Blogger: Wendy Lawton
Location: Books & Such Central Valley Office, CA
Last month I blogged about broken things. I cited things like self-published e-books and self-publishing. Today I’m going to take a different tack and look at the new options in a positive light.
Writers used to rail against the gatekeepers in publishing. And gatekeepers are legion. You’ve heard the complaints from writers: “You can’t get to the publishers without an agent and you can’t get an agent with out being published.” (For the record, neither of these are true. I’ve debunked them here.) I’ve also heard publishers moan about the bookstore buyers as gatekeepers. If a powerful chain doesn’t like a cover, the book is dead-in-the-water. Or if a conservative bookstore owner takes exception to content, the publisher will never be able to sell that author into that store again. Gatekeepers!
Well, here’s the good news: With so many new ways to publish, the gates have been flung wide open. If you can’t get an agent or a publisher to take notice, you can self-publish and distribute your own book. Or, you can self-publish as an e-book. Or you can do a combination of the two and make your book available as a POD (print-on-demand) physical book and an e-book. Or a self-published physical edition and an e-book.
Voilá! Gatekeepers banished. With no one standing in your way you are completely responsible for your own success. It’s a big responsibility since you are accountable for brilliant writing, a gorgeous cover, perfect editing and dazzling marketing. But the upside is that no one will slam a gate in your face.
More good news: With an investment commitment, some of the above can be outsourced. It’s a far different world than the shuttered halls of yesterday’s publishing. You don’t need to have an agent or a publisher to hold your book in your hands or be able to download your book to your e-reader. You are free to fly.
So, do we agents worry that we will become obsolete? Not at all. Our work is value-added to the writer. There is a substantial return on every penny of commission I receive. We may be considered gatekeepers by some, but to our clients we are an important part of their team. We help brainstorm, coach, plan careers, encourage, run interference, collect money, negotiate contracts, make important decisions, etc., etc. And as the industry changes, our unique contributions remain valuable. We are constantly evolving, creating innovative tools for our clients and developing all new strategies for success. As the industry evolves, so do we. Who knows what agenting will look like over the next few years? It’s exciting.
It is the same with publishers. Once a writer begins publishing on his own, he will come to value the many things publishers now do on his behalf even more. Who wants to spend time securing ISBN numbers and writing press releases? Yes, writers can do it all but will a writer do it all and still write? That’s one of the nagging questions that remains to be seen.
So while questions remain about the success of walking through those gates, it’s all in your hands. In the years to come I’m guessing that some of you will become successful authors outside of traditional publishers. Others, I hope, will someday become clients and our team will help you to success within traditional publishing. Or perhaps we’ll help you create a hybrid of both models.
It’s an exciting new world out there.
Your turn to be a futurist: Squeeze your eyes shut for a minute and then squint at the future. What do you see? What will publishing look like in five years? Ten years? Where will the challenges be? What will success look like?
I’m excited about the possibilities of smart books. I always watch the extra features on the movies that I love – what an excited concept to take that idea into a book model! Interviews with the author embedded in the text, what song was your muse for this scene – why did the character do this or that? Is this scene derived from something in your own life?
What a fun way to build in additional value, be transparent and approachable to readers.
I agree, Lisa. I’m excited by the possibilities for experiencing books in a whole new multi-sensory way. I started subscribing to The Daily (a multi-media news magazine) on my iPad and I love it.
The greatest thing is there will always be books. I love to read, first and foremost.
I think we’ll see books taking on more attributes of a movie. The book trailer, “behind the scenes.” On some novels, you might not have a sequel, but w/ web presence and E-books, you could have a short novella sequel for sale in e-format. So many possibilities and all focused around the written word. Yea!
Sometimes I think I’m schizophrenic. I often feel I’d like the world to hold still for a moment..I have a handle on understanding what’s going on and I like it. But then I read about all the wonderful, exciting changes happening and I want to be a part of history in the making.
Certainly the ever evolving world of publishing and books must be equivalent to the “Go west, young man,” phenomenon. And since I am recently re-entering this field, I don’t feel I have enough experience to make predictions. However, in a quick search of the internet I found some absolutely fascinating events unfolding.
Check out this video if you haven’t already seen it…
http://video.forbes.com/fvn/business/ms_books120106
A website called, “The Institute for the Future of Books,” is interesting….
http://www.futureofthebook.org/
And then the concept of Networked books…
http://www.forbes.com/2006/11/30/future-books-publishing-tech-media_cz_bv_books06_1201network.html
Ben Vershbow of Networked Books says,”But ultimately, we’re headed into a fully networked culture where words and documents are constantly in motion and conversation is the principal mode of inquiry. We’re learning to read and write all over again.”
