Photo by LollyKnit
I’m a frustrated artist. Yeah—how cliche is that?
From what I’ve heard about the publishing world, I should just get used to it. “Frustrated” is the hopeful author’s middle name.
An editor who a year ago seemed eager to move forward with my book proposal for Halfway to Normal (we just had to work out a minor concern with the topic of one chapter), recently told me the publisher is no longer interested. I spent the past year improving the proposal in many ways, but no thanks.
It’s not just rejection that I’m having a hard time with, though. As a writer, I’ve lived through plenty of rejection. It’s the rationale behind the rejection, and the fact that I can’t seem to do anything to alter my situation.
A shift in the publishing landscape
What the editor said is that while I have “a lot of talent” and a “strong proposal,” the “publishing landscape has changed in the past year.” Particularly for memoir-type books. Essentially, if you don’t have a strong “author’s platform,”—in other words, if you’re not already widely known for something you’ve done—you’re out of luck.
I’ve done just about everything a regular person can do to build her platform—at least in a way that feels genuine to me. I’ve developed significant connections on Twitter and Facebook, I’ve built a community around my blog that is committed and engaged. I’ve published an essay in an anthology that’s on its third print run, and have participated in readings at Powell’s Books in Portland, Women & Children First bookstore in Chicago, and KGB Bar in New York (scheduled for Sept. 23). I’ve even garnered a letter of endorsement for my book proposal that’s so significant and glowing, it makes me blush.
So what’s Plan B? Should I start dreaming up crazy schemes and scandals to pitch to Oprah?
As readers, we lose out
My frustration isn’t just about my dreams to publish, though. The bigger issue is what ultimately emerges as a result of this sad trend in the publishing industry, brought on by their financial woes, and who loses out the most. I don’t think it’s the would-be authors, it’s the readers.
Personally, as a reader, I want stories from people’s lives more than I want self-help books. And when it comes to whose stories I crave, its the stories of real, average people—people like me. I’m a mom who knows kids can be maddening; an ex-wife and new wife who knows marriage takes work; a Christian who struggles with God and with church, but doesn’t want to walk away from either one; a writer with modest successes and dreams, who works at it day after day.
I don’t need to hear life stories from a famous athlete, or a hip young pastor of a mega church, someone who made a million overnight, or a woman with eight babies. While I might be intrigued, inspired or fascinated by some of those stories, they leave me feeling more empty and hopeless. I need to hear stories that remind me I’m not alone in my failures, my struggles, my messes, or my everyday hopes and dreams.
And I want to be someone who is able to share some of my own stories with as many people as possible. That’s all.
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{ 14 comments… read them below or add one }
I’m sorry to hear of this development. But that’s why there’s so many publishers; if one says no, you can check with another. Most famous authors report compiling stacks of rejection letters before having works accepted for publication. For inspiration, check out: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=14453550
And it seems to me like this editor you’re dealing with may not have the vision to compete in a changing landscape, but surely others do.
Strength comes from within; don’t let a setback change your opinion of how much potential you have.
I know from having worked in publishing (and now freelance editing) that breaking through is hard and it often seems like the schlock makes it while the good stuff languishes. But I also know that lesser writers than you have hit the right words at the right moment and made it through. You’ve got the gift, so don’t give up (as if you could ever stop writing anyway, right?). Ejly is right–keep looking for another editor (or agent) who will believe in you and find a way.
I promise to buy your book, full price, from a local independent bookstore, when the day comes. : )
Kristin,
You do have a very engaged blog community – one of the best I’ve ever seen – (You and Lance!) Your spot-on with this. I don’t want to read about 8 babies either. Like the weirder the situation or story the better the chance of it selling. Press on. Press on. Press on. Do not give up. What about an e-Book provided via download? I paid $50 for a downloadable guide from Chris Guillebeau. He’s making his living selling his content HIS way. I believe in you Kristin. I needed your story at one point in my life in the most desperate of ways. And, I still need it. And, I think you could pitch yourself as a guest speaker on these topics, too. I’d show up to hear you, and so would everyone else who reads this blog. You don’t need the publishing industry to get your message out, and you know, it just occured to me, God doesn’t need it either…
I’m sorry about the disappointing turn of events for you. It’s frustrating to work so hard on something and have it yanked out from under you. Hopefully you can find another publisher for your book.
I am not a self help person and am tired of all the books out there about them. Personally I tend to lean towards the fiction genre, but I was a fan of Erma Bombeck. She was just an everyday mom sharing her experiences in a humorous way. I agree with you, hearing from the every day person means more to me than the famous. Especially considering a lot of those people are someone I wouldn’t want to model my life after!
I’m not an author, and unlikely to ever be one. I do follow your blog via my reader.
The thought that comes to mind is self-publishing via the web. If you get a significant following this way, then publishers will likely take notice.
I’m currently reading “A Failure of Nerve” by Edwin Friedman. The second half of the book was basically an outline when he died. People were interested in the subject matter, so it was privately published in 1999. There was enough interest that it was published in book form in 2007.
