Blogger: Janet Kobobel Grant
We’ve all heard over and over again what traditional publishers bring to the table that self-published authors can’t generally access. Just to recount, lest we forget, the primary assets publishers cart into the equation are: curation (only the brightest and the best are chosen to be published); top-notch editing; marketing muscle; and an array of distribution channels.
While I generally give a thumbs up to that list and have seen over and over again how often publishers deliver these assets to my clients, the other day I launched into a traditionally published book that had me raging over its inferiority. The publisher failed miserably on two counts: curation and editing.
The publisher performed admirably on marketing and distribution since this book reached the New York Times best-seller list. How that ever managed to happen is beyond the comprehension of the reading snob who resides inside of me.
Well, actually I suspect I do know how the book landed on the best-selling list. It was one of the first memoirs written about a hot topic. I have to believe that a number of the publisher’s employees knew the emperor wore no clothes, but, hey, “hay” was to be made in publishing this manuscript.
What do I wish the publisher had done differently? I wish the publisher had respected readers enough to search out a person who was more articulate, more facile with the language, and better able to explain his or her motivations beyond, “I just had to do it.”
It’s not as if the book started out of the gate with a great stride. No, this book stumbled out of the gate. I read the first page and thought, “Oh, oh, this is a flat beginning.” My foreboding proved to be accurate. Because the book was categorized as a memoir, the publisher was suggesting that the writing at least resides on the border of literary, that it utilizes fiction techniques to recount a person’s life, and that the author be able to articulate why he or she made certain choices.
Instead, this memoir had next to no dialogue in the first half of the book–yes, half of the book. Very few individuals were described. Their names were given, but neither personality quirks nor physical appearance played any role in the writing. I had no idea what the communities the author lived in looked like, nor did I have much sense of the passage of seasons. With neither keen introspection nor vivid writing to commend it, little was left in the book to enjoy.
I kept reading past that first page only because it was my book club’s selection for November, and I always feel an obligation to try hard to finish a book for the group. Of course, my challenge then became to find some points of redemption in the book when our club met to discuss it so I could say something nice in the midst of my litany of flaws. Yeah, that took some careful thought.
I wish that the publishing house’s editor, on receiving this manuscript, had the insight, courage and professionalism to reject it. To go back to the author and to offer sheaves of suggestions. Or to go to the managing editor and to say, “If this manuscript is to be saved, we have to bring on a collaborator. Either that, or we don’t publish the book.”
One thing I don’t know is what kind of pressure the editor had to make the manuscript just work. Obviously a lot of hope and financial investment went into getting this book onto the bestsellers list. But even if he or she didn’t insist on an outright rejection of the turned-in manuscript, the editor should have insisted major help be brought in to make the manuscript a worthy book. One that truly had been curated.
Lest my complaints seem glib or easy to make but hard to employ, I just want to add that I worked as an editor at several publishing houses. And one of the hardest decisions I ever made was to reject manuscripts. I never came to that conclusion easily, but I did get there.
On one particular occasion, I fussed and fumed and tussled with the author to make changes to the manuscript, which he finally proclaimed inspired, verbatim. Stunned, I realized that he wouldn’t change one word in the manuscript, which was in serious need of more work. This author was not a lightweight but was known not just nationally but also internationally.
I’m thankful and proud of the publisher who chose to support me, a fairly new editor, in my decision to reject the manuscript. That’s what publishers and editors are supposed to do.
What do you wish publishers did differently?
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Very insightful and helpful.
Thank you for sharing this needed article. Perhaps you can answer a question: With competition as stiff as it is in publishing for authors, don’t most have their manuscripts professionally edited prior to submission to agents? Especially publishers? I know I do because I want my work as high quality as possible. And I’m with you, I see published books all the time that are inferior in regards to editing making me wonder how they were accepted into the marketplace.
Randy, while some writers hire editors to clean up their manuscripts, I would say most writers do not. Also the quality of editing when a person hires a free-lance editor also can vary from tremendous to poor. I’ve seen edited manuscripts that showcased the editor’s lack of understanding of fundamental punctuation rules. And I’ve seen manuscripts in which the editor displayed a deft hand. The book that “inspired” this post was supposedly edited by a professional, but honestly, I wonder if the editor did more than give the manuscript a quick read. I think the project was published solely because of the topic; the writing didn’t justify its being bought by a publisher.
Janet,
I’m somewhat amazed at how books make it through the publishing process with what you just described. But as you explained–I suppose the reasons why (in this case) were obvious. I’ve read some disappointments, too, that have left me scratching my head.
