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.”
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. 💜
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.
Great stuff, and thanks for making it funny with Joey et al, when I am inclined to be indignant on your behalf. I find pub biz lore fascinating and frightening. I already have zero interest in writing and everything I see just confirms it! There are analogous situations in the music industry, which I am rarely elevated enough to be privy to. Thanks for taking the time to share this with us 💙
Thanks for reading and commenting! Ah, I bet. I don't have many contacts in the music industry, but I hear things are rough in the film/TV biz as well. Though I'm super jealous that screenwriters have a union. What a glorious thing that would be for us book writers to have!
I’m working full time (I have my own company) to pay the bills and writing on the side (and researching, etc). I love the image of getting an entire draft in a few months but not realistic ♥️ but thank you for that alternate reality image lol
I’ve been considering the different options once I get to a stage where I feel ready to think about publishing, thank you for laying this out as it creates a clearer picture of traditional option …I agree re a professional editor (invaluable!). What freaks me out is the thought of doing layout and marketing 😂😂 but I suppose it’s just the expenses to get there if I don’t go the traditional route!
I'm looking at different kinds of publishing and I keep seeing all these huge red flags about traditional publishing. At this point, I'm wondering what the advantages to them are, besides just having one of those big five names on your cover to back you up. (Since you can't hear my tone, I just want to clarify that I mean this in the most sincere way, not at all trying to criticize you for traditionally publishing) Why do you put up with it and not just self or hybrid publish (it sounds like you've got the audience)?
Oops sorry for the delay answering! At this point the biggest advantages for me are a professional edit (though this experience varies a lot editor to editor) and having the packaging all taken care of. Though, frankly, I'd love more control over the packaging. As I mentioned in another comment, I'm running out of reasons not to go hybrid.
When I first started trying to get published—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 sticking with traditional is the right business decision for me anymore. We'll see what the future holds! 🫶
My brother achieved two Masters Degrees: English and Law. He knew he'd make no $ writing but he loved it. He was a Corporate Lawyer and managed to retire at 45. He still uses the '60's typewriter I gave him.
I felt this in my bones.
😭🫂
😭😭😭 why do we choose the toughest profession?
My theory is it’s because we don’t know how to exist without writing! 😭
Truth
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.
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. 🤣💀
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.”
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!!
Oooof yes, these resonate. Our industry is so bananas. And the people want a Part 2!
🫡💜
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. 💜
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!! 🥹
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! 🥰
Perfect post!! It's rough!
Hi Megan, thanks for reading! It definitely is. 🫂
Great stuff, and thanks for making it funny with Joey et al, when I am inclined to be indignant on your behalf. I find pub biz lore fascinating and frightening. I already have zero interest in writing and everything I see just confirms it! There are analogous situations in the music industry, which I am rarely elevated enough to be privy to. Thanks for taking the time to share this with us 💙
Thanks for reading and commenting! Ah, I bet. I don't have many contacts in the music industry, but I hear things are rough in the film/TV biz as well. Though I'm super jealous that screenwriters have a union. What a glorious thing that would be for us book writers to have!
I’m working full time (I have my own company) to pay the bills and writing on the side (and researching, etc). I love the image of getting an entire draft in a few months but not realistic ♥️ but thank you for that alternate reality image lol
I’ve been considering the different options once I get to a stage where I feel ready to think about publishing, thank you for laying this out as it creates a clearer picture of traditional option …I agree re a professional editor (invaluable!). What freaks me out is the thought of doing layout and marketing 😂😂 but I suppose it’s just the expenses to get there if I don’t go the traditional route!
I'm looking at different kinds of publishing and I keep seeing all these huge red flags about traditional publishing. At this point, I'm wondering what the advantages to them are, besides just having one of those big five names on your cover to back you up. (Since you can't hear my tone, I just want to clarify that I mean this in the most sincere way, not at all trying to criticize you for traditionally publishing) Why do you put up with it and not just self or hybrid publish (it sounds like you've got the audience)?
Oops sorry for the delay answering! At this point the biggest advantages for me are a professional edit (though this experience varies a lot editor to editor) and having the packaging all taken care of. Though, frankly, I'd love more control over the packaging. As I mentioned in another comment, I'm running out of reasons not to go hybrid.
When I first started trying to get published—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 sticking with traditional is the right business decision for me anymore. We'll see what the future holds! 🫶
My brother achieved two Masters Degrees: English and Law. He knew he'd make no $ writing but he loved it. He was a Corporate Lawyer and managed to retire at 45. He still uses the '60's typewriter I gave him.