What a fabulous time to be alive! Thanks for piquing my interest in this subject.
Wendy, great post. Positive on all counts. Indeed, for the writer, this is an exciting time. For me, it’s an opportunity to bring out work that probably wouldn’t have been published. I now have an e-book of suspense stories and an e-book on writing technique that sort of fill in the cracks of my print work. I find this a wonderful option.
And yes, agents and publishing will evolve. But while the platypus is growing its wings, writers can fly immediately.
I would offer a word of caution for those going straight to e-publishing: be sure, oh so sure, that your work is the best it can be. 98% of first novels should remain in a drawer (how;s that for archaic language?)
Do the hard work writers of yore all had to do to learn to write. Going to the “gatekeepers” was one way you found out what you lack.
Work hard at this craft every single day. And if you’re lucky enough to get an agent as good as a Wendy or a Janet, you’ll be glad you went through it all.
Coming from a minor flea on the bottom of the literary totem pole…as I’ve cautiously branched out from my corner of the blogging world, I have to wonder. My original motive to have my writing in print was due the request of several that read my blog. My second motive was a desire to spread a message of hope to a wider audience and sincerely bring honor to the Lord for his grace.
However, the more I’ve tested the water, the more I seemed to have been caught up in a wave of shame for my imperfections, and frenzy to be “officially” and not just self- published. Stepping back this morning, I believe the Lord showed me I was headed downstream…that His original purpose was best. Write transparently about my life as I’m led, and turn the marketing back over to Him.
So I put my thoughts, as imperfectly formed as my life, down in the simplest, quickest written form of distribution, self-publishing on demand. This honors both original motives in a beautiful, non-threatening way.
I agree with Lisa’s observations about smart books and the potential for traditional storytelling to evolve into more aspects we see in film. Wouldn’t you love to read Shakespeare’s commentary along with Hamlet? Or Francine Rivers’ research notes? We’ve barely begun to explore the new possibilities of ebooks!
I also love Kate’s admonition to “Go west, young man!” So many analogies. There is risk involved. Resilience is required, and not everyone will strike gold. Some may “go bust” in the attempt, but there’s enough hope of higher royalties and greater control to encourage the brave (or the naive) to make their best effort.
Looking “west” doesn’t necessarily mean spurning “east.” Many found success there, too, but perhaps now as then the traditional opportunities have become overcrowded. Some brave souls are hoping to create new opportunities in uncharted territory. While I believe there’ll always be a place for traditional publishing “back East,” I’m interested to see how some publishers, editors, and agents will evolve in response to the new “maverick” markets.
As has already been mentioned, smart books offer the writer many benefits, yet potential problems may also present themselves. For example, there is the question of control over the vision for your brand. What if future contracts between authors and publishers include language about the author being required to have an application for the Iphone or other device? There might be conflict if the publisher wants to have such extensions of the brand done in-house, as the author might disagree with how their book is being presented; a mystery novel which includes an application for the reader to “get into the mind of the killer” might seem to glorify the activity, or an application which allows the reader to take a “virtual tour of the crime scene” might be too distasteful for the author and even the readers.
What is currently defined as a “success” might have to be redefined regarding new markets. For example, what is considered a “best seller” traditionally may not apply to e-books, as the overall volume of units being sold may not be comparable, and even individual genres might fare better or worse as an e-book; thus a book which sells “X-number” of e-book copies might be considered a best seller as an e-book, simply because the format alters the nature of how one regards sales figures. In this way, “boutique” books might be greatly helped in this regard, as they aren’t expected to be best-sellers, yet a strong online sales presence for such books might raise the overall profile of others in the category.
Of course….there is one really, really exciting possibility out there as well. We all know about hypertext when we read our favorite websites, but what about fully linked novels or short stories? The “hypernovel?” Perhaps the future will allow for a “virtual footnote space”, which serves as a traditional footnote but between books; for example, what books have common historical influences, etc, and which allows for readers to post their own commentary for the books in question (consider it almost as a Encyclopedia Britannica/ reader review/ lecture series (provided by industry insiders, professors of literature, and so forth). Perhaps the natural evolution of the blog / traditional website and reader review?
While markets and publishing means are indeed evolving, I can’t imagine “going it alone.” I look at literary representation as a partnership/friendship in seeking a mutual goal. I want someone who knows how to smoothly navigate the publishing waters and someone who will champion my cause because she believes in ME and MY BOOKS.
As many “hats” as agents wear, they are indeed worth every penney of their commission! They get to do what they are best at, and for me, I find that incredibly freeing.
