As someone who spends time on both sides of the publishing "desk" (as an author and editor at both an independent publisher and a big 5), I struggle with cynicism and discouragement almost constantly. But one thing I don't usually see mentioned in critiques of publishing is the thing that gives me the most hope: the people, my friends an…
As someone who spends time on both sides of the publishing "desk" (as an author and editor at both an independent publisher and a big 5), I struggle with cynicism and discouragement almost constantly. But one thing I don't usually see mentioned in critiques of publishing is the thing that gives me the most hope: the people, my friends and colleagues, book lovers who champion their authors and really, really want to publish beautiful, inspiring, edifying, faithful writing. Yes, we need to figure out how to capture the attention and dollars of readers so that we can fulfill our duty to our employers (and because we want our authors to be successful for their sake too and because we believe our books will benefit the reader). Yes, a big platform is the easiest way we know to at least get eyes on a book, though there are plenty of people whose thousands or millions of followers are happy to consume whatever they give for free and have little interest in paying for anything more substantive. As for scandal, I won't say it never sells books, but I can't think of a single example in my experience where it did. On the contrary, it often means canceling or withdrawing a book or lower sales than expected, not to mention the heartache of the situation itself. This is getting long, so I'll just agree with you, Jen, and others that we all, as READERS, are the ones with the power and responsibility to make a change.
As someone who spends time on both sides of the publishing "desk" (as an author and editor at both an independent publisher and a big 5), I struggle with cynicism and discouragement almost constantly. But one thing I don't usually see mentioned in critiques of publishing is the thing that gives me the most hope: the people, my friends and colleagues, book lovers who champion their authors and really, really want to publish beautiful, inspiring, edifying, faithful writing. Yes, we need to figure out how to capture the attention and dollars of readers so that we can fulfill our duty to our employers (and because we want our authors to be successful for their sake too and because we believe our books will benefit the reader). Yes, a big platform is the easiest way we know to at least get eyes on a book, though there are plenty of people whose thousands or millions of followers are happy to consume whatever they give for free and have little interest in paying for anything more substantive. As for scandal, I won't say it never sells books, but I can't think of a single example in my experience where it did. On the contrary, it often means canceling or withdrawing a book or lower sales than expected, not to mention the heartache of the situation itself. This is getting long, so I'll just agree with you, Jen, and others that we all, as READERS, are the ones with the power and responsibility to make a change.
Sarah, I am glad to know you manage more encouragement than despair! It gives me at least a little hope!