Ken Bruen, Award-Winning Novelist, Self-Published His First Book
Irish novelist Ken Bruen has written “Once Were Cops,” released just this year, along with more than a dozen or so other dark crime novels. Also this year, Bruen has been nominated for the 2008 Edgar for his novel “Priest.” He won the Shamus Award in 2003 and has been nominated for almost every major award in the mystery field. But back in 1991 Ken Bruen self-published his first book, “Funeral, Tales of Irish Morbidity” with Dorrance Publishing in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Bruen has been called a master of modern noir. A decade and a half after working with Dorrance, Bruen’s unique and engaging style remains similar to that of his first book, though time and experience have lent maturity to his prose. Famous for his long-running and popular Jack Taylor series, Bruen’s literary journey has been both prolific and highly successful. It is always good to see such remarkable accomplishments, especially for an author for whom we played an early and supportive role.
In addition to having launched his writing career with Dorrance Publishing, Bruen may also surprise his readers with his educational background. He holds a Ph.D. in metaphysics.
Well written article. I'm not at all surprised when this type of thing happens.
It's becoming more and more common to see a brilliant mind overcome the indifference of the established loop by taking the reigns of his future into his own hands.
If you are a brilliant, great, good or even reliable writer - the only barrier between you and success is being noticed by the ones with power.
You're not going to get noticed by adding your face to the howling mob of typical wannabes. You need a vehicle which will raise you above the mob and display your special abilities.
I've always like Dorrance because of their honesty with clients and the bookstore (offset) quality of their products. Ken Bruen probably picked them because their product is offset. It makes a difference.
POD raises the suspicion that the aspiring "author" doesn't believe in his talent enough to make a significant investment. Bruen must really have believed in himself. I personally think his titles alone are pure genius for making folks want to read his books. I would and I will.
I know what I'm talking about. I have an offset book out and a POD. The offset has sold around 7000 copies. the POD maybe 200.
The bookstores and book buyers I spoke with all said the same thing, "We'll carry your offset books on the shelves but not the POD."
Nor am I surprised that Ken Bruen has a PhD in metaphysics. I hold a Masters in American Literature. Intelligence and persistence often drives determined writers to earn higher degrees. It's only in their nature.
The established publishers (all owned by five conglomerate corporations) are next to impossible to penetrate. You can see why, same as me. The creative pipeline is clogged.
Not only that but in America and the UK, you're persona non grata if you're a straight white male.
In my case, the Senior Editor of an established NY publisher told me flat out: "A war book without major female characters has zero chance of publication by a Big press in America."
In other words, "Naked and the Dead"; "The Young Lions"; "All Quiet on the Western Front"; "The Caine Mutiny"; "The Red Badge of Courage"; "Das Boot"; nor "King Rat" would find publishers in today's America.
Think about that a moment. Ken Bruen's first book apparently did not fit into the prescribed plot formula demanded by politics. Yes, politics. Either you write about a character who "overcomes prejudice" or you don't get published.
My war book is about an average white guy who lives through a war. There just ain't no love in warfare. But I know there are thousands of men out there who would buy and appreciate it.
I wish I could shake Ken Bruen's hand.
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I thought Ken Bruen fans might be interested to know that all of Bruen's early, small-press books (including FUNERAL) have been collected into A FIFTH OF BRUEN (paperback), published by Busted Flush Press. You can see evidence of the talent that Bruen had long before the awards, films, and praise. He's one of a kind.
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