I keep hearing that print publications are going the way of the dinosaur. This might be the chance to be in the first wave of digital publishing. I’d buy the book in digital format – in fact, I’d prefer it in that format (I’ve not gone the Kindle route though).
Why don’t you simply do a digital download in multiple formats (pdf, audio, and whatever other forms might sell) and sell it yourself for whatever price would work using Paypal? Market it via social media. There is a concept of BOPP (bottom of the pyramid…can’t remember exactly, but read a book about it by an economist who I believe had an Indian [i.e. of India] sounding name) that says selling for miniscule amounts to the 4 billion people on the “bottom of the pyramid” is a coming trend…
So sorry my friend. Go scream and throw something & then its back to the drawing board (or computer). Hopefully someday you can look at this and realize it was the starting pint for something bigger and better.
I do think our whole society today feeds off of sensationalism. Its fed by the tabloids & reality TV. While its a trend that makes our minds go numb it seems to make people feel better about themselves. Keep bucking the trend Kristen. I too will buy your book full price from an independent book seller (and buy some extras)
Aren’t most of the good books rejected by publishers several times before they make it to publication? So you should take this as a good sign :) I didn’t know you were doing this, very cool. Sending good thoughts your way!
ejly, this is really encouraging to hear: “Strength comes from within; don’t let a setback change your opinion of how much potential you have.” I do know how many great authors received countless rejections. That’s why, in the past, I’ve tried to think of rejections as part of the initiation process into greatness. This news about the “changing landscape” just made me feel like it was less about finding the right editor and more about me not being the right person. I will try to lean on your “strength from within” truth, though!
Wendy, I’m curious, from your more insider perspective, if you think the landscape has really changed that much in the past year or 18 months? That’s what was so surprising to me. I also wonder if the trend is widespread, or only with certain publishers. At any rate, thanks for your encouragement and support—it means a lot!
jenx67, *this* is what keeps me writing, and why it all matters: “I needed your story at one point in my life in the most desperate of ways. And, I still need it.” I almost deleted this post after I published it, because I didn’t like feeling so vulnerable and didn’t want people to think I was inviting sympathy or begging for encouragement. But I really feel like I can trust my readers, like you, and I’m so glad I did.
Debbie, I was thinking about how the lives of the famous are so different and foreign from mine that they don’t seem relevant, but you bring up another good point about “famous” people who write books about their lives: they’re often not people you would want to model your life after.
Dennis, thanks for reading my blog! My husband has been talking to me about a variety of other publishing options, including self-publishing via the web. I realize I have to get over my old-fashioned, English major attitudes about publishing. In my mind, self publishing in the past has usually been connecting to fringe ideas and writers without much talent. I know that’s not the case any more, but those attitudes still linger.
Ken, those are more good ideas—thanks! I do worry, though, about all of the people who still love magazines and books (on paper), and never read anything on line except email, and maybe news. I just feel like there’s a huge audience out there that might be encouraged by my stories, but can’t/won’t access them on the web. It’s just a very awkward transition time for publishing, I’m afraid. I’ll have to look into the bottom of the pyramid concept you mention. It sounds a bit like Chris Anderson’s “long tail theory.”
That really stinks, Kristin. I hope you keep plugging away and find a publisher who “gets it”. I agree that there is definitely an audience for your work. Just keeping doing what you do well and keep your readers posted so we can be first in line when the book hits the market.
I hope you realize that in spite of this delay in your publishing…you do reach out and touch the lives of many of us. I find your writing inspiring and spot on.
Elaine, this is something I often take great hope in: “Hopefully someday you can look at this and realize it was the starting pint for something bigger and better.” The idea of bucking trends is motivating, too—and knowing you’re a fan and will buy my book. :) Thanks!
Rebecca, I really hope you’re right, and that the publishing landscape hasn’t changed so much that I can’t look to the experiences of past writers and authors for guidance. Only time will tell. I guess I need to look at it all as an adventure, right?
mother shaffer, thanks for the support and encouragement, and for being someone who “gets it.” You, in fact, were an “early adopter!” I love how you fit into that unexpected Halfway to Normal community.
talk to me, I have to start by saying how much I love your “handle,” and how much it made me laugh! Particularly in light of this topic, and because talking to my mother is one of the things I want to do most when life’s setbacks happen. Thanks for letting me know that you’re out there, getting what I’m trying to do.
For your personal well being I wish you the strength to soldier on, dig deep and face the challenge. For the professional you, I wonder if this is more like a puzzle that needs to be solved rather than the possibility of an unending Catch22. I can appreciate your quandry about supplying those of us who like hands on vs. e-publishing. Who buys a mag on-line for $1.75? Many people, for many different reasons, likely even the same people who still want the paper sometimes. Wondering if there is a way to do both?
I was just thinking of you and remembered this post, so I checked back here and see your reply to my comment. DM me on Twitter or email if you’d like to chat more.