Today’s aspiring authors may not be aware that Mark Twain, Charles Dickens, Marcel Proust, Edgar Allan Poe, DH Lawrence, Stephen King, Ernest Hemingway, JK Rowling, Leo Tolstoy, WB Yeats, George Bernard Shaw and many, many more were self-published. After writing their stories, they had them printed, and – in some cases – even wrote their own reviews.
Before the computer was invented, writers took their works to publishing companies who offered to license their manuscripts, paying an agreed-upon amount to the writer, with exclusive rights owned by the publisher. That was a regular practice.
But throughout history there were many audacious amateurs eager enough to do what it takes to succeed. That’s how musician/writer/publisher, Thomas Edward (“Eddie”) Shaw established Carsonstreet Publishing. After so many rejections by agents and publishers, he decided to publish himself. He did not do it intending to become a nationally known author. He did it because it only seemed logical. With today’s digital and non-digital printing companies, it’s not difficult, at all.
After Eddie published his first book, A Cowboy like Me, everything was different. Now he could consider himself a “published author”. His book of 1000 printings was sold out. That’s when he decided to publish a book about his musical experience as a rowdy Monk (Black Monk Time). Following that he got his first literary agent. Then other people came to him asking if he would publish their book. He always answered, “I’m writing my own books, but if you want to do that same work for yourself, I’ll help you.”
Carsonstreet Publishing does not promise success. It promises its clients, they will get to see their book edited and printed, including digital editions (if wanted). He/she will get as many copies as they want to sell – and to sell their book, they will have to do the necessary research and promotion to make it a success.
AND that is how the audacious amateur became and becomes a published author.
Carsonstreet’s publishing philosophy is based on the premise that the worthy author is one who is willing to make the first investment in his or her own work. Carsonstreet Publishing is for that audacious amateur. At one time all great authors were audacious amateurs.
Carsonstreet Publishing is for those writers who believe in their ability and enjoy the freedom, risk and rewards outside the confines of the institutional structure. They have control of their work.
Carsonstreet Publishing was founded in 1992.