A Publisher's Conversation with Authors: Realistic Expectations of a Publisher

 

(photo by Frank Perez)

Because we work with first-time authors, we are exposed to some wild ideas about what publishers should be doing for them -- and how quickly. Let's look, then, at reality.

What authors can/should expect publishers to do for them: 

• Provide you with a fair contract (you should be able toheck out the terms with a legal advisor if you wish) that 
• states the rights that are being purchased (do NOT sell ALL rights) and for what period of time (and under what conditions rights will be reverted);
• describes details of the process of publication -- what is expected of authors and what is expected of the publisher; and
• provide times and deadlines.    

• Professionally prepare your book for publication by
• editing and copyediting the text;
• typeset the text (allowing you to make necessary corrections); and
• prepare a cover.         

• Professionally print your book. 

• Promote your book within parameters discussed and agreed to by contract; this generally includes 

• making the book available through online sellers and the publisher's online webstore and a recognized distributor;
• preparing and distributing a press release;
• submitting the book for prepublication and post-publication review; and
• promote the book through (social) media.

What authors should not expects from a publisher:

• Rewriting and personal education of how to write; this is what development editors do and authors in need of developmental editing should contact one of them; 
• Preparation of an author's online presence, e.g., website; there are website developers who do this; 
• Building of an author's platform; authors need to do this for themselves--build their credibility through professional interactions; and/or
• Personal representation for seminars, books tours, including preparation of graphics materials, and contacting lists of potential purchasers provided by the author; publicists do this--and so do authors.

Of course, an author who wants complete and intensive personal attention and all work done for them could hire that kind of help. A publicist would be enough for some authors need/desire for assistance. A book shepherd will often help even more although often a book shepherd is oriented toward self-publication.

Lesson for today's Tuesday talk: Authors cannot and should not assume that their editor at the publishing house will serve as their long-term/permanent staff.

Publishers cannot do all the work for you. They can make sure you have a professional-looking and professional-sounding book. They can provide some guidance in how to promote your book, and they will promote your book within their standard approaches. They will expect you to be very active in the promotion of your book, and they will expect you to assist them in their promotional practices (not vice versus).

Read more posts about publishing HERE.