One of the options open to modern novel writers is that of publishing their works online. By opting to publish one’s novel online, one gets a chance to bypass the bureaucratic formalities associated with the traditional publication model. Moreover, by opting to publish one’s novel online, one stands a chance to reach a wider audience: probably a much wider audience than one would have been able to access by using the traditional publication model. Yet in spite of these facts, we still have a situation where many writers seem to prefer using the traditional publication model. The question then comes up, as to why many writers are not embracing the online publication of novels.
Firstly, it is important to appreciate that there are many writers who are not yet aware of the fact that they have the option of publishing their novels online. These are the sort of folks who’d rather go through the formalities of trying to set up a publishing company at www.sunbiz.org. They would rather pay the company registration filing fees required at Sunbiz.org and go through the rather rigorous vetting process on the Sunbiz website, in order to get a traditional publishing company set up. Yet if they were educated about the possibility of publishing their own works online in a much easier way, they would probably embrace the idea. But because they are not aware of the possibility (or because they don’t know how the whole online publishing thing works), they are left with no option, but to keep on using the old approach.
Secondly, it is important to appreciate that there are many writers who still have doubts about the viability of online publication. This is actually one of the major dilemmas faced by writers. One wonders whether it will be possible to get people to read the book online, after having opted for online publication. Doubts arise. One also wonders whether it will be possible to make money out of the novel, after having opted to publish online. More doubts. And once these doubts creep in, one is inclined to publish the book in the traditional way.