Watch Word Slingers: The Story of Self-Publishing

Word Slingers: The Story of Self-Publishing is a documentary film that explores the world of self-publishing and its impact on the publishing industry. The movie is directed by Giles A. Anderson and stars Adam Shepard as the narrator, who takes the audience on a journey through the history of self-publishing and the modern digital landscape of publishing.

The film begins by examining the traditional publishing model and its limitations, especially for new authors. The high cost of publishing and the difficulty of securing a literary agent or publisher has prevented many writers from ever seeing their work in print. However, with the rise of digital technology and the internet, self-publishing has become a viable option for authors who want to take control of their work.

The documentary features interviews with successful self-published authors who share their stories of how they got started, what challenges they faced, and how they overcame them. These authors include Hugh Howey, who famously self-published his bestselling series of science fiction novels; Joanna Penn, a successful author and entrepreneur who has built a lucrative business around self-publishing; and CJ Lyons, a medical thriller author who has sold over two million books.

The movie also features experts in the publishing industry who provide insight into the changing landscape of the business. For example, literary agent Rachelle Gardner discusses the advantages and disadvantages of self-publishing versus traditional publishing, while Mark Coker, founder of the ebook distribution platform Smashwords, talks about the future of digital publishing.

Throughout the film, Shepard explores the different aspects of self-publishing, from writing and editing to book cover design and marketing. He highlights the many tools and resources that are now available to writers, including online writing communities, self-publishing platforms, and marketing tools like social media and book trailers.

Another key theme of the movie is the democratization of publishing that self-publishing has brought about. With self-publishing, anyone can become an author, regardless of their background, connections, or experience. This has led to a proliferation of diverse voices and perspectives in the publishing world, as well as new opportunities for marginalized writers who might otherwise have been overlooked by traditional publishers.

Ultimately, Word Slingers: The Story of Self-Publishing is an inspiring and informative look at the changing world of publishing. It celebrates the creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit of self-published authors, while also providing practical advice and insights for those who want to enter the field themselves. Whether you're an aspiring writer, an industry professional, or simply someone interested in the future of publishing, this movie is sure to captivate and inform.

Word Slingers: The Story of Self-Publishing is a 2020 documentary with a runtime of 88 hours.