Great insight, Larry. You bring up some of the dangers like ownership/vision of your brand. That’s where agents come in– we safeguard the author’s intellectual property. Authors are often delighted when their publishers offer to create the author website but many questions arise– who do you want to control your brand? What happens if you change houses? Publish on your own?
And you mention best-sellers. We already know how unreliable those lists are– especially in the CBA where there are so few outlets reporting to the lists. Someday we’ll have to blog on the realities of the bestseller lists. I had a fascinating discussion with one of the marketing people at Harvest House about this. Maybe I’ll see if he’ll guest blog.
As for your “hyper” novels, I can’t wait. I’ve dreamed about this for my own middle grade biographical novels. I have many photos, facts and research that could enrich these books, especially for school use.
Such a great discussion, everyone!
Wendy, I can’t even guess where publishing will be ten years from now. The industry has already enlarged its borders and stretched into areas that were terra incognita not so long ago. However, I believe at least one truth will remain unchanged: authors with enough imagination to dream up powerful stories that sweep up readers and whisk them into new realities for even a short while will always be in demand. Meanwhile, I’m hanging on for the ride!
Coming from the perspective of re-issuing my previously published children’s books and putting together a blog, trailers, curriculum, etc. I’ve found that the publishers do an enormous amount of work.
I’ve been excited about e-books and am looking into putting my books out this way with music written for the books embedded. Some reader formats support this and some just put up the URL. To be able to extend that with the author’s thoughts as a video on use of the book would even be a further plus!
I appreciate your postings and all the comments here…a total package!
I love the positive light you’ve put on touchy topics this week, Wendy, (And is it wrong to be excited to see James Scott Bell on the comment board–love his books!)
When I squeeze my eyes shut and envision the future, I see readers needing more guidance on what books to purchase. I think we’re going to see even more authors moving to self-publishing. Quality book review sites will matter more, and maybe they’ll include some self-published books?
I don’t see print books going away anytime soon. We can still purchase CD’s rather than buy songs on iTunes, but more people buy their music online now, and I think books will follow the same route.
Businesses find ways to make money in changing times. The shifts may take a while, but the traditional publishers will adjust.
I like the “Wild West” theme that’s developing here in regards to the changes to the publishing industry. It’s a great analogy. If you remember the gold rush stories–a few people got rich while so many others lost their shirts. I’m hoping that having an agent’s advice will give me an edge and prevent me from making rookie mistakes.
I realize this is probably more than 10 years into the future, but I’d love to see the option of participating in my favorite books ala the holo-novels in Star Trek. Imagine the added suspense of playing the role of a character like Paige Williams in Brandilyn Collins’ Violet Dawn as she tries to hide the dead body she finds in her hot tub, conceal the truth from the police, and then survive an attack by the real killer. I’d never want to replace the traditional reading experience entirely with interactive novels because no physical representation will ever match the imagination, but I think it might be a fun accompaniment for novels that I’ve read and loved.
In reference to what James said, I have to agree 100%. I’ve reviewed a lot of self-published novels, and although I’ve found a few gems, too many writers seem to be using the new ways to publish because they’re impatient and unwilling to put in the hard work of learning the craft. As frustrating as gatekeepers are for those of us who have yet to sign with an agent or receive that first contract, they serve the important purpose of trying to promote quality writing. I think self-publishing may be better left to people who’ve already proven they have the chops by being published by a traditional, royalty-paying publisher first. I’d rather wait a little longer and know that what I’m putting out is ready to be read than to take the risk of permanently maiming my fiction career.
As a student working in a library I became so good at mending books that I was asked to repair a Gutenberg Bible. Now I’m the author of books (with a royalty-paying publisher) that are available in both POD and e-book form. Gutenberg would be thrilled to see how far publishing has come since his printing press.
But I agree that there will always be room for both e-books and hard copies. As manufacturers change technology in order to keep selling new gadgets a lot of current e-books may become unreadable, but hard copies can last for centuries.
Great post, and very fair. I self pubbed (POD) a book that would have been difficult to sell in stores without being Max Lucado. The sales have been meagre at best. A Publisher in Germany picked it up two years ago, and BOOM. It’s now in its second printing out there.
Here, with me in charge of everything, I didn’t get very far. Abroad, with even a smaller publisher, things are singing along.
Interesting.
