SUMMARY
Over the next week I will be posting parts of my next Rhetorical Composition II assignment, part of the brief is to publically publish it. I have chosen my blog. I have also chosen a subject area which may be useful to the followers of this blog (with some help and encouragement from you – see Related Articles). 
PREFACE
I have chosen to focus on Self-Publishing, for the record the first time I free-lanced (in the 90’s) I was of the ‘traditional print publishing camp’ because the whole process back then was different and there were many poor examples of books that weren’t picked up for a reason.
However, with the advances in technology and the way people receive the printed word, the advent of e-readers, niche markets, having several friends successfully market their work in this way and the global recession, I am beginning to reconsider my ‘snobby’ opinion of self publishing.
So here is my assignment brief.
Your opinions matter!
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Please leave a comment, discuss the content and your own opinions freely.
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Please remember that this is for an academic research project – although the purpose of the writing is to inform and persuade you.
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Grammar and technical writing errors needn’t be pointed out, it is a peer reviewed course and with international (ESL) students we are not focusing on the level of language used.
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BRAINSTORMING ACTIVITY
“I’m interested in” Statement:
As a writer, I’m interested in creating a series of blog posts that are intended to persuade an audience of writers to consider the self-publishing route in light of e-publishing and technical advances over the traditional route of publishing. Self-publishing used to be looked down on by ‘real writers’, nowadays there is still a stigma attached to self-publishing but depending on your writing goals it could be a successful route for you and be quicker and more financially rewarding than the traditional publishing route. These articles will also inform the readers of details about the world of publishing.
They are intended to help writers who have reached the pitching stage to consider which route they’d like to take. Many writers start with a list of publishers and once that list is exhausted they look into the route of self-publishing. My articles will help them in this process by informing them with the how’s and why’s and what’s.
Facts:
Researching and collecting facts to be used as the core of my rhetorical appeal. Recent research shows that many more writers are considering the self-publishing route. There are a wide range of resources available to me to complete this research, I have already collected a range of media articles, blog posts and web links as a starting point.
Definition: Stasis Brainstorming Questions
Facts The problem is the stigma attached to self-publishing despite advances in technology and global markets that writers should and could take advantage of. The problem may possibly never be changed, although some print publishers have struggled (as all business) in the recession and with the advancing market on electronic books maybe people will see self-publishing as a positive alternative.
As I complete my research I will also ask myself useful critical questions such as:
- Where did I obtain the data and are these sources reliable?
- How do I know they’re reliable?
I am almost certain that the facts I will discover and statistics will support the argument that self-publishing should be seen and validated as another possible option and not something that only weak, amateur writers do. I am sure I can use this research to add to the strength of my persuasive argument.
Definition
The problem is the stigma attached to self-publishing. Opposition from writers, publishers, editors and agents. The larger class of events this issue stands in is – the world of publishing and the how’s and why’s for new writers.
Quality
It is a good thing that there are a variety of publishing options, it is a bad thing that this route is looked down upon because for many writers it may be the most logical option. This issue is not as serious as my PSA (Public Service Announcement) however it is a subject area I hold a personal interest in and it fits my blog and might help some writers I know too. The problem affects writers and publishers.
Relevance:
Here, I’d need to acknowledge any counterarguments that exist and persuade my audience that having a working knowledge of the self-publishing process may have beneficial results for their project. I need to first undertake some research, gather some facts that I hope will demonstrate that self-publishing may be the way forward for some writers.
- Related Articles:
https://awritersfountain.wordpress.com/2013/06/03/urgent-i-need-your-help-please/
https://awritersfountain.wordpress.com/2013/06/07/oh-oh-ohio-state-university/
ENDNOTE: The great website I discovered this morning whilst in Ohio State University Mode is an online graphical dictionary. It can be used as a good starting point tool for writers. Find it here and have fun!
awritersfountain 