This is a really great list of questions. Sometimes publishers don’t provide information because it simply doesn’t occur to them that they need to—that is, they’re so familiar with the process and lack an awareness (or memory) of what it’s like not to know. Other times they don’t want to break news they suspect the author won’t like to hear if they don’t absolutely have to (such as, “we aren’t sending you to bookstores”). They might not like to be asked all these questions, but the author is absolutely entitled to the answers. There is a not insignificant amount of infantilization of the author that can occur in this process (Author: why?/ Publisher: because I said so), and it creates unnecessary acrimony on both sides. So much easier and better to be clear and up front.
This one seems pretty obvious, but is extremely important to ask: "Have you actually read my book?" A lot of presses are merely acquiring. If their feedback feels super generic to you, it probably is because they didn't read it, or read it fully. You should inquire as to whether or not anyone at the press actually understands your story and who you are as a writer and if they get behind that. If not, writer beware.
Great information! I wish I had it when I signed with my publisher. But now I have it for next time. Thanks!
I'd like to take the 3 part course NOW - in April. Is that possible? I tried to pay and was rejected. Is the course still available non-freestanding?
Thank you!!!
What an amazing list! Thank you!
Fantastically helpful list. Thank you!
Shamelessly cutting and pasting several of these into a document to have on hand at my upcoming meeting with my editor, thank you so much!
This is a really great list of questions. Sometimes publishers don’t provide information because it simply doesn’t occur to them that they need to—that is, they’re so familiar with the process and lack an awareness (or memory) of what it’s like not to know. Other times they don’t want to break news they suspect the author won’t like to hear if they don’t absolutely have to (such as, “we aren’t sending you to bookstores”). They might not like to be asked all these questions, but the author is absolutely entitled to the answers. There is a not insignificant amount of infantilization of the author that can occur in this process (Author: why?/ Publisher: because I said so), and it creates unnecessary acrimony on both sides. So much easier and better to be clear and up front.
This one seems pretty obvious, but is extremely important to ask: "Have you actually read my book?" A lot of presses are merely acquiring. If their feedback feels super generic to you, it probably is because they didn't read it, or read it fully. You should inquire as to whether or not anyone at the press actually understands your story and who you are as a writer and if they get behind that. If not, writer beware.
I mean, if they haven’t, I don’t understand why they’d acquire it.
This is so helpful! Thank you!