On the other hand, one of the best memoirs I’ve EVER read is The Waiting by Cathy LaGrow–a breath-catching journey from beginning to end. The writing is seamless and flows easily onto the page. (Here’s more, if I may: http://authorcynthiaherron.com/the-waiting-the-book-that-will-leave-you-breathless)
***
A side note–I hope our Books and Such community will chime in with their vote at Write to Done’s Top 10 Blog Contest continuing through Dec. 24, 2014.
Cast your vote for our fabulous Books and Such team here—> http://writetodone.com/top-10-blogs-for-writers-contest/
Janet,
I can’t disagree with your point about this particular memoir, which it seems the editor was under pressure to bring to fruition. However, my problem with the traditional publisher isn’t with the editor’s function. It’s something writers are asking more and more about the publishing process in general.
Even if a publisher does all the things they’re supposed to do, why does it take about a year (rarely less, sometimes longer) to go from accepted manuscript to publication? I’m not necessarily a fan of indie publishing, but I can certainly see why some authors choose that path.
From your viewing point as an agent, do you see any changes on the horizon? Thanks for sharing.
Richard, the most significant reason it takes so long for a book to be released after it’s written is that traditional publishers must present books to retail outlets at least nine months before the book is printed. That means a cover has to be designed and the marketing and sales teams have to offer sufficient information about the book for the outlets’ buyers to make decisions. Orders often are placed many months before the book’s release. This long lead-time makes it very difficult for a quicker turnaround. Also, especially with novels, enough time must be built into the system for the author to do significant rewriting, the manuscript must be read and edited at least twice (often more than that), given an interior design, proofread,with marketing and publicity deadlines set, and galleys sent out for reviews (also well ahead of the release date). It’s an arduous process. Can it be shortened? Only if the retail outlets are willing to place orders closer to the publication date and publishers hire sufficient staff to accomplish the same tasks in less time.
Janet, Some part of my brain knew new this, but deep inside me is a wish that some ground-breaking publisher would think beyond the box of “we’ve always done it that way.” I appreciate your letting me vent a bit with the question, and thank you for taking the time to answer so well.
Richard, if publishers would make it their goal to release books within 9 months, I think it would help considerably when an author decides to indie or not to indie, especially an established author. But that would be a major consolidation of many steps for the publisher, and when I think like a publisher, it’s pretty overwhelming to think about speeding up the train.
I hadn’t considered the pressure editors may face to bring certain books to publication. Whether it’s because the house believes the author’s name will bring in sales, the topic is trending, or for some other reason, it doesn’t seem justified.
As far as what I wish they did differently? It would be nice if publishers still had the budgets to do more of the marketing. 😉 I know this isn’t present day reality, and I’m good with that, but since we’re wishing here, that’s my wish. 🙂
I completely agree, Jeanne.
I totally agree , Jeanne.
My wish as well on the marketing, Jeanne. I would love to sit in the ivory tower and write all day, but in real life, I’ll do what I need to do.
Jeanne, often we see books rushed through the publishing process when the topic is timely, such as the Navy Seal’s book on Bin Laden’s death. Or if an author is scheduled to speak at a significant conference, the publisher will speed the process to make sure the book is available for sale in time.
I wish the marketing part of the equation could be put solidly on the publisher’s shoulders just by increasing the budget. Unfortunately, in this social media era, the author plays a significant role in his or her book’s discoverability. Yes, a larger budget for each book would take some of the load off the author, but I don’t see a writer ever being able to return to the ivory tower.
Yes, that’s what I figured. 🙂 So that’s why it’s a wish. 🙂 I appreciate your response, Janet.
That would be wonderful!
Janet, I was under the impression that publishers didn’t offer editing anymore.
And standing with Jeanne, I wish the publishers offered more marketing. It seems like it would only be good business to ensure each project’s success.
Amen, Shelli!
Shelli, I look forward to hearing Janet’s response to your question about editors.
To my (limited) knowledge, some publishers have in house editors and some use freelancers. I believer there are about three or four editing passes that take place, but I could be totally off here.
Shelli, I know of no traditional publisher who doesn’t have at least two editors and a proofreader work on a manuscript. Now, the skill-level of those individuals varies widely from publisher to publisher. And from free-lancer to free-lancer. Also the amount of time an editor is allotted to edit a book can put a squeeze on the process, or the editor could be working on more than one manuscript at a time.
