REALITY
CHECK
The 6 Biggest Publishing Myths
Myth #1. It's a lottery. There's always a chance anyone can hit the jackpot.
Reality: With a very few (but highly publicized) exceptions, most big-name authors in nonfiction publishing have paid their dues and positioned themselves for success. Richard Carlson, author of Don't Sweat the Small Stuff . . . And It's All Small Stuff, had published nine books before he had his wildly successful bestseller (and its sequels). The authors who receive the most lucrative contracts either have built a reputation and solid track record with previous books, or can demonstrate to publishers that they have a high level of visibility (or celebrity) and a ready-made national audience for their work.
Myth #2. Editors and agents are eagerly awaiting submissions from novice authors.
Reality: Most agents and editors would like to be receptive to new writers. Unfortunately, they are flooded with submissions, most of which are not commercially viable in today's crowded and competitive marketplace. Their in-boxes are swamped, it takes them weeks (and sometimes months) to read manuscripts and proposals, and they are consequently looking for reasons to say “no.” In fact, editors have to say "no" to 99% of the projects that come their way because they can only publish a limited number of titles per year.
Agents can only handle so many clients, so they must also reject all but the very best projects that come their way. And agents are particularly selective because they won't get paid anything at all until the book is sold to a publisher — so they want strong business reasons to take on any new client.
You can improve the odds for you and your book by fully understanding the realities of both publishing and the market for your book idea.
Myth # 3. Anybody can get published.
Reality: Although many of us dream of writing a book, most of what we write about may not be suitable for a large national audience. Publishing today is driven by big-name and established authors (think Tom Brokaw, Dr. Phil, Suze Orman), heightened sales expectations, and the difficulties of promoting new faces in an ever more competitive media marketplace (unless you get on Oprah!). It's actually more difficult — not easier — for new writers to get published. That doesn't mean you can't be published, but it does mean that the need for reality checks has never been greater. Before contacting editors and agents, make sure you have done all your homework, have developed your book idea, have created a strong author profile, and have made a compelling case for it in a dynamite book proposal.
Myth # 4. Your book idea is unique.
Reality: With more than 175,000 books published every year (and many thousands more appearing on the Internet), it's highly unlikely that any book is completely new or unique. In fact, it's much more important to show why your book is needed than to prove that there's nothing like it. Thousands of self-help, time-management, and self-improvement books are published each year, but Stephen Covey’s Seven Habits of Highly Effective People did not necessarily become a bestseller because the content was unique. It sold because of the way he pulled the content together and his strong author profile. Some call that an angle, others call it a "hook," others would say it was "packaging." Whatever you call it, his book jumped off the shelf and into consumers' hands because they wanted to be highly effective (not just effective), they wanted to know the secrets, and it sounded do-able as presented in only seven chunks. And it didn't hurt that Covey had a fast-growing seminar business and consulting practice that was geared up to support the sales of the book in a big way.
Myth # 5. The book idea is more important than the author.
Reality: Just the opposite, in fact, is true. An excellent book idea from an unknown author with no “national platform,” shaky credentials, or a less than well-written manuscript will probably not be met with enthusiasm by either agents or editors. A famous author, regardless of book, is actually considered to be more promotable (meaning more appealing to radio, TV, and print media, which play such a major role in bringing books and authors to our attention). Publishers need high-profile authors to help them break a book out of the pack of competing books on the market.
Myth # 6. Publishers coach and develop authors.
Reality: The days of the nurturing editor are pretty much gone. Most editors are so busy that they have little time to guide and edit authors, especially new writers. Publishers are looking for manuscripts that are ready to go, that need no further shaping or development, that are well-written, and that have a readily salable "hook." Many agents have taken up the role of working with writers to help them make their work more marketable; some even play an extensive role in creating the proposal and editing the manuscript, or finding a writer or editor to work with the author. In any case, you should make sure that whatever you send to agents and editors represents your best work. If you need help, be sure to contact a writing coach or professional editor.
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