100. Panel Event

I was asked to sit on a panel about the publishing industry at a conference in Barcelona. I don’t know any Spanish, but there was an interpreter. Thank you to all my co-panelists who are far savvier about the world of publishing than I am. I was the only one coming from an author perspective as the others consisted of an editorial manager, a project editor at a not-for-profit publishing house, an agent, and someone who works in distribution. There were only a couple questions directed at me, but thank you to all the people who got involved. Here’s some highlights:

How difficult is it to get published?

It’s difficult. I’m not going to lie. I don’t want to discourage you, but even if you’re a really good writer and have written a genuine masterpiece, you might never be published. But that should also be encouraging because just because you get a lot of rejection, doesn’t always mean that your work sucks. Though sometimes it does. Get a variety of opinions.

What do you think about self-publishing?

Well, it’s okay, I suppose, for certain people, but don’t think it’s going to make you a star. There are success stories where great writers self-published and because they were brilliant publicists and had a lot of money to throw at the project, they got picked up by a major house. That usually doesn’t happen, and you’re better off trying to get through the door by schmoozing.

Can authors get rich?

It’s possible, but it rarely happens. Usually if they get rich, it’s from something other than writing. Sometimes non-fiction authors will rake in some cash, but it’s hard for fiction. We write because we love it, not to make money. You often get an advance up front, but that means that you won’t see a single royalty check until after you’ve sold more than what your advance is worth. I didn’t make any royalties on my first novel. That’s just the nature of the game.

Have you met the rich coated tan man yet?

Sorry? I think there’s something missing in the translation.