How To Find Success In Self-Publishing

For anyone who has slaved away over a novel, only to find the gates to publishing slammed shut against them by the gatekeepers, there is a secret to doing it yourself.

Step One: Flip off Penguin.

Step Two: Wait for Penguin's legal department to file a suit against you.

Step Three: Publicize the suit, and then sit back to watch those books fly off the shelves.

It's a technique that's worked for David Thorne, author of I'll Go Home, It's Warm And Has Chairs.

That gesturing penguin on the cover of his self-published collection of material, much of which previously appeared on his website, struck a nerve with the publishing house that also features a penguin logo, albeit without the single-fingered salute.

A cease and desist order has been issued. Mr. Thorne has posted it on his site, a clear indication that he's not exactly quaking in his boots over the threat.

Instead, the author is riding it to financial success. The book is only available in paperback, not heavily discounted, and it's selling rather well, judging by its Amazon ranking.

Are we to expect a rash of satirical caricatures of penguins, dolphins or running dogs?

You do what you have to do. It's a difficult business, this literacy.