You hear/read me say often, if you want to experience success as a published author, study the publishing industry and write a book proposal. And this was my mantra all weekend as I spoke with hopeful authors at the recent Los Angeles Times Festival of Books.
One thing that occurred to me, as I spoke with dozens and dozens of hopeful authors, is that our message to them (from the SPAWN booth) had more power and relevance than did practically anyone else’s. By this, I mean that when an author stopped off to talk to another author, he received the perspective and, in some cases, the advice of one person. He heard the experiences of one author. That author either recommended his publishing path or condemned it, depending on his experiences.
The published author might say, “Self-publishing with XYZ company is the only way to go.” However, the next author he spoke with had a different story and made different recommendations: “You must get an agent,” or “Publish your own book so you are always in control.”
When the hopeful author visited a pay-to-publish company booth (yes there were several of them represented), he got a spiel designed to entice him to sign with them. The representative has one agenda—get business for his company.
But when this author came to the SPAWN booth (that’s Small Publishers, Artists and Writers Network), his power was returned to him. We urge authors to be proactive—to gather information, facts and opinions before making any decisions. We talked about their options and how to discern which one is best for them and their project. We stressed that not every option is right for every author and every book.
Most authors, upon completing their manuscripts, emerge into the daylight eager for direction. They believe (at least for a scant moment) that there is one way to write a book and one way to publish it. They step outside of their writing room ready to ask the first person they see, “Which way to successful publishing?” They expect a simple answer to their straightforward question. But there is no simple answer.
The author might as well have asked, “How do you raise a child?” or “How do you get to Florida from California?” The answer to the publishing question is every bit as complex and diverse as is the answer to either of these questions. Just as in child-rearing or traveling, you have options and decisions to make. Everyone you talk to will give you different opinions, directions and resources.
So how do you make a decision about publishing? By studying materials and resources, by talking to others. It boils down to research and observation. And this takes time, an objective point of view and an open mind.
When you take the time to study the publishing industry, your options, the possible consequences of your choices and your responsibilities as a published author and if you can look at the facts objectively, you will make better decisions.
When you write a book proposal for your fiction or nonfiction book, you will develop a greater understanding of your project and how it fits into the scheme of things. You will maintain that sense of intimacy with your book that you experienced during the writing process. You will become aware of your book’s true audience and true value, thus you’ll learn more about your role as its marketing agent.
If you want to produce a more successful book, start the process now. Stop writing and start studying the publishing industry. Write a book proposal. Line up those ducks. Put the horse in front of the cart. And give your project a better chance to survive in the fiercely competitive world of publishing.
Sign up for my online book proposal course and let me help you get the ball rolling in your direction. http://www.matilijapress.com/course_bookproposal.htm