The economy sucks.
O.K. now that we all agree on that, let me remind you that our world tends to be one huge pendulum. Things swing one way and then they swing the other way. This includes the economy.
I am saying this simply to stress that while the market for books might be slow right now; and editors and agent might not be buying books right now; it does not mean that the market is going to be gone forever. Things will get better and we just have to wait. I know it is tough, but we can do it.
I really do worry about those people in the publishing industry (writers, editors and agents) that panic too quickly and jump ship to chase after that immediate success. Writers are diving into contracts and writing programs that we have seen too often, come back and really be a bad move. Yes, I am talking self-publishing here.. Editors are dumping programs in a panic and moving into fields that they probably haven't done enough market research on and may be spending money wastefully. Agents too are not exempt from this as they shift how they acquire books, how they sell books and what they do with their business.
For me, I do believe that things will get better and eventually, all of you out there that didn't panic will find that success, and personally, I do believe will be more successful than those who made the quick and hasty moves. Just hold on!
Scott
Yes, markets do come back. I can't speak for any editors or agents that might be panicking; but the writers I know that have self published didn't do it out of panic; it wasn't a rushed decision; and they didn't do it for quick money or immediate success. That's kind of unfair.
ReplyDeleteOne thing for sure, it will be fun to watch the next few years. :)
I agree, but while the American (and global) economies get back on track, why not explore alternatives. Writers write, but we also need to make a living and continue to build a readership base. Can it really be so terrible to work with what's available? Besides, epublishing doesn't necessarily mean self-publishing, as there are several publishers out there who are currently aquiring for their e-pub division, but not the traditional publishing venues. Once that pendulum swings back (could take months or years), those writers who persevered in their writing can then come back to traditional publishing - hopefully with a few notches in their belt. Just a thought. :)
ReplyDeletePatience is a virtue. So too can be the willingness to try new things. My opinion on the subject pretty much meshes your post with Debbie's comment. E-publishing, whether it is self- or not, is working out great for some people, while others still long for traditional publication and might do better once the economy starts to swing back. Whichever option a writer chooses to pursue needs to be decided based on goals, deep consideration, and opportunity--not panic, as you said.
ReplyDeleteI know that have self published didn't do it out of panic; it wasn't a rushed decision; and they didn't do it for quick money or immediate success. That's kind of unfair.
ReplyDeleteBritish Food