Lynn D., your elaboration on the Wild West idea was beautiful. And Jill, if being excited about JSB’s appearance today is wrong, I’m going to be wrong right alongside you. Love his craft books. 🙂
Wendy, I love the positive spin on self-pubbing and e-pubbing today. This post, as well as the one where you discussed the broken aspects of these newer forms of publication, hit the nail on the head. Self and e-pubbing are like entrepreneurial small businesses. It’s going to require a whole lot of blood, sweat, and tears to “make it.” (However, as Kerrie pointed out above, success can be defined many ways, depending on your goal.) A different sort of person is going to be attracted to the risk, greater control, and potential for big payoff in self-pubbing than will be attracted to the idea of working her way up the ladder in a more traditional environment. I think (and hope) there will always be room for both.
The gates are what keep the flood of mediocrity and blandness from washing out excellence. We should embrace these gatekeepers rather than pound in anger at the walls.
What I’ve learned through this process is to value the talent that goes into identifying and enhancing the works and career of a writer. The publishing industry is not an inanimate, unfeeling force of creative resistance. It is the dwelling grounds of many of today’s finest literary minds. These are not people who haunt distant white towers, but instead who deeply care about furthering the craft and bringing the best out of the people they mentor.
Creativity is the world’s evergreen resource, yet the structural discernment between the rubbish and the royal will always be a necessary role to be filled by publishing professionals.
Wonderful post, Wendy; and I wholeheartedly agree with the comment thread. Clearly the definition of success varies by author, and the level of fulfillment each seeks to achieve. Some shoot for the cash cow, while others, like me–are happily content with the cash cricket. I suppose the route you select all depends on where you want to end up. Wouldn’t it be terrific if all writers had literary GPS?
Like Kate said, I don’t feel I’m in a place to give bold predictions about the future of publishing, but I’m also intrigued by the smart book ideas.
One advancement I’ve particularly enjoyed is the greater interaction between readers and writers. I mean, how special and amazing is it that I can actually have a brief conversation with my favorite authors on Twitter! Those interactions, similar to the ease of connecting with agents and editors, boosts connection between author and reader. One example I know of is author Jody Hedlund. Her incredibly useful blog offers great advice and a way for readers (and other writers) to get to know her and her material better. I actually bought her debut novel after reading her blog regularly. I see this connection between authors and readers only getting stronger or more available through new avenues, including smart book features.
Michael, while I agree with the essence of your post, I think it’s worth noting that not everything that can’t get published through a traditional house is excluded because it’s mediocre. Works of certain genres have a much more difficult time breaking into publishing houses because they don’t traditionally sell as well. The time and money of the house could be better spent pursuing a more reliable genre (or for non-fiction, perhaps a more reliable author or subject matter). So this stuff fails to burst through based on its perceived salability, not the lack of attention to craft. For such authors, the world of self-pubbing and e-pubbing has opened a frustratingly locked gate.
Am I biased because I write in one of these hard-to-sell genres? Perhaps, though I’m lucky enough to have an agent and thus at least attempt to break in traditionally (or perhaps let her guide me through a genre change…ha!). But for my fellow weirdos (i.e. Christian spec-fic authors), I’m happy this option exists, and that there are people like Jeff Gerke (of Marcher Lord Press, which has a completely unique business model) who think outside the box when it comes to publishing. It broadens the landscape and gives us the opportunity to be exposed to even more excellence. 🙂
Lindsay,
I love spec or what we used to just call Science Fiction/Fantasy in the day. My guess is that Tolkien, Lewis, Le Guinn, Philip K. Dick, Asimov and the many other greats of the time benefitted from the traditional publishing model and the professional assistance of very talented people who helped them along the process.
You may have a lot more discipline than I do, but I know in my case it takes the impossibility of the task of getting published to keep me up to the wee hours refining word and sentence until my eyes sweat. The feedback I’ve received has been priceless…even when it wasn’t exactly what I wanted to hear.
Regardless of genre, and cruelties of the market, my hope is that with this new option of e-publishing that we don’t substitute excellence for impatience. We are the writers of this generation, and I hope collectively (if the Lord doesn’t take us sooner) that we are able to create some works which change lives and survive the test of time.
Michael,
In response to your statement:
“Creativity is the world’s evergreen resource, yet the structural discernment between the rubbish and the royal will always be a necessary role to be filled by publishing professionals.”
What may be rubbish to royalty, perhaps is a jewel of hope to the commoner.
I’m one of the ones who chose self-publishing and I have enjoyed the process. I should be holding my book in my hands within the next two weeks. I’ve been writing for twenty years and the central idea of this book has been on my heart for practically the whole time. I test drove the book as blog posts (which are still pulling in visitors even though I haven’t posted regularly for a long time). I have a demanding day job that I love, so I’m happy that I don’t have the responsibility of marketing deadlines for an agent or a publisher. I can market on my own schedule.
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