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Publishing Myth
Publishers are constantly looking for product. They cannot depend on manuscripts to walk in the door. So they read websites, blogs, newspapers, magazines, anything that offers an idea or introduces a writer of interest. From that point they puruse the idea or writer in hopes of turning something as small as a blog into a book. One of the biggest myths is that a New York publisher will never publish a book that was self-published, or printed by a POD company. This is absolutely not true! Publishers don’t care how or when a book was published, if they feel the book has potential to make money, they will publish it. It’s about revenue, not who published first.
- Jerry's blog
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Who Creates Publishing Myths And Why?
Jerry,
Ever since I went from a writing to a publishing and marketing phase, I have wondered about the truth of postings saying publishers and literary agents had neither the time nor interest in reviewing self-published material. Pre-published works seem to me to represent a fertile ground with easy pickings for someone with a good eye for golden opportunities.
I know from the writing, editing, proof-reading, text layout, cover art and marketing work on my own book, that a heck of a foundation has already been laid that a publisher wouldn't have to do or pay for. I've begun to wonder if publishers and agents promote the idea that they have neither the time nor the interest to look at an unknown authors works so they can select from those who have had enough belief in their work and fortitude to get the job done themselves. It would be like mining for precious metals that needed only a bit of polish to be ready to sell.
John
Who Starts the Myths?
John,
It's a great question: who starts the publishing myths? The only answer I can come up with is those who have the most to gain financially are the ones who start the myths. The self-publishing market is growing and thriving and as a result, there are a lot of people making money by promoting the products and services that this market demands. Unfortunately most of these products and services don't work in the real marketplace for book sales. This is where I come in, trying to spread the word to those writers and authors, BEFORE they are taken advantage of.
To your comment about agents and editors finding great books that are self-published, I completely agree! There are many more than the corporate publishers realize. The reason this website exists is so those in the corporate world can shop for new authors, new books, new opportunities. The truth is they could care less if you are self-published, they are looking for product and if they are convinced you have what it takes, they want you! Of course, it takes time to build that audience and we're making progress each day. Thanks for your comments and questions.
Jerry D. Simmons