I have one client who is in the process of working on synopses for her soon-to-be-contracted three novels. The publisher, the agent, and the author all know three books will published. But, before the contract is offered, my client is having to write very detailed synopses. She’s brainstormed the plots with the acquiring editor, I’ve given input, and the author has done a lot of research. She is now on her third draft of those synopses. And when she writes the novels, she’ll have significant rewrites to engage in, which will be directed in detail by the editor.
On the other hand, another publisher’s acquiring editor did a one-day read of a different client’s manuscript and offered a few suggestions that required quite a bit of work, but nothing as intense as the first editor’s direction.
So while every traditional publisher will have editors work on a manuscript, the level of scrutiny varies considerably.
That is wonderful to hear. I know writers need to submit the best work possible, but it’s good to know at least one other pair of eyes will be looking. Errors are so easily overlooked.
Janet, you just listed the reasons I am pursuing traditional publication: the gatekeeping, the professional editing, the ability to work with a team of professionals (which you didn’t mention here but have mentioned in the past), and the distribution connections.
As a reader, I tend to avoid self-published books because I don’t want to struggle through grammatical error after grammatical error and / or read a book that is poorly written in other ways. I know that there are self-published authors (at least one I know from this community) who work VERY hard at producing an excellent product, but because self-published authors do not have to use an editor, many choose not to, feeling like the author you mentioned who had no intention of changing a word. They feel their manuscripts are perfect as is, leaving many self-published books riddled with errors and making the reading an unpleasant experience, at least for me.
That said, I have encountered more and more novels released by traditional publishing houses (some with quite well-known names) that have way too many grammatical / typographical errors and even poor writing. It is disheartening. I realize that publishing houses are cutting staff and that many editors are overworked but, if I had my wish, traditional publishing houses would release only well-written, well-edited (both line editing and developmental editing) books. Both readers AND writers would benefit from a change back to that. If that were consistently the case, both readers and writers would move back to going with traditional publishers and self-publishing would return to being “vanity” press. The way things are going (including Richard’s point about the time it takes to be published traditionally and Jeanne and Shelli’s point about how the writer now does most of the marketing now), there is getting to be less and less reason for a writer to work at getting through the traditional publishing gates.
Publishing houses take note: quality will not only keep you competitive; it will be your salvation. Mediocrity will be your downfall.
Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving! 🙂
“Quality will be your salvation” … that’s powerful, Christine.
Christine, I so agree with you. As a matter of fact, a few years ago, we Books & Such agents wrote a white paper to traditional publishers in which we expressed what they needed to do to stay unique and competitive in light of the rise of self-publishing. We presented the paper in person to several publishers. Most engaged us in good conversations about the issues we raised (many of which you mention in your comment)while others seemed offended. If publisher don’t shorten their time to produce books, maintain a strong editorial hand, find new distribution outlets, create powerful covers, offer attractive advances and royalties, and bring unique marketing/publicity opportunities to the writer, self-publishing becomes the default position. I so agree that quality on every level is traditional publishing’s road to a healthy future.
I do think that indie publishing has turned a huge corner in that most indies are now willing to invest in editors (often editors who have worked for tradpub houses) and multiple layers of edits, quality cover art, etc.
No matter which way you go–tradpub or indie pub, you WILL have to build your platform (pubs won’t do that for you!) and market. It’s a given nowadays.
Yes, indie books aren’t always in bookstores, but we also have other outlets we might not have had via tradpub, such as directly working with museums, etc.
I really am saddened when people toss out indie books without checking out the huge selection available these days, especially by fellow Christian authors. Many of these authors were represented by agents, so their stories were competitive. Publishing houses just couldn’t fit their niche.
So I would encourage you all to check out some of the indie books out there now on sites like Indie Christian Fiction Search. The fact that ACFW is now allowing indies in Fiction Finder and Carol awards speaks highly to the quality of many indie novels these days. I have found errors in both tradpub and indie books. But I think the key is supporting quality authors, no matter how they are published. And I know many of you here do that–thank you!
Christine,
How profound! I totally agree with you. I’ve read a number of traditionally pubbed books this year. Most were exceptional, but there were a few, even from outstanding, well-known authors, that had me shaking my head.
Two of them stood out with not only grammar errors as well as repetitive and missing words, but the stories themselves needed over-hauling. Plastic characters, zero plot, dull and contrived endings. I couldn’t help but wonder if the authors just got a bye because they have a good following.
