right is his scathing criticism of social media and the way in which it has everyone convinced it is the only way to sell indie books. I don't think there is anyone who can say they have made PROFIT selling books via social media unless they have a Ph.D. in "disgracebook" marketing or they are an exceptionally gifted individual in the looks department. (link to my only fans below...)

As for chasing the dream to be traditionally published. I am not 100% sure about this one either. The author fails to mention that over 80% of traditionally published books run at a loss or break even. Picture that! Getting trad published is all cool and all, but the idea that the gatekeepers are the savior to a well-earned writing career is false. There are plenty of examples of trad published authors getting out of that mess to join us in the trenches.

In conclusion, I say bravo Mr. Barker - you have bravely said what few are willing to. I thoroughly enjoyed this.

[Elena Nix]

You know that book promotional offer that looks too good to be true? Well, it is, and E. A. Baker tells you why--and how to avoid being scammed. The $1.99 Author maps out the money pits and time-sucks of the publishing industry. These are lessons I am grateful not to have to learn the hard way.
With self-deprecating humor and well-informed cynicism, this book gives aspiring authors an idea of what to expect (and tolerate) when marketing their work.

[Cecie Sinclair · Rating 5 out of 5]

For longer than I care to recall I made a hobby of reading books on writing. Some were excellent (Stephen King's "On Writing" and "Story" by Robert McKee), some not so excellent. Some dealt with the publishing side of the business: submitting a manuscript, getting an agent, blah blah blah. Over the years I had the good fortune to know several published authors, even a few who were published by the majors, and nothing I read came close to their horror stories.

Until now.

This book is not for the faint of heart. The author does not pull any punches when it comes to dealing with professional publishers and your chances of getting their attention. It is not impossible but it is not easy either. If you read this book at least you will know what to expect.

Mr. Barker covers the various publishing options currently available: from getting an agent (you will need one if you want HarperCollins or Simon and Schuster to publish your book) to Vanity Press (where you pay the publisher to print copies of your book), all the way to self-publishing (my cup of tea). The topics are thorough and well thought out, with just a dash of humor to lighten the mood.

I recommend this book to any aspiring author who whats to know the truth about the publishing industry and can face the realities of becoming a professionally published author. As I said, it is not impossible but it is not easy. After reading The $1.99 Author at least you will be prepared.

Now, if you will excuse me I'm heading out to Walmart for some knitting supplies (you'll get the joke if you read the book.)

[Shelby Kent-Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leaving no stone unturned or un-hurled into the abyss, E. A. Barker brilliantly tackles the perks and pitfalls of everything associated with authorship from landing an agent to self-promotion on social media platforms. With the most potent venom reserved for the scam artists who proliferate in the publishing biz, Barker eviscerates the dream-makers and fakers by exposing them for exactly who they are. That he makes his case by confessing to his own misadventures adds an additional layer of gravitas that is both credible and refreshing.

Masterfully written and exhaustively researched with enough humor to ensure readers won't slash their wrists by Chapter 8, this peek inside the vagaries of the publishing industry is the benchmark by which all books on this subject should be measured.

UGLY truth #140: You can argue a premise or two presented in this book, but you can't refute them. That's the beauty of it.