When publishers weren't interested, Fallis released his book as a podcast, and then a self-published trade paperback. Who's laughing now?
The Stephen Leacock Memorial Medal for Humour is awarded annually to the most humourous book published in Canada, by a Canadian. It includes a $10,000 cash prize, sponsored by TD Bank Financial group. This year, the award went to Terry Fallis for "The Best Laid Plans," a satirical book on Ottawa politics.
What's interesting about this is that Fallis' book was self-published. The manuscript had been circulated to several big-name publishers, but none were interested in publishing it. Undeterred, Fallis released it himself: first as a weekly podcast and then as a trade paperback through iUniverse.
Fallis, a Toronto-based communications consultant, distributed copies of his book in Toronto and Ottawa, and to the Stephen Leacock Medal judges. “The Best Laid Plans” [Terry Fallis, 2007] beat out books by humourists Will Ferguson, Douglas Coupland, Scott Gardiner and Ron Wood.
Now, of course, the publishers are interested. McLelland & Stewart is going to publish a fall edition of Fallis' book through their division Douglas Gibson Books.
So I say, if you've got a writing project you believe in, go for it. Evidently the publishers aren't always right. With publishing houses cutting back on staff and resources, self-publishing may be the best way to go.
