With our changing world and people wondering what new landmine awaits them, I thought it prudent to change the direction of Lioness Press.
The publishing world has experienced a lot this year, along with numerous other businesses. Many have been forced to close, while others pivoted to something new.
For Lioness Press, I felt I needed a new direction, one that would help me contribute to this writing community that I love, while also offering me some growth. The book industry is not what it once was many, many moons ago. Self-publishing is no longer considered a vanity. But one should not just put words on a page, form it into some semblance of a book, and then publish it. Writers still need editors and editors still need writers. It is a mutually symbiotic relationship, where each partner benefits from the other.
A big trend I see in the publishing world is the onslaught of audiobooks and eBooks. That one primary route we had to purchase physical books—the bookstore—is fraught with apprehension. How do you now browse the shelves of your favorite bookstore and riffle through the pages of one that catches your eye? And it may take up to six weeks to get a book from Amazon, since they have prioritized shipping mostly essential items during this pandemic; books missed the list. So not good for getting that much needed read for my monthly book club.
For me, books are essential. They keep me from losing my mind in this ever-changing world. They take me to far-off places where I can escape the day-to-day blaséness.
People still want to read, perhaps even more so now than before. And publishers still need books to publish. We have fully stepped into a digital age, with much more focus on engaging online—be it through marketing, social media, online book tours, online book clubs, and more.
Another avenue I see on the rise is podcasting. I haven’t fully committed to that yet, but if you’re in publishing it’s an avenue you need to think about adding into your repertoire. As I learn and grow with that, I shall share my knowledge.
I am still willing to publish books, but my projects shall only be that rare gem that sets my soul aflame. Instead, I turn back to my roots. My 20+ years of proofing and editing books and helping writers to grow their craft. I plan on enlarging my editing services, offering packages and tools to help you in your writing endeavors.
I shall also delve into book reviews. I have a new Instagram theme I’ll be unveiling shortly with monthly reviews of books highlighted for my followers. If you have a book you’d like highlighted, be sure to follow me on Instagram and send me a DM of the title and where it’s available to purchase.
Additionally, I seek to do Q&As, so if you’re an author who can offer advice to other writers, I welcome you touching base with me. For others who have done Q&As, I shall need your content for my blog—all I can currently offer you is a shoutout on social media as well as links to your sites.
If there’s anything else you’d like to see here, please send me an email and let me know. This is your community too, let’s help it grow.
In the meantime, ask a question in the comments below, something you need answered, something you’re struggling with and I’ll be sure to answer (may take me a day but I’ll get back to you).
