Too many authors? Too many books?

Over the weekend, a post caught my attention on Facebook. It was someones opinion on being an author now a days and that the market is saturated in books and authors. And as I thought about it, I knew it was true. Ten years ago, I doubt as many books released a day as they do now. There is no certain day of the week any longer like there are for movies. Any day of the week, I would guess hundreds of new books release. And, books by your favorite authors are getting to your hands quicker and new ones are releasing faster as well. You no longer have to wait a year or two for that highly anticipated sequel. You might only have to wait six months! The question is, is this good or bad?

Personally, I think it's great. We live in a world now where 'we want what we want and we want it NOW'. No one wants to wait any longer for anything. I want a new book, one-click buy, it's on your eReader. No more driving down to your local bookstore and finding out someone just bought the last one and you have to wait a week. Same as music. Who needs to go to the store for a CD when you have an MP3 player with all your music on it.

So I do agree with the post I read, the book market is full of authors and books. How in the world do you choose though? What author to try? What book? There are so many! I say, start with the cover, then the blurb, followed by the sample. If all three gets a thumbs up, the next step is to BUY!

And as an author, how do I stand out so they pick me to read? That, I'm still trying to figure out. I think staying positive and doing your best to keep your name out there helps. Does the in your face approach work? I'm not really sure. But you certainly can't be quiet and hope readers find you. 

Also, make sure the work you're putting out there is your best. Not just a piece to have your name on so your name stays fresh. As well, not everything you write has to be sold. Offer short pieces for free so readers aren't feeling ripped off.

Best of luck to authors published and unpublished. The digital age is with us and making our dreams come true much faster!