Let's face one fact: publishing is a business. You are a writer. You want to become a published author. Unfortunately, very few writers have even a basic knowledge of the publishing industry. If you want to become that published author, you have to make yourself familiar with the ins and outs of the publishing industry.
There are a few facts of life that we, as writers, have to understand. Publishing is an industry, and as such the "bottom line" is a driving force. And sales drive that bottom line. The major book publishers are located in New York City, though only one of the major six publishers is an American-owned company. Once this fact is grasped by the budding writer, the rest of the publishing process can be understood. If you expect the major book publisher to take over and treat you like a celebrity just because you have signed a contract with them, you will be sadly disappointed. This happens only with multi-million authors like Scott Turow, James Patterson, and John Grisham (I guess you just found out my favorite recreational reading). Unless you are an author or their stature, you are not going to have much contact with anyone other than the editor assigned to your book.
From the time you get an agent through the entire process of publishing your book, no matter the size of the publishing company, you have to be knowledgeable about the industry. You have communicate to the agent, editor and publisher you are willing to do everything you can do to help the book become a success. This will signal to all involved that you comprehend what is involved, that you wish have decision-making input, and you are willing to help sell books. You simply cannot turn over your manuscript and expect it to be released in a couple of weeks.
Know from the start that two years is not an unreasonable time line from the time you sign that contract to the time the book sees publication. I have just finished working with two authors at the opposite ends of the spectrum. One author is demanding, expecting the publisher to do everything. This author did not really want an editor, in the true sense of the word. This author wanted a copy editor. The structure of the book was perfect according to the author and the author refused to make any major changes that would help book sales (readability). This author expects the publisher to do everything and have the book on shelves in an incredibly short time. This author weekly contacts the publisher with demands on publication, sales promotion, type setting, etc. There is no indication the author is willing to help, only demand.The second author has indicated willingness to accept criticism, work with the editor and we expect this author to assist in sales promotion and have input as to potential markets. Can you guess which one I will want to work with in the future and which one I will avoid?
No, publishers don't want someone who is totally cowed by the publishing industry. They want someone who knows what happens to their book once that contract is signed and what it takes to successfully bring that book to the proper markets. If you have no knowledge of this process, I would suggest you get a copy of Jerry Simmons What Writers Need to Know About Publishing. It is available through his website at WritersReaders.com Even if you don't purchase the book, the website will give you a great resource as to what is expected from a budding author (published writer).
There are a few facts of life that we, as writers, have to understand. Publishing is an industry, and as such the "bottom line" is a driving force. And sales drive that bottom line. The major book publishers are located in New York City, though only one of the major six publishers is an American-owned company. Once this fact is grasped by the budding writer, the rest of the publishing process can be understood. If you expect the major book publisher to take over and treat you like a celebrity just because you have signed a contract with them, you will be sadly disappointed. This happens only with multi-million authors like Scott Turow, James Patterson, and John Grisham (I guess you just found out my favorite recreational reading). Unless you are an author or their stature, you are not going to have much contact with anyone other than the editor assigned to your book.
From the time you get an agent through the entire process of publishing your book, no matter the size of the publishing company, you have to be knowledgeable about the industry. You have communicate to the agent, editor and publisher you are willing to do everything you can do to help the book become a success. This will signal to all involved that you comprehend what is involved, that you wish have decision-making input, and you are willing to help sell books. You simply cannot turn over your manuscript and expect it to be released in a couple of weeks.
Know from the start that two years is not an unreasonable time line from the time you sign that contract to the time the book sees publication. I have just finished working with two authors at the opposite ends of the spectrum. One author is demanding, expecting the publisher to do everything. This author did not really want an editor, in the true sense of the word. This author wanted a copy editor. The structure of the book was perfect according to the author and the author refused to make any major changes that would help book sales (readability). This author expects the publisher to do everything and have the book on shelves in an incredibly short time. This author weekly contacts the publisher with demands on publication, sales promotion, type setting, etc. There is no indication the author is willing to help, only demand.The second author has indicated willingness to accept criticism, work with the editor and we expect this author to assist in sales promotion and have input as to potential markets. Can you guess which one I will want to work with in the future and which one I will avoid?
No, publishers don't want someone who is totally cowed by the publishing industry. They want someone who knows what happens to their book once that contract is signed and what it takes to successfully bring that book to the proper markets. If you have no knowledge of this process, I would suggest you get a copy of Jerry Simmons What Writers Need to Know About Publishing. It is available through his website at WritersReaders.com Even if you don't purchase the book, the website will give you a great resource as to what is expected from a budding author (published writer).
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