I joined the book publishing industry a little bit before social media, e-readers, and mobile phones were introduced and changed the way we consumed books and connected with people forever.
Blogging, newsletters, and now social media started to disrupt the traditional publishing space. Authors were nervous—worried about stolen ideas, lost writing time, and losing focus on their craft. But those who adapted quickly discovered something important: engaging with readers through new platforms only amplified their visibility.
Then came the iPhone. And suddenly everyone had a mini-computer in their pocket that could connect them to like-minded people. And marketers salivated over being able to direclty connect with hyper-niche affinity groups.
I spent 9 years learning about the fears and concerns of consumers, authors, and publishers. I also saw, amid those concerns, the publishing industry continued to grow even bigger as niche audiences and marketers could now find each other organically and faster.
I learned that social media, ebooks, and podcasts didn’t replace the writing process; they enhanced it. They didn’t get rid of authors; they found more of them. And the authors who embraced these tools became more than just writers; they became part of their own community, sharing their journey and building anticipation for their work. Readers, publishers, and agents all paid more attention to those who were active.
Today, artists face a similar crossroads. You can resist new technology (NFT, blochain, AI, whatever) or use it to connect with your audience in meaningful ways. Just as the publishing industry learned, embracing digital tools doesn’t detract from the art—it deepens the relationship between creator and audience.
The digital art space is complex, but mastering these new tools can set you apart. Art is evolving, and so must you. Resistance is futile—adapt, connect, and let your work resonate in the digital world.