I’ve been seeing some concerning things in the publishing industry lately, and let me tell you, those things have led me to ask a serious question:
Can we trust traditional publishing?
First off, let me give my disclaimer–I have not yet been published traditionally, but this is an important question because I do periodically send out queries for various works I’ve done.
But should I send out those queries? Is it truly beneficial for me, as a writer, to do so? Or will I get screwed over if drawn into the fold of traditional publishing?
Now there are many traditional authors out there who’ve never been burned by traditional publishing, and would probably scoff at my concerns. But the truth is that the idea of corruption in the publishing industry, and authors getting screwed in the process, is not an issue that’s being brought up by those who have never been published. These concerns are being raised by traditionally published authors.
The newest scandal of note is the class action lawsuit against Harlequin.
“Well,” you might say, “they should have looked at their contract and walked away if it wasn’t good enough for them!”
True.
Kristine Kathryn Rusch discusses exactly that point. But she also makes it clear that it’s becoming more and more difficult to walk away from contract terms that can hurt you as an author, because the publishing companies are closing ranks and they are all offering similar terms!
But if this is the case, why is it that so many writers still go the route of traditional publishing?
Ok, obviously that question answers itself.
- The book will be professionally edited, much better than going the self-publishing route.
- It will be better marketed. The author can sit back, relax, and not worry about marketing at all. Unlike self-publishing.
- The author will have a better support team. Whereas self-publishers don’t.
- The public will accept it because it’s traditionally published. Self-published books just aren’t.
- You’ll sell more as a traditionally published author than as a self-published one.
- Your book will have a better chance at getting into bookstores and libraries–where self-published books don’t stand a chance.
Right?
Uh. Well. Hmmm….PJ Lifestyle and Dean Wesley Smith blow those reasons right out of the water.
Wow. Now, I have to say that as a writer I’m confused! What should I do? Self-publish? Query agents and traditional publishers? Aren’t they mutually exclusive?!?!?!?!
Maybe it’s just as simple as not choosing a side at all as Nathan Bradsford says in his blog article Traditional vs. Self-Publshing is a false dichotomy.
Thoughts?
From my own experience publishing Quantum Meditations through Hay House imprint, Balboa Press, I would have been better off in every way to have done it on my own. Taking the arguing points listed above:
1. The editing was very sloppy, and cannot be corrected now without issuing a new edition. (Yeah, I should have examined my galley proofs better, instead of trusting the publisher). Had I self-published, I could upload revisions any time I wanted.
2. Marketing consisted of one blast to Hay House's contact list. Beyond that, all marketing has been done by me.
3. Okay, the support team was slightly better than going it alone. But all along the publishing process, I was shifted from one support contact to another, none of which were familiar with my issues from the previous contact. Also, along the way, my book was all but lost a couple of times, until I lit fires under a few choice seats.
4. Maybe the public recognizes the Hay House logo and trusts it more, but the prices placed on my books are way out of most readers' budgets. As a result my sales have been negligible.
5. (See 4.)
6. I only know of one bookstore that currently stocks my book (as a consignment from me). The only libraries that have copies are the libraries I gave them to.
Beyond all of this, traditional publishing is an assembly line. If your book has formatting issues, you are better off on your own. For Quantum Meditations, I had to set the type for the book, format the kindle version and write my own press release because the press release they offered was clearly written by someone who had not looked at a copy of the book. They priced the book at $17.98 for paperback, $35.98 for hardcover, and $5.98 for ebook. So it is priced right out of the market.
On the other hand, when I published Eating Fossil Fuels with New Society back in 2005, they did a great job with cover design, editing and pricing. And they gave it a moderate promotion. The book still hasn't paid off its advance, but it is getting closer.
I have been told by some big agents that publishers will not touch a book now unless the author can guarantee 1,000s of sales on their own platform. My response is: if you can make 1,000s of sales on your own platform, why sign your rights away to a publisher?
Kareen – I really enjoyed reading all sides to the traditional vs self publishing. Some very interesting, eye-opening remarks, though I think I'll stick with Nathan Bradsford's take.
Judith
Thanks for your input– your experience definitely includes a wide range both negative and positive (?)
Looking at all experiences are important when weighing who to query (or not.)
I haven't quite reached a decision yet either– I'll continue to try both methods, I think 🙂
I wasn't aware of any lawsuit against Harlequin and the link your article contains goes to a blank page… I'll google it, I guess, but just FYI. Thanks for bringing it to my attention. Don't read Harlequin stuff, but now you've piqued my curiosity…
Ooops! I've fixed that link! THanks for reading 🙂
I have tried a traditional publisher (left them when contract got horrible) and have since published with small presses. While you must be careful AND read your contracts, you can learn the business and get help. I also plan to indie publish. I love the support I get from my small press, the editing, etc, but I would like to diversify my income stream more.
It's interesting that you would say that–one of the articles I linked talked about authors taking care of themselves and publishing where the money is.
Very interesting share KW, thanks for the info…I've been eyeing some small presses, anyone' thoughts on those? I know Pauline is happy with hers.
I've been considering small presses as well for upcoming queries– we'll see how it goes?
Sometimes I think as a self published author, we look at the glam and the glory like J.K. Rowling has, or J.R.R. Tolkein would have if he were alive, Suzanne Collins of the Hunger Games, or Stephanie Myer of Twilight and we all yearn for that kind of recognition – however, I think if you work hard enough by yourself, and you are successful, keep it that way. It only takes 1 successful book to start your launching point, and if you do that yourself, what should stop you from doing the others that way? not only that, if the public demands it, your books will eventually end up in bookstores, libraries, and such, or you can even donate your books to libraries yourself. There are avenues for self published authors, I just think many of them are not yet explored. I wouldn't change the route I've gone at all, and though I'm not rolling in the dough yet, I know one day I'll get there, and I'll be patient for it. I've given up on traditional publishing houses, if they want my book, they know where to reach me.
"I've given up on traditional publishing…"
It seems like many people are nowadays…