PUBLISHING – TRADITIONAL OR INDEPENDENT?
On the modern writer’s
blog, there is a great deal of discussion about traditional publishing versus independent
or self publishing - lots of rhetoric, plenty of polarised viewpoints. But it
is a fascinating subject, and very relevant to modern writers, be they
traditionally or self published.
Many supporters of
traditional publishing deride all ‘indies’ as writing inferior rubbish. This
wholesale condemnation is both unfortunate and inaccurate, but it is also understandable.
I read a great deal, and – in my opinion
of course - there are some excellent self-published books. But I have ‘looked
inside’ many self-published books on Amazon, and have had no desire to go
further. Sad to say, too many of them are indeed badly written, full of typos
and atrocious grammar; they are seriously in need of a spell check, a proof
reader and an editor.
At this point – whilst the
more belligerent indies sharpen their quills – I must state that I am also a
self published writer. It is partly because I am a self-published writer that
the current situation dismays me. The flood of sub-standard books is doing us a
great disservice; I believe the reputation of all self-published writers is
suffering as a result.
When discussing traditional
publishing, I think there is a danger of self-published authors becoming
defensive and even vengeful. Some authors who now self publish have been traditionally published in the past and
may have had bad experiences. The majority of us have never been traditionally
published. I freely admit that I tried to get an agent or publisher for my
novel, without success. A couple of them made encouraging noises; one hand-wrote
a few words on the standard rejection letter saying that she liked the book but
they weren’t publishing much historical fiction at that time. A considerate and
encouraging rejection, but nonetheless a rejection, which is never a pleasant
experience.
Personally I don’t like to
see this war of rhetoric, there is something to be said for and against both
sides of the argument. An agent who takes on a book won’t earn anything unless
they can find a publisher, so they may end up investing a great deal of time
(which means money) for no reward. I can therefore understand their need to
connect strongly with a book before taking it on. Rejection doesn’t mean that a
book is no good, though it is hard for the author to be objective when they see
the big self addressed envelope lying forlornly on the mat beneath the letterbox.
Publishers are in the business
of selling books and thus making money. They take what sells - or what they
think will sell. Hence their tendency to stay with their current best or regularly
selling authors, who can be relied on to bring in the dollars or pounds. During
the days of large litho print runs, taking on a new writer was a risk, a
mistake could be very expensive for the publisher. Of course, turning down a
new writer could also be a mistake – there are about a dozen agents or
publishers having nightmares every time they read the words “Harry Potter.”
I’m sure most agents and
publishers are reasonable people. I do think some could treat potential authors
better. When I was researching agents for my book, almost all said they would
respond within five to six weeks, with either an acceptance or a rejection.
One, however, said that she would only respond if willing to represent me, otherwise
I should just wait six weeks, then assume rejection. To me, that smacked of
arrogance. How long does it take to send out a polite, pre-worded rejection by
email? If I do seek an agent for my next novel, that is one person I will
definitely be avoiding.
That brings me to a key
question. Do I try for an agent or publisher with my next novel, or go it alone
again? To some extent, the answer will depend on the sales of my current novel;
if I can achieve a reasonable level of success, I will be more likely to self
publish the next book too.
There are advantages -
assuming that a traditional publisher can be found - in being traditionally published.
The advance on royalties, the assistance with proof reading and editing, the
marketing channels and assistance in marketing the book, the kudos of being
accepted for publication. On the other
hand, self published writers have full control of their book, and thus
ownership of all aspects (cover, blurb etc). They maintain full rights, and are
also able to keep a higher percentage of royalties.
What is the way ahead for
writers and publishers? Already the well trodden track of traditional
publishing has divided clearly into two paths, traditional and independent.
There are increasing signs that more paths are emerging from the undergrowth,
made viable by the enormous improvements made in print on demand technology. An
increasing number of authors are taking the route of publishing partnerships,
where publishers take on the task of publishing and marketing, but do not pay
any advance to the author. Some of these verge on vanity publishing, whereas others appear to offer a viable partnership. There will undoubtedly be other avenues opening.
It’s a fascinating time to
be a writer.
No comments:
Post a Comment