As a former commissioning editor, I LOVE that you wrote all this out. So many in the industry just assume authors will know how it all works. I found the opposite. Expectations rarely meet reality.
One other note that I find most authors don’t realise… the advance is an advance… you won’t get further pay out until you sell beyond that advance (aka pay it back) and given how low a percentage authors get from the actual sale price, that can take time.
I was telling my sister in law about much of this crazy process the other day. She started with, “are you serious? I thought you just wrote it, and went to a publisher and paid them to print and sell copies for you. Whoa.”
My questions: how is it legal to make writers work for less than minimum wage, or for no money at all? And, why not self-publish instead since there’s no actual benefit to traditional publishing?
Since authors are contractors, not employees of the publishing companies, there's no minimum wage they need to adhere to.
As for your second question... I'll be honest, I ask myself this on a daily basis. When I was first starting out—and was on sub four times with three different agents over five years—I exclusively wrote YA, and since most teens *still* read physical copies over other book formats, I wanted to hold out for a traditional deal because getting distribution to brick-and-mortar stores seemed imperative. Now that I'm writing adult, where more readers read ebooks and audio? And now that I've seen a traditional deal doesn't guarantee distribution? I'm not so sure anymore. I love having a professional editor and having someone else handle all the book production aspects, but frankly, I'm running out of reasons not to go hybrid.
Thank you for this realistic assessment of the book publishing business - like they say about Broadway: you can’t make a living, but you can make a killing.
Diana, It’s so refreshing to see the reality of publishing in your post. Especially after spending over a decade in the industry and sometimes questioning my sanity. Would love to see a Part 2.
Thanks so much for reading, and yep, that's EXACTLY why I wanted to post this! Publishing has so often made me feel like I'm losing my mind. I'm glad to provide the sanity check. 💜
This has to be the most real post on trad publishing I've ever read. *laugh-crying* Hybrid is sounding pretty good right about now lol.
I mean, I’m about ready to clasp hands and leap from this speeding train before it plummets from its broken tracks down a cliff if you are!!
As a former commissioning editor, I LOVE that you wrote all this out. So many in the industry just assume authors will know how it all works. I found the opposite. Expectations rarely meet reality.
One other note that I find most authors don’t realise… the advance is an advance… you won’t get further pay out until you sell beyond that advance (aka pay it back) and given how low a percentage authors get from the actual sale price, that can take time.
Yes exactly! It can take years to get royalties... or it might never even happen at all.
I felt this in my bones.
😭🫂
I was telling my sister in law about much of this crazy process the other day. She started with, “are you serious? I thought you just wrote it, and went to a publisher and paid them to print and sell copies for you. Whoa.”
Oooof yes, these resonate. Our industry is so bananas. And the people want a Part 2!
🫡💜
My questions: how is it legal to make writers work for less than minimum wage, or for no money at all? And, why not self-publish instead since there’s no actual benefit to traditional publishing?
Since authors are contractors, not employees of the publishing companies, there's no minimum wage they need to adhere to.
As for your second question... I'll be honest, I ask myself this on a daily basis. When I was first starting out—and was on sub four times with three different agents over five years—I exclusively wrote YA, and since most teens *still* read physical copies over other book formats, I wanted to hold out for a traditional deal because getting distribution to brick-and-mortar stores seemed imperative. Now that I'm writing adult, where more readers read ebooks and audio? And now that I've seen a traditional deal doesn't guarantee distribution? I'm not so sure anymore. I love having a professional editor and having someone else handle all the book production aspects, but frankly, I'm running out of reasons not to go hybrid.
Appreciate the honest response! I always enjoy getting your newsletter. 💜
Thanks so much!! 🥹
Thank you for this realistic assessment of the book publishing business - like they say about Broadway: you can’t make a living, but you can make a killing.
😭😭😭 why do we choose the toughest profession?
My theory is it’s because we don’t know how to exist without writing! 😭
Truth
Diana, It’s so refreshing to see the reality of publishing in your post. Especially after spending over a decade in the industry and sometimes questioning my sanity. Would love to see a Part 2.
Thanks so much for reading, and yep, that's EXACTLY why I wanted to post this! Publishing has so often made me feel like I'm losing my mind. I'm glad to provide the sanity check. 💜
Utterly depressing and fascinating.... reading this just as I'm finalising my first book proposal 😏
Definitely yes please for part 2. Your honesty and transparency is so appreciated.
All so true! Love this!!
Having been an acquiring editor and now an agent, I know these truths. Thank you for sharing them widely! 📚✨🙏🏼
Thank you for commenting and confirming from your side of the desk! 🫶
Knowing this is so discouraging as someone trying to get an agent, but I can’t imagine doing anything else—writing is life! Le sigh
None of it makes any god damned sense and yet…here we are 🤣
AND YET HERE WE ARE. I judge myself fiercely on a daily basis, honestly. 🤣💀
Diana, thank you. This explains the reality in a wonderful way. Nope, none of this is 'normal.'
Thanks for commenting, Cathy! I'm glad you enjoyed the post! 🥰