This is a helpful look at the benchmarks of it all and the moving targets. I just wrote about backlist and this compliments what I said. Hopefully even if an author is in one of those lower tiers, they help keep the momentum going for their books!
An excellent write up and it’s such an important point that the backlist funds the front list (and for unpublished authors) the amount of spare cash influences whether they buy off known authors or take chances on new blood. Also as I have come to find out, some publishers want any punts they take on new blood to have a massive social media presence so their channels are ready made marketing engines, derisking their ‘advance’ investment not being recouped.
Nods. One of my friends, a solid midlister, once got moved up on the promo side from midlist to featured title. Why? She turned it in early, and the MS was clean.
Well, thanks. Do not be dismayed! This is the norm for publishing, and it has genuinely been this way for the 30 years I've worked in the industry. What I forgot to mention is that shipping all those books is possible because publishers accept returns.
Why don’t they just always acquire crash books if some pan out? Also I’m often confused at the notion of “too many books” being published when it seems like publishers are shooting in the dark on what will and won’t sell. This would seem to imply that you kind of have to throw spaghetti at the wall…? (Love your posts btw)
In many cases, you do have to throw spaghetti at the wall.
Crash books cannot occur all the time due to printing schedules, and sales departments do not like them because they have schedules for selling into accounts. It is very stressful for all involved.
This is such a great peak behind the scenes for people! Even in the best of personal/professional times this year it's been an effort to write regularly with *waves hands in despair*
This is fascinating, thank you for sharing.
So helpful and insightful, as always. Thank you!
At Perseus Books Group (RIP) we always said Backlist is the backbone of every publishing company. (and they were purchased for said backlist)
This is a helpful look at the benchmarks of it all and the moving targets. I just wrote about backlist and this compliments what I said. Hopefully even if an author is in one of those lower tiers, they help keep the momentum going for their books!
Thank you for pulling back the curtain on publishing wizardry. Meanwhile, I'm wearing the ruby slippers to find a home for my book. 👠
Thanks for these insights into an opaque system!
An excellent write up and it’s such an important point that the backlist funds the front list (and for unpublished authors) the amount of spare cash influences whether they buy off known authors or take chances on new blood. Also as I have come to find out, some publishers want any punts they take on new blood to have a massive social media presence so their channels are ready made marketing engines, derisking their ‘advance’ investment not being recouped.
Nods. One of my friends, a solid midlister, once got moved up on the promo side from midlist to featured title. Why? She turned it in early, and the MS was clean.
I love that you’re listening to Metallica.
Always! 🤘🏻
Oh my goodness and greatness. As a debut writer, I must say this is about the most
insightful(behind-the-scenes) message I have read in a long time. I get dismayed
from all this. But this is what keeps me and others going straight away. Thank you!
Well, thanks. Do not be dismayed! This is the norm for publishing, and it has genuinely been this way for the 30 years I've worked in the industry. What I forgot to mention is that shipping all those books is possible because publishers accept returns.
The return issue adds to the vagueness. Orders don't mean retail sales. 😬 Thanks for keeping us informed, Kathleen!
Why don’t they just always acquire crash books if some pan out? Also I’m often confused at the notion of “too many books” being published when it seems like publishers are shooting in the dark on what will and won’t sell. This would seem to imply that you kind of have to throw spaghetti at the wall…? (Love your posts btw)
In many cases, you do have to throw spaghetti at the wall.
Crash books cannot occur all the time due to printing schedules, and sales departments do not like them because they have schedules for selling into accounts. It is very stressful for all involved.
Great insights as always.
This is such a great peak behind the scenes for people! Even in the best of personal/professional times this year it's been an effort to write regularly with *waves hands in despair*
I know — I deferred an MA class because I didn't feel up to it. It is so hard to focus.
I appreciate your insights so much. Don't be hard on yourself about not publishing here when you're not up to it. It's fine. Everything's fine.