Self-published book finds fantasy fans

IT USED to be every aspiring author's dream to have their work published by a traditional publishing company.

But not anymore.

In the past decade there has been a massive growth in self-publishing.

Thousands of book titles have been self-published by authors - and Toowoomba's Dallas Baker is one of them.

He was offered a traditional publishing deal but turned it down to publish his book series, The Waycaller, independently.

He doesn't regret his decision, gathering a strong following in the past few months.

TOOWOOMBA AUTHOR: Dallas Baker believes self-published books shouldn’t be ignored.
TOOWOOMBA AUTHOR: Dallas Baker believes self-published books shouldn’t be ignored.

His fantasy novel is a seven-part series that follows 16-year-old Jack and his journey to the magical world of Anwynn.

Mr Baker said he wanted to change the way people thought about independent and self-publishing.

"The idea that self-published books struggle to find an audience is not true of all," he said.

"It would be more precise to say that in the current climate, most books, no matter how they come to be published, have to have a strong marketing strategy to find a readership.

"If anything, the convergence of the digital revolution has given self-published eBooks an advantage.

FANTASY FICTION: Dallas Baker’s series Waycaller has gathered a strong following.
FANTASY FICTION: Dallas Baker’s series Waycaller has gathered a strong following.

"The internet provides a plethora of marketing opportunities for independent authors, such as online writing groups and book clubs and, of course, social media.

"It's all about what works for each individual writer."

Mr Baker is also a lecturer in editing and publishing at the University of Southern Queensland.

He is sharing his thoughts in the classroom, with his masters students now editing and publishing each other's works in an Australian first.

To read the Waycaller series, visit www.waycaller.com.



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