SOLVED. Adult Fantasy. MC's world has a set number of professions (52). He invents profession 53: detective. Read in late 1990's. [s]

[Lilly]

Granted, I worked in a bookstore, so a lot of covers tend to blend together, but the cover I think I remember was the MC orating in front of another character who was seated on a throne. I've tried my Goggle-fu but searching for "fantasy" and "professions" just tends to bring up a list of jobs you can have in "ye olde magical village."

[Tab]

What do you mean by, "he invents professions?"

[Kris]

Lilly, is this book for adults or teens?

What is the MC's profession? Which are the most (least) valued professions?

How else is the world different from contemporary Earth?

[Christopher]

This might be the D'Shai series by Joel Rosenberg. Hour of the Octopus has a cover similar to what you're describing.

[Lilly]

YES! That is it. Thank you very much!