What we really need in publishing right now
I skipped last week’s post because I was angry at the publishing industry and worried I might write something I’d later regret. So, I took the week off. What had me so ticked? Was it the news that some people were offering bulk reviews for sale? Was it that indie-published wonder John Locke paid for 300 reviews? Was it that traditionally-published crime writer RJ Ellory admitted to posting fake reviews for his own books and trashing other authors?
Nope, none of that.
What really got me was how quickly both sides jumped on the other over these bits of news. They pointed their fingers and said how the other side is worthless due to these transgressions. But here’s the thing — as has been true in life forever, it is still true (even on the internet) that the majority of people are good-natured, kind-hearted, and play by the rules. Those same people slip up, screw up, and otherwise, but they’ll admit their mistakes and try to do better. It’s also true that there are schmucks everywhere, cheats and liars, and downright thieves who will tarnish everything around them without care as long as it gets them ahead.
So, with that all in mind, to those who want to denigrate the traditional publishers, I remind you that amongst the individual editors, copy-editors, PR people, art directors, etc, etc, are that same mix. The majority want to see the books they work on succeed. They love books and truly want to help shape the culture they live in through these books. They are excited by ebooks and all the opportunities (even if some mourn the loss of paper). They hate breaking the hearts of new authors and love helping us rise towards success. Yes, there are lazy people and jealous people, snarky people and unscrupulous people working at the Big 6 as well, but for the most part, they are good, hard-working people.
What writers need to understand is that all these people with all their good intentions still work for a corporation. And despite what some politicians want to be the case, corporations are not human beings. They are run by humans, but they are a Frankenstein unleashed. It is the desire to save one’s job by feeding that monster which often leads to the horrors that are so frequently discussed concerning traditional publishing — draconian contracts, horrible treatment of writers, and breaking contract terms from the outset, amongst others.
On the other side, and with all of this in mind, to those who want to denigrate the indie-publishers, I remind you that amongst the individual writers, editors, copy-editors, beta testers, freelance artists, etc, etc, are that same mix. The majority want to see the books they work on succeed. They love books and truly want to help shape the culture they live in through these books. They are excited by ebooks and all the opportunities (even if some mourn the loss of paper). They hate breaking the hearts of new readers and love helping their fellow writers rise towards success. Yes, there are lazy people and jealous people, snarky people and unscrupulous people working in the indie market as well, but for the most part, they are good, hard-working people.
What traditional publishing needs to understand is that all these people with all their good intentions still work for themselves, and that brings with it great struggle. They are shoestring operations, run by heart, and it is the desire to turn this passion into a way to feed one’s family which often leads to the horrors that are so frequently discussed concerning the indie-publishing sector — unprofessional behavior, books that aren’t ready put out too soon, over-tweeting and over-marketing one self, amongst others.
Look, folks. The honest truth is that we all are trying to do the same thing from different angles. Nobody really benefits from all the vitriol. Don’t believe me — just look at what a bang-up job it’s doing for the US government. So, please, can we tone it down a notch? Especially because all of us in this business recognize that in the end, the traditional press will still exist and so will the indie press. Both will have changed drastically from what they are right now. Many people will discover wonderful ways to make a living, and sadly, many people will no longer be able to survive in the way they had become accustomed. That’s change, folks. Sucks for some, great for others.
No matter how much trash you talk, it won’t save your job if your job is now obsolete.
No matter how much hatred you spew, it won’t make your book sell any better if it’s crap.
Do good work, be a good person, and stop trying to manipulate what you can’t control. There’s nothing wrong with reporting and sharing information, but there’s no need for all the “in your face” attitude. There’s no need to cheer joyously at the short-comings of the other side. Because the truth is — you can’t control any of this. Doesn’t matter if you’re a newbie writer or if you’re Rupert Murdoch. You may think you can control things, but you can’t.
So, for those of us who are still sane after these last few tumultuous years — let’s return to civility. Discuss the issues. Debate the answers. Question each other’s practices. But don’t salt the other’s wounds. There will be plenty more wounds before this is all over, and some of them just might be yours.
