Will Published Writers Ever Accept Self-Publishing?
Harlequin recently decided to create a self-publishing unit called Harlequin Horizons for romance authors who either did not make it into Harlequin Romance or simply wanted to do it themselves (find info on this here). This caused outrage among the Romance Writers Association of America as well as the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America among other groups. Harlequin has since changed the name to Dellarte Press to appease these groups. This all happened in the course of a month.I liked this whole episode because it highlights the power of the author as well as insight into where publishing houses might be going - if allowed.
Unfortunately, I think that since Harlequin no longer has their name on their self-publishing arm, it will lose its significance. Anyone can self publish on numerous websites such as Lulu, Arbor Books, Xlibris, etc. but what would've made Harlequin Horizons unique is the Harlequin Brand name. The name recognition alone and the brand identity with quality/predictable romance novels is what would make aspiring romance writers flock to this self-publishing site and basically guarantees their books would be pseudo-successful. Which, I suspect, is why authors that were actually published by Harlequin via the traditional route got so upset.
So, now you not only have independent publishers butting heads with bloated corporate publishing houses, but you also have published authors butting heads with their former selves.
Speaking of self-publishing...you should all check out AlphaBetaPocalypse by Samuel Sobelman, Chemist by day Self Publishing Sci-Fi Writer by Night
