When I first started working in publishing, no one questioned the value of a publisher.
Now they do.
When I tell nonfiction writers they need to demonstrate to the agent/editor they have a big enough platform—enough visibility—to sell books without the help of a publisher, they’ll ask, “What’s the publisher for then?”
When I tell fiction writers that their work needs to be compelling, polished, and ready for publication before they query, they’ll ask, “What’s the publisher for then?”
For first-time authors who have no readership, the answer is easy. Quality considerations aside, a publisher raises your profile and makes you look bigger than you’ve ever looked before. Someone is taking a financial risk to launch your work into the world and make your name recognizable, and the risk can be taken only for a finite number of authors, so people make quite logical assumptions about quality that are in your favor.
Of course, publishers fail at launching authors every day. But authors promoting themselves tend to fail at it more dramatically. It’s not that publishing is hard. It’s the ability to spread the word about your work’s existence at the right time to the right people that’s crazy-difficult. So far, most publishers are still better at doing that.
So far.
If you’re an author who can make influencers jump when you ask, or have a siren call that lures readers to your door, then all bets are off on what the publisher is for. You’ll have to decide.
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32 Comments on "Traditional Publishing: What’s It Good For?"
I plan to publish three to five books this year and there’s no way I’d consider approaching a traditional publisher (unless I could get a stupidly high advance and promo budget).
I prefer the control, speed and income of operating my own publishing company. http://www.SilverSandsBooks.com
I know you’re not alone! May your publishing endeavors be successful.
[…] No one used to question the value of a publisher, but now everyone's wondering: What are they good for? […]
Considering some of the lackluster launches of debut authors I’ve seen in the last two years (most of them from Big 5 publishers), I’m questioning (again) the efficacy of traditional publishing if you’re not a best seller already.
Yes, I’ve met scores of disappointed traditionally published debut authors over the years. And I’ve also met an equal number of disappointed self-published debut authors. Perhaps it’s tougher to be among the former, given the hopes and expectations the traditionally published author has.
All good points. Thank you, Marion.
Sound and to-the-point as always, Jane. Wishing you a great 2016 and many thanks for all the great advice you offer.
Thank you, Mary!
Great blog and great points, Marion. As a first time author, promotion, distribution, experience, coaching etc are the reasons I’m looking at traditional publishing (first). But it’s great that I have other options available if I feel I can do it myself.
Jane, I’m part way through your How to Publish Your Book lecture series too. Brilliant info.
Glad you found the series, thank you!
“What’s the publisher for?” Discoverability. Despite the gains made in self-publishing, I’m under the impression that the average reader is still far more likely to find YOUR book if it’s publisher published rather than self-published.
I agree.
[…] Traditional Publishing: What Is It Good for? (Jane Friedman) When I first started working in publishing, no one questioned the value of a publisher. Now they do. When I tell nonfiction writers they need to demonstrate to the agent/editor they have a big enough platform—enough visibility—to sell books without the help of a publisher, they’ll ask, “What’s the publisher for then?” When I tell fiction writers that their work needs to be compelling, polished and ready for publication before they query, they’ll ask, “What’s the publisher for then?” […]
Something to think about…
I think that traditional publishing can help build an author’s brand and expand their network. Both good things even if self-publishing is the preference. My goal is to produce quality work, attempt publish traditionally, and then seek an alternative after a reasonable amount of time and effort. Then on to the next project!
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I’m a hybrid author, along with a lot of others out there. We do both traditional and self-publishing. A lot of hybrid authors are still with their large publisher, yet they can’t wait to tell you they are making six figures at self-publishing. The reason they stay: most of their readership came from their traditional publisher. I would suggest authors do both.
“… and you get more than half of the profit.”
If you don’t mind, what publisher have you seen giving 50% royalties to their writers?
Especially to new or low to mid-list writers. The world of writers would be beating a path to their door!
The word is “profit,” not “gross income.” They are paying for all that goes into printing a book. Their profit margin is only roughly 4%. And yet, they’re giving the author half. Good deal!
[…] Friedman answers the burning question: What is traditional publishing good for? And if you want to be published, Writers’ Relief has 16 steps to making your publishing dream […]
Hi, I am about finishing a memoir of my staying in the us in late 60s and like to publish it but now have problem financing it. Looking for doing it and pay afterward. Have not been successful yet tring to find a way doing that, thanks.
Here’s a post on self-publishing that may be useful (discussing services that doesn’t require payment): https://janefriedman.com/self-publish-your-book/