I’ve never been a big fan of indie pubbing, though I’ve read some very good stories from a variety of unknown indie authors. However, I’m beginning to find it difficult to tell the books apart when it comes to professional quality.
You’re right, mediocrity will destroy traditional publishing.
Thanks, Janet for such an insightful article! I thought it was just me! 🙂
Marji, I think most avid readers have noted an overall decline in the quality of editing from traditional publishers. Well-known authors’ books sometimes are cranked out since they mean a major cash infusion to the publishing house. I understand the importance of putting big books on a fast track, but the idealist in me would appreciate lingering a bit in the editing process.
“Inspired verbatim”? Wow!
Every now and then, I find myself critiquing the Apostle Paul, breaking up his run-on sentences. And I think, “Really? Who am I to edit the Word of God?” Can’t imagine thinking my every word is sacred. Please, point out my passive voice, my vague descriptions and my dragging pace.
And count me in with Jeanne and Shelli. Editing I understand, marketing not so much.
Shirlee, that’s so funny. You know how we are taught to capitalize even the “His” or “He” (all pronouns) when referring to God? So … when I quote a Scripture passage from the NIV version … and they don’t capitalize the “h” … it’s so disturbing!! 🙂 I want to change the “h” every time! 🙂
I knew I should stop trying to get that author to change even one punctuation mark or word when I asked him if he considered his work inspired, and he responded, “Yes, it is.” I laughed because I figured he was joking. He didn’t laugh.
That’s when the conversation ended. And so did the contract.
That was a shocking experience to me because, while I had worked with intractable authors, this guy set a new level of “difficult author” for me.
Janet, I can’t believe someone would turn their nose up at an editor. In case I end up self-publishing, I’ve already begun scoping out editors. And I’m even working on plans to revive my small home business so I’ll have the money I’ll need to pay for one.
The example you gave makes me feel like the man on the porch, in It’s a Wonderful Life, who said, “Just kiss the girl.” In this case it’s, “At least consider the advice.”
What I recently found disturbing in a traditionally published book was that it crossed a line I was not expecting it to, since it was a Christian novel. I like inspirational books for many reasons. One reason is that I don’t want to be exposed to third and forth base sexuality. Now I won’t go near that author again. This is another example of why a second set of eyes on a manuscript is so important. We only get one chance to win a reader. Yikes!
Blessings ~ Wendy ❀
Wendy, your comment about ‘one chance to win a reader’ hit home.
This calls to mind the marketing that we must begin way before our name is on the cover of a book. The opportunity to build authentic interaction with an individual BEFORE publication is invaluable. Slow and steady, rather than a mad dash at the time of publication.
And this is something I admire about so many of you who post here on a regular basis. You are genuine and engaging. These attributes are examples of your character, and it’s a delight to watch. You’re establishing beautiful habits that can only benefit your long term writing career.
Jenni, I started blogging because on Facebook I craved to write more in a post than I’m sure my family and friends would appreciate.
Blogging was a great outlet that led me to finally get serious about writing. In my case the egg came first. I just hope it hatches fully developed. 😉
Thank you for your encouragement. ❀
Wendy, I so agree with you that, when you read a book by an author you’ve enjoyed in the past and that author has crossed lines you never expected to see crossed, the experience is off-putting. There is an inherent trust relationship between the author and the reader, and when an author establishes him or herself to be one type of writer, the author must remain true to that “type.” I think of Sue Monk Kidd, who disappointed so many of her readers with the goddess aspects of Secret Life of Bees and then with the sexual/marital depictions in The Mermaid Chair.
Along the path through her morphing sense of how the spiritual fits in our lives, she left the road littered with disaffected readers. She did also gain new readers who were more akin to her new self. But few authors can shed one type of reader and simultaneously gain another type.
Janet, I wonder if that author would have been better off writing under two separate names? ❀
Wendy, that might have been a good idea. I don’t know all the reasons the author became more explicit in his/her writing. Maybe this is a long-term change in the author’s writing direction. If so, that person is following the Sue Monk Kidd route. If the author wants to continue writing less explicit books, it was probably a misstep not to use a pen name. You’re bound to not be the only disappointed reader.
I remember being at a Larry Norman concert (hey now, that just totally dated me…) and listening to him wax poetic about how some of the artists he’d hear would say “God gave me this song” and how he would answer (these are his words, not mine) “Dude, why would God do that? That song is awful.”
That forever swayed me from claiming divine intervention on anything that would become permanent, and thus argued upon for years and years.
I also wish pub houses had more budget for marketing, because as a writer, that ain’t my gig.
