Don't forget the non-literary example of Telemann, who owned a printing establishment, through which he published all his (and other people's) works. And, as you probably know, selling music sheets was a source of substantial income for the "music industry" (for lack of a better word ;)) at that time.
I can't help noting that some of us take Montaigne as a model: there is a *reason* my substack is called "Attempts": it's a literal translation of the original meaning of Essays (Essais). (As I declared in my opening post: https://stephenfrug.substack.com/p/essaying-again)
Recently read Stephen Zweig's biography of Montaigne. Having your pictures of his citadel and castle/homestead were a delight, to see where at least a part of his life actually was.
Yes..!! I'm counting on the shift happening in the music sector, and here on Substack. Substack, are you listening? This is one of the main reasons I recently joined Substack. I'm off and running. Thanks, Ted, for the historical context and for articulating the future-facing options now emerging for both writers and musicians.
Oh, how I loved this one! There is a Substack writer I have been encouraging to publish his essays. No names for now. I am self published as well, though not a writer per se. Mine was an extensive 700 page family history and genealogy, but a handsome book for the ages yet to come anyway. As the "producer" of that huge undertaking, I am confident in having provided a tome that will one day be revered, as I and others revere the first one of its kind under the surname. Thank you, Ted.
Charles Ives 1922 set of 114 songs is one of the great examples of self-publishing. Ives was wealthy from his insurance business but few were paying attention to his music. It is one of the most interesting and compelling sets of music ever published, self or no.
Henry David Thoreau also retreated from the world to write Walden, another tremendously provocative book, which he self-published after publishers rejected it. I'm surprised this wasn't mentioned in this piece, as it perfectly fits the thesis.
An interesting alteration of the space time continuum in the musical universe occurred years ago when Herbie showed Q Jones Jacob Collier’s video. A offered record and management deal was essentially turned down. Jacob and his mom said, maybe we can just be friends. YouTube has shown the way. It’s a Substack inevitability now.
I love the idea of self publishing via Substack. I hope the “owners” take it up. Why not? It could be one more “vector” for “engagement.”
And readers could access writing in “brick and mortar” bookstores, and libraries too. Physical books lend a kind of permanence to the thought and writing they convey.
Something important suffers, I think, if writers cannot imagine a kind of permanence for their work.
Totally agree. Substack already has the “community” part of publishing solved. Adding a print-on-demand layer would let authors skip the gatekeepers entirely and go from newsletter to bookshelf without the massive overhead of a traditional deal. It’s the missing piece for true creator independence.
Don't forget the non-literary example of Telemann, who owned a printing establishment, through which he published all his (and other people's) works. And, as you probably know, selling music sheets was a source of substantial income for the "music industry" (for lack of a better word ;)) at that time.
I can't help noting that some of us take Montaigne as a model: there is a *reason* my substack is called "Attempts": it's a literal translation of the original meaning of Essays (Essais). (As I declared in my opening post: https://stephenfrug.substack.com/p/essaying-again)
“Because Montaigne, again like so many Substackers,knew that most persuasive writing is always conversational. “
How write you are @Ted Gioia 😉
Funny to call this substacker. Montaigne was the original
blogger. That’s exactly how we all blogged twenty years ago.
Recently read Stephen Zweig's biography of Montaigne. Having your pictures of his citadel and castle/homestead were a delight, to see where at least a part of his life actually was.
Yes..!! I'm counting on the shift happening in the music sector, and here on Substack. Substack, are you listening? This is one of the main reasons I recently joined Substack. I'm off and running. Thanks, Ted, for the historical context and for articulating the future-facing options now emerging for both writers and musicians.
Oh, how I loved this one! There is a Substack writer I have been encouraging to publish his essays. No names for now. I am self published as well, though not a writer per se. Mine was an extensive 700 page family history and genealogy, but a handsome book for the ages yet to come anyway. As the "producer" of that huge undertaking, I am confident in having provided a tome that will one day be revered, as I and others revere the first one of its kind under the surname. Thank you, Ted.
Hello Ted,
A fine piece. Many thanks.
Terence Clarke
terenceclarke.substack.com
Charles Ives 1922 set of 114 songs is one of the great examples of self-publishing. Ives was wealthy from his insurance business but few were paying attention to his music. It is one of the most interesting and compelling sets of music ever published, self or no.
Inspiring! I'm going to get going now and start my Substack-look for it SOON!
Thank you, Ted!
Henry David Thoreau also retreated from the world to write Walden, another tremendously provocative book, which he self-published after publishers rejected it. I'm surprised this wasn't mentioned in this piece, as it perfectly fits the thesis.
An interesting alteration of the space time continuum in the musical universe occurred years ago when Herbie showed Q Jones Jacob Collier’s video. A offered record and management deal was essentially turned down. Jacob and his mom said, maybe we can just be friends. YouTube has shown the way. It’s a Substack inevitability now.
I love the idea of self publishing via Substack. I hope the “owners” take it up. Why not? It could be one more “vector” for “engagement.”
And readers could access writing in “brick and mortar” bookstores, and libraries too. Physical books lend a kind of permanence to the thought and writing they convey.
Something important suffers, I think, if writers cannot imagine a kind of permanence for their work.
Thank you, Ted. Love your beautiful mind! 😎
Totally agree. Substack already has the “community” part of publishing solved. Adding a print-on-demand layer would let authors skip the gatekeepers entirely and go from newsletter to bookshelf without the massive overhead of a traditional deal. It’s the missing piece for true creator independence.
Oh please do publish music to raise the dead soon. Thank you for your attention to this matter.