A writer pal told me she wasn’t coming to Colorado Gold because RMFW members were too divided among traditional and independent writers. Too much friction. She didn’t feel welcome any longer.
Maybe I’m as clueless and naïve as a newborn, but I just don’t get it. I don’t feel it. I don’t sense it, either. But I’ve heard others say the same.
You get to choose traditional or independent. Who the absolute hell cares what anyone else decides in terms of a path to publication?
Repeat: who cares?
We all write.
We all market.
We all believe in the power of story.
How many writers out there have started independent and gone traditional? How many have started traditional and shifted to independent? How many do both? (Looking at you, Kerry Schafer.)
It’s very possible I was board president for RMFW when IPAL (the Independent Published Authors Liaison) formed. I’m 99 percent sure I supported the concept at the time.
But it’s time for this split to end.
I would say the Venn Diagram of “traditional” versus “indie” is about a 95 percent overlap. Working with agents and negotiating contracts with traditional publishers is about the only element that is exclusive to traditionally-published writers. Even then, you could make an argument that awareness of contracts and agents (etcetera) is useful for independent writers, too, because “independent” writers work with small publishers who may not offer traditional advances but do require contracts.
What I’m trying to say these aren’t separate camps!
And, by the way, if you have only ever been traditionally published, do you think you have some helpful suggestions for those working in “independent” land? And vice-versa?
So I emailed RMFW president Sue Loeffler about this issue. I told her I was prepared to throw a fit here on the RMFW blog.
And (drum roll, please), the RMFW board has already decided!
And they are doing the right thing.
PAL and iPAL will merge on Jan. 1, 2022.
The new Professional Author Alliance (PAA) will be headed up by the energetic Andre Gonzalez. (Way to go, Andre.)
It’s time for RMFW to come back together as one organization focused on the craft and business of writing and producing genre fiction.
I support this decision 1000 percent.
See you at Colorado Gold (if you’re coming) next week.
(Photo by Shane Rounce on Unsplash)
Yay! About freakin’ time!
Agreed!!
Thank you Mark! This is WONDERFUL news! No divide, no friction, one organization supporting all of us who write AND publish regardless of how you get it done. Bravo!!
Brenda H. Current IPAL soon to be PAA member!
Agreed!!
I wasn’t aware of the rift, but I’m sure glad it’s mended. As a writer whose 20-year career has spanned traditional and independent publishing, I can say that both sides have a lot to learn from each other. Storytelling transcends the mode in which stories are published and sold.
100 Percent agree!
Yay!
Yes!
Here, here!
Agreed, agreed.
I’ve never felt it either, but I welcome the merger.
Yes, indeed!
Less division is a great thing in many places (even in math class). Glad to hear it.
More addition; less division & subtraction!
Awesome news! I love it! See you next week!
Awesome indeed! See you soon….!
Cool. I’ve never really understood the division anyway. 🙂
Very cool indeed!
I began self-published, then was traditionally published and won two writing awards. I now must again consider self-publishing. Why? You’re only as good as your last book’s sales. Nothing else matters.
A-yup!
Thanks Mark. I couldn’t have said it any better. As the PAL Liaison these past several years. I always felt there was so much each group(PAL and IPAL) had in common, and so much knowledge we could share. The creation of PAA is something I have been a strong advocate of and I’m thrilled the time has finally come to be stronger together. Andre is going to be a great leader for this group, and I will be happy to help any way I’m needed.
Diane R Jewkes
PAL
Thanks, Diane!
Huzzah! And good day. I love the RMFW community
Me, too! Thanks Bowen.
Agree with all you said. And yay RMFW! This is exactly the right direction. And…don’t tell anyone yet…but there’s a cool digital badge coming for PAA members to display as they so choose… 🙂
RMFW supports and honors all professional authors regardless of their path to publishing. I love that!
Agreed, Wendy. And I know you and I have talked about this for a long time.
Will it be a group that an author needs to prove a certain number of sales to be welcomed? If so how much?
Haven’t seen those details, Karen.
Quick chip in – short answer is yes — similar to how PAL and IPAL work. But exact parameters are in the works. Also, those current members of PAL and IPAL will automatically become members of PAA.
Thanks for the update, Wendy!
I’ve been both traditionally published and have self-published. The main difference is that self-publishing is much more difficult. I have the greatest admiration for self-published authors and have learned a lot from them. I think this merger will benefit everyone.
I so agree, Mary!
Mark,
As an indie, I have found RMFW very inclusive but welcome the merger! Thanks for the update. Unfortunately, I won’t be attending the conference due to the virtual version cancelation, but I look forward to hearing who won Colorado Gold and congratulating the winners! All the best, Kris
Thanks, Kris. Best to you!
This is wonderful. So glad to learn this right before the conference!
Agreed!
I have never understood this divide. I think it’s awesome to succeed in either venue. Seriously, we have enough division in this world without adding creative artists who create an issue regarding which method of bringing their work to the public is “better” to the mix. Support each other, encourage each other, be kind. That formula never fails.
Well said!!