I know it’ll have to be, but I bet AA Milne never once worried about Tweeting Winnie the Pooh’s daily activities.
Jennifer, you got me so tickled. I had to google Larry Norman. And he was from right here in Texas. 🙂
And God does give us so much … but people’s opinions vary, so we better keep it under wraps! Or look like a fool.
I’ve gotten so addicted to the show, Shark Tank. When someone walks in with a bad idea … I say, “No, no, no, no, no.” Drives my daughter crazy. But sometimes we can’t see our own bad idea; others have to tell us. 🙂
Jennifer, I can’t believe you pulled Larry Norman out of the attic! He’s one opinionated guy, but you gotta love his quote.
And, Shelli, yes, we need to let other people be sounding boards for our sometimes crazy, sometimes “inspired” ideas. We can’t tell the difference!
I remember one brainstorming session one of my clients and I had with a couple of editors from a publishing house. We spent an entire day coming up with ideas for the author and settled on one all of thought was The One.
But when the editors took The One back to the office, the sales staff pointed out that there was no place to logically put that idea in bookstores.
As soon as the editors told the author and me that the idea got shot down and why, all four of us laughed and realized we had become vaguely delusional after a full day of brainstorming. Clearly, in the light of a new day, that was not The One; it was the perfect example of a bad idea.
Janet, I love that you are so “real.” That “you” would be in on a bad idea is so encouraging to me. 🙂 Thank you for being so honest … so real.
Shelli, at least once a week I see a decision made in the publishing industry that confounds me. I always think to myself, I know nothing.
But that’s part of what makes publishing so fascinating–it’s a surprising and subjective business that makes artistic offerings available for sale. An equation certain to keep all of us guessing about how to make the industry work for all involved.
Actually, Larry Norman was a huge influence on my faith. He was brave enough not just to rock the boat, but to blow open the hull from the inside.
WHENEVER someone says, “God gave me this…” I see Larry Norman, with his long hair and acoustic guitar, standing on a stage, rolling his eyes.
Jennifer,
I remember Larry Norman quite well. His Christian Rock music was groundbreaking, and just what I needed as a new believer in the early 70’s when quartet music was the only “accepted” genre for Christians.
Anyway, I can hear him saying, “Dude, why would God do that? That song is awful.”
You made me grin. I listened to Larry Norman. Sometimes. 🙂 And, I’ve learned to be careful what I credit to God. Especially when it comes to writing. 🙂
Loved your comment, Jennifer! And now I must Google Larry Norman. 🙂
Do you suppose God gave it to him because He didn’t want it himself? 😉
Bahahaha!! I nearly spit on my laptop!!
I am impressed!
Janet, possibly…The author was certainly happy to have it.
Thanks, Janet. I always learn a lot from your posts. I hope that if I find a publisher I will be humble and teachable.
Sheila, you already are entering into the process with a great attitude; that will carry you far.
In a book club with Janet Grant? Wow! Add that to my wish list.
Meghan, that’s so funny! The good news is that no one in the club is unopinionated; we have great discussions–and often disagree.
(I’m with you, Meghan. 😉 )
Dream list 🙂
Top quality editing is the major reason I’m aiming to be traditionally published (followed by the distribution aspect). If the publisher can’t do their part of the job, and do it well, I can imagine many more authors jumping ship into Indie waters.
As a reader, I’ve come to pay more and more attention to imprints and publishing houses, to the point that they weigh almost as much in my purchase decisions as the author’s name. If a publisher disappoints me multiple times, I’ll look askance at future titles they put out.
Elissa, I believe publishers need to more intentionally build their brand so that readers can be assured that, whether they like the content of a book or not, the book will be curated and edited well. Readers SHOULD be able to rely on a publisher’s name as the imprimatur for a professionally produced book.
This is all so very true, Janet. The entire industry has changed so drastically, and along with it, the quality of editing–whether from a publishing-house editor or a freelance one. I get a lot of manuscripts that have ostensibly been through other “editors,” and frankly, I can rarely tell. Freelance editors are a dime a dozen these days, and sorting the wheat from the chaff can be challenging.
I strongly suggest writers find editors whose authors have sold to traditional publishers. It’s a great litmus test!
Susan, I also have suggested to writers that they ask editors to edit a sample of writing. If you’re checking out more than one editor, you can compare the work. And have a grammar-ophile take a look the editing.
I agree completely, Janet. I always recommend writers check out a number of editors. Especially as concerns developmental editing, whomever a writer works with will have a big impact on his or her writing career. And we want that to be positive!
