“I learned a long time ago to take advice and seemingly
factual information with a grain of salt. Once, a librarian told me that if my
first book didn’t become an instant best-seller, I’d have a difficult time
getting anyone to publish my second book. Thirteen books later, I’m glad I
didn’t act on her information. Later, when the publisher of my first four
Sydney Lockhart mysteries folded, someone also told me that it would be nearly
impossible to find a new publisher for books that were previously published. I
didn’t listen to them either. I had big plans for several more books in this
series, so when the rights were reverted to me, I began doing my homework and
searching for a new publisher.
When my first book came out in the early 90s, the
publishing options were simple and straightforward but limited. Writers looked
for an agent or contacted publishers directly, sent their submissions, and
waited, and waited, and waited. Simultaneous submissions were frowned upon, so
the process worked against the writer.
Over the years, I’ve signed with numerous publishers. My experience with the university press that published my biography, The Man Who Saved the Whooping Crane: The Robert Porter Allen Story, was/is amazing. When I have questions or need something, I call them. And guess what? They answer the phone! They were open to negotiating my contract, and my royalty statements are accurate and arrive on time. The same is true for the publishers of my trivia books. Not so true with the first two publishers of my mysteries. So, I learned to be cautious. I’ve learned to ask questions. I’ve learned to recognize publishers who accept manuscripts despite not having read them.
The good news is that now there are thousands of traditional small presses, hybrid presses, and self-publishing options. The less-than-good news is that a writer has to know the business, study the contracts, know when to negotiate, and be able to recognize a good deal. With this in mind, I knew I wanted a publisher who would work with me, answer my emails, listen to my suggestions, give me honest, helpful advice and feedback, brainstorm with me on promotion and marketing ideas, give me reasonable discounts on purchasing my books, connect me with her network of published authors, and above all, care about my books. I know that’s asking a lot, but writing is hard work, and I did not want to sell myself short.
Okay, that’s it for today. You-all guys keep on keeping on, and I’ll try to do the same. Raising prayers for a happy and safe you and yours.
