Sometimes
even the “marriage made in heaven” between a publisher and an author comes to
an end. Why when once things seemed so perfect?
There are a
number of reasons why the two entities decide to move on without the other, not
all of them are bad or even acrimonious. Sometimes the feeling is mutual and
sometimes it is one-sided. We’ll discuss the various reasons in a moment – the main
thing is to remain professional, take ownership of shortcomings (if any), learn
and develop from the experience, and don’t use any “artistic differences” as an
excuse for bad behavior.
Authors and
publishers who feel that the “other side” is not meeting their needs should realistically
look at themselves as well, there is a possibility you aren’t what your partner
needs either. Publishing houses with multiple authors need to consider all of
the authors and cannot (or should not) focus all of their energy and reserves
(monetary especially) on just one; although it isn’t unusual for a publisher to
be “a little more attentive” to authors who give their best, show effort, are
willing to work as members of a team, and whose sales support their work.
Authors may
want more control than working within the confines of a publishing company may
permit in which case another publisher or even self-publishing may be a better
alternative. Sometimes the author may feel that they have not received promises
made to them – read through your contract BEFORE signing, if something is not
100% clear, question. And IF you find that the contract is being violated, don’t
wait until years later to call the publisher on it. Sometimes the publisher’s
specialties do not allow for a writer’s foray into another genre and it is
understandable for the author to look elsewhere. One fact that a few authors
fail to understand is that they are self-employed writers and the publisher is
not responsible for their personal performance or guarantee of success.
Publishers
also have the right to expect the author to adhere to the signed contract.
Authors are normally expected to meet deadlines, cooperate with editors, self-promote,
interact with the publishing group and maintain a consistent level of sales
(taking into account industry fluctuations). Some publishers also require a
firm marketing plan prior to a contract being issued. Authors are also expected
to uphold a positive reputation and not involve themselves with anything that
would reflect poorly on the publisher or the publisher’s group of authors. One
fact that a few authors fail to understand, as a self-employed writer their publisher
is equal to “the boss” and should be regarded as such.
Again, not
every match is meant to be forever. If there is to be a parting of the ways,
REMAIN PROFESSIONAL. While it may have become a pastime for some to participate
in public bashing, most people do not respect it. Even if you manage to raise a
few eyebrows about the other side, you also damage your reputation as well. In
addition, other authors who are still with a publishing house may wind up being
hurt by public negative blasts – that doesn’t bode well for an author looking
to find another publisher. And if you are looking for a publisher, keep your
eyes open and listen to a variety of sources. One individual’s opinion may be misleading
for any variety of reasons.
Writing Exercise: Prepare a detailed marketing plan
for your book. Prepare a list of media sites to send press releases to; include
areas that you have any connection to such as where you live, where you grew up,
where your publisher is, and any areas highlighted In your book. Compile a list
of venues that you can physically visit and do book signings; don’t limit
yourself to only bookstores. Research blogs that might be willing to host a
guest blog from you and query them asking for the opportunity. Decide on a
budget for promotion; this depends on whether you will be doing it yourself or
if the publisher will be contributing. Investigate the purchase of promo items
(bookmarks, etc) from inexpensive services like VistaPrint or FedEx printing
services (not an endorsement).
Writing Prompt: Using a DIFFERENT sense, describe
something you can touch (ie: use sight instead of touch), describe something
you can taste, hear, see and smell. Make sure you rely on your OTHER senses.
