Comments on: Are Publishers Taking Risks Anymore?

By: Mary Ann Duke

Mary Ann Duke — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 18:14:29 +0000

By the time I get my dark, edgy, paranormal, breath-takingly commercial tome rewritten into impeccable form, the trend will be other-wheres. LOL.

By: Pam

Pam — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 01:02:28 +0000

I certainly do hope that publishers continue to take risk–especially since my writing is geared towards the “dark side.” BTW, I’ve nominated you for a Sunshine Award. Please visit my blog if you’d like to accept.

By: christine tripp

christine tripp — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 12:30:32 +0000

>or things that fit the trends as they see them.<

Since a trend is only a trend for the moment and publishing, after the manuscript is aquired, can take years, how does the Editor or publishing house know the trend will still be in fashion by the time the book is released?
At conference’s you were constantly told, don’t follow the trends, don’t change your portfolio to match what is out there now, as it will be over by the time you submit. Hum… sounds like the speakers advice will need to change?:)

By: Jeni Mawter

Jeni Mawter — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 08:38:25 +0000

Mary, thanks so much for your considered and insightful comments. And thank you for crossing ‘The Great Divide’ between writer and publisher. Your vision and generosity are hugely appreciated.

By: Kat Apel

Kat Apel — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 01:39:21 +0000

That rings true for things I’ve been hearing too, Mary. Nicely summed up!

Craft and quality are very (very very very!) important reasons to polish and perfect a manuscript BEFORE submitting. Rush and you may be too late!

In terms of ‘commercial’ value – I’ve heard that stories with a market ‘tag’ to hang it on (release dates/topic coinciding with popular days – Father’s Day, Easter…) are easier to sell. For PBs, anyway.

Still have to be good books though – story and craft.

By: Jackee

Jackee — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 00:49:09 +0000

Good to know!

By: Lynn Rush

Lynn Rush — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 21:27:26 +0000

Nicely said, “…but they’re smarter risks.” I think everyone is now taking smarter risks, huh? It bleeds out into daily living, too, with the economy the way it is. Everyone has to be smarter about how they spend, and that’s what publishers are doing, right?

Great post!

By: Don Cummer

Don Cummer — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 16:49:16 +0000

Where does historical fiction rank in the risk sweepstakes?

By: melodycolleen

melodycolleen — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 16:47:11 +0000

Thanks again, Mary, for some great information.

So, am I to assume that what I would refer to as a “quiet” book might be a hard sell right now? Do you see any indication that the trend may change? I know that’s unpredictable, because trends change every day. But I am curious.

Thanks.

By: shelley

shelley — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 16:38:01 +0000

This is good feedback-I think I know this, but you articulated it just right, so a person can understand it. Thanks for that!