Janet, you told us all why this (horrible) book was published when you said, “Hay was to be made.”
Respect readers? Forget it. Throw out the manuscript? No way! I’m starting to think publishers are so desperate for big dollar sales that they will do anything to get one.
Including agreeing to print a poorly written book if it will make them money.
I wish publishers would stop putting misleading blurbs and quotes on the books. Many times I’ve read one because of those words and ended up not only disappointed but angry. Truth I appreciate.
Wanda, as readers, the blurbs can serve to guide us only if we really like the writing of the person who is being quoted. That gives us hope that this person: 1) read the manuscript; 2) sincerely liked it rather than writing an endorsement because the authors are friends; 3) cares about what he/she attaches his/her name to.
Sometimes none of these three items is true.
That’s it. I’m sure some of the praise offered comes before one word of the book has been read. Thanks so much, Janet, I really appreciate it.
Janet,
Wow! Such a lot of comments and all good. I, too, have picked up books from big publishing houses lately with too many errors and too little plot. This was one reason for me to buy from them. However, that reason is fast going away, and many people are finding quality writers with Indie books. As an author, the slow process and added rejections, plus having to do my own marketing is leading me more and more towards Indie publishing. By the way, I’ve done due diligence to make my writing good–and I hope it is. I’m not a slacker, but what I want from traditional publishers is a real chance, but I may not wait the years it will take to get it.
Linda, sometimes waiting year after year causes a writer to decide to go the indie route. I understand that. I also need to add that some of my established clients who became disenchanted with traditional publishing went indie. They were blown away by the amount of work they were carrying on their shoulders. It was a vivid reminder that, even if a publisher slacks off in what it brings to the table, it’s still bringing a lot.
The rejections have been painful, but as I read this I see how much they have made me grow and shine as a writer. My first ms. took me 5 years of writing about 6 days a week until I was ready to submit. I just finished something for NaNoWriMo this month, sure I didn’t actually sign up, but I got the 50,000 words done and the complete rough draft. Never could have done that without my beautiful 13 years of rejections. Now I feel ready for some acceptances!
Kristen, birthing a book is hard and intense labor, whether it’s over 13 years or one month. Congratulations on finishing two manuscripts!
And I love it that publishers are picky, it gives me something hard to strive for and gives me awesome books to read. Books that have gone through the gauntlet. Love it!
Kristen, I’m glad the system works this way as well. While publishers don’t always make the right decision, I know they take the selection process seriously.
It is becoming increasingly rare for me to pick up a book and find it free from grammar and spelling mistakes. And I am talking about major publishers and big name authors. I’ve seen books by New York Times best-selling authors with sentences that were so poorly constructed they were almost incomprehensible. I’ve seen historical novels with basic facts wrong right on page 1. There seem to be more and more inept editors out there. I really don’t want to self-publish but I live in dread of having to teach my own editor grammar and spelling lessons. I wish being a snarky old lady who catches all the mistakes was something I could put on a résumé. LOL
Janet, I hope some day you connect with an editor who appreciates your snarky and persnickety qualities! A finely edited book is a thing of beauty. I don’t enjoy seeing grammar and punctuation errors, but when the big-picture aspects of editing were missed, I get downright cranky.
:o) I would love to connect with an editor who helps me manage the forest. Trees I can handle. The forest-wrangling is a big part of what I hope to get from traditional publishing.
One thing I do appreciate about the changing landscape of publishing is the feeling of having a choice. A publisher has to offer authors added value because if they don’t, we can choose to self-publish. Not my first choice, but it’s nice to know it’s there.
Janet, I just wanted to add a thank you for broaching the subject and giving authors a forum to speak out. Things are changing in publishing and may never be the same again. Kristen, I, too, have improved because of rejections. But as you said, after so many years of honing the craft, I feel ready for some acceptance, 🙂 Maybe wishful thinking, but to see a light at the end of the publishing tunnel is what we all need.
Linda, I hear you. I’m consistently amazed at the stick-to-it attitude writers show when publishing can seem indifferent to all their hard work.
I’m amused with Publishers that let “Big Name Authors” COAST long after they have nothing new to say.
Don, “amused” isn’t the word every writer would use. I understand that those authors keep the publisher’s doors open, but it would be so nice if the author needed to step up to the plate. Fortunately, many authors do take their craft seriously and want each new book to be better than the one before. We readers love those authors and remain loyal to them.