As a writer I learned that there was one credible way to become a published author — write, write, write, submit, submit, pray, pray, get an offer/get an agent (could be reversed), get a contract, be paid, book is published, get paid more, do it all again! And most writers I know followed that pattern and some got published while others didn’t. Lather, rinse, repeat brings us to today and the major changes coming in the publishing industry.

Self-publishing has been around for centuries, but generally it’s been considered by some to be the black sheep of the publishing family because of many reasons. All those reasons seem to be fading away…and many authors, including some former bestselling authors have decide it’s the way to go. . . and are proceeding to re-release out-of-print books as well as producing original content, too. Countless books are being released through small or e- or print publishers everyday and the discussion is going on about the role of ‘gatekeepers’ for the reading world.

In traditional publishing, an agent and then an editor/publisher serve as gatekeepers — those who ensure that work of a certain level of quality gets into the marketplace and is available to readers. Now, hundreds of thousands of books are being published and released through mostly digital markets, like Amazon, B&N, Kobo, Sony, iBooks and Smashwords creating a maze of overwhelming choices for readers. And removing the power and the importance (some say) of those gatekeepers….letting readers chose the books they read from either traditional publishers or self-publishing ventures. Letting them chose between established authors with new or previously-released work or an unpublished or self-published author.

I remember when I started reading romance novels back in the early 90s – I quickly realized that I liked reading books by authors published by certain publishers. I liked their stories, characters, tone, and style so I looked for their books each months before deciding which to buy. But that system may not work as publishing changes.

So I want to know how readers find good books to read from among the hundreds of books coming out each month. Do you have some authors who are ‘auto-buys’? Do you try out new authors – and when do you chose them? Does the price affect your choice? Are you more willing to try out unknowns on your e-device or do you stay with the ‘tried-and-true’? Do you use online or print reviews to help you decide?

Post a comment and help me learn more about readers’ opinions on this issue and two people with  receive a copy of one of my books (depending on ability). Thanks!

Terri is busily writing her next Harlequin Historicals and getting ready for some huge good times coming up in June. The RWA conference will be held there and it opens with the Literacy signing. 400 of your favorite romance authors there (it’s open to to the public.) And she’s getting ready for the release of the final book in her Brava STORM series at the end of the month! Visit her website for more info!