The new writer

New relationships are forming between artists and their fans. It is growing out of an increasing need for artists to market themselves, whether signed or unsigned. From my limited perspective, it seems that the curtain has been lifted to reveal an industry that once thrived on mystique. Today's artist is much more likely to expose various parts of their lives in return for fan loyalty.

With expanded communications, artists now have the potential to access many people. Videos, blogs, and podcasts have become an accepted part of world culture. It is exciting, but it is also a bit intimidating because the playing field is much larger. Unless you reside on the popular end of Chris Anderson's distribution curve, you must devote a significant amount of time developing various forms of marketing collateral to promote brand "you". This is the new competitive landscape for the arts. Without marketing infrastructure, the new artist must create a buzz for themselves which takes valuable time away from writing or performing. Today's artist is working around the clock trying to penetrate a diluted market.

For writers, this also applies to the manner in which we approach agents and the publishing business. A writer must write compelling material, but must also rise above the masses just to speak with an agent. Developing marketing collateral is vitally important to gain the attention of a prospective agent or publisher in this highly competitive environment. It is an indicator of both personal commitment and potential success.

So, what does this mean? I believe it signals changes in attitude for everyone on the lower end of the distribution curve. Writers cannot afford to approach the market with a superstar attitude. Today's writer is more likely to mow their own lawn and buy Girl Scout Cookies, rather than live in a 10,000 sq ft. home in Beverly Hills surrounded by a security fence.