Sound Advice From the Publisher,

Elizabeth L. Margaris.

It is widely traditional in the publishing industry that there must be pleasant cooperation between an author and publisher.  There is expected a positive atmosphere and a team effort to produce not only the best product possible, but also a respectable bottom line on sales and promotions.

I cannot quote a single best-selling author who has fought with his/her publisher or editor, defected and become an overnight success.  The general public is turned off by any hint of trouble and other publishers avoid any author who has a reputation of being testy or difficult. 

The publishing industry has a strict code of protocol.  Authors have agents to do their requests.  An author writes, an agent takes care of business, and a publisher publishes.  These are distinct responsibilities.  As a rule, the publisher meets the author only once, when the contract is signed.  Thereafter, the agent is the liaison between publisher and author.  The reason that publishers do not want to deal with authors directly is evident by the recent events in the history of our fledgling company.

The successful author must be cordial, gracious, accessible and on good terms with all members of the team.  They must keep in mind that the publishing company wants to give them the best product worthy of their endeavor, and everyone involved in the project is committed to producing a successful, available and marketable work that will satisfy both artistic and business objectives.  The general book-buying public is not interested in any problems that may have arisen during editing or publishing.  They are only interested in meeting a genuine published author, an honor bestowed on very few writers; an honor to be taken seriously, which brings with it a certain responsibility to your public, and requires a certain demeanor of professionalism and respect.

In addition, it is best to be informed that books have a shelf life of approximately two years.  After this general time period, they automatically become “out of print,” enabling current titles to move to the forefront for their time of recognition.   

I can only wish you success in selling your remainders.  Even very famous authors have remainders. 

 E.L.M.