A Publisher's Conversation with Authors: Oh, the uncertainty of the publishing business for authors
It is Tuesday. Monday's madness is over, and Wednesday will take us over the hump, so Tuesday it is--for some serious discussion with authors. Tuesday talks mean to address authors in waiting and self-published authors who would like to go a more traditional route or who would at least like to take their steps with a publisher by their side.
Last week we discussed the uncertainty of the publishing business for publishers. This week we look at the flip side of the coin: authors. The publishing industry is one of the most exciting—and unpredictable—places to build a career. For authors, it can feel like riding a rollercoaster blindfolded. You know the track is out there, but you can’t quite see the twists, turns, or sudden drops ahead.
Whether you’re traditionally published, self-published, or exploring hybrid paths, here are some of the biggest uncertainties that shape the landscape—and how you can stay grounded through the chaos.
1. Market Volatility
Trends are fleeting. What’s hot today may be ice cold tomorrow. One moment, vampire romances are flying off the shelves; the next, readers want cozy witch mysteries. Algorithms change, social media evolves, and reader tastes shift without warning.
The best defense? Write what you care about. Passion tends to outlast trends—and when the market moves again, as it inevitably will, your work may find its moment.
2. Technological Upheaval
From audiobooks and e-readers to AI narration and subscription models, technology keeps changing how stories are delivered and consumed. Authors have to adapt to new formats and platforms—often without clear guidance or precedent.
It helps to stay curious. Keep an eye on emerging tech, ask questions, and don’t be afraid to experiment with new formats or distribution channels. Being nimble is a superpower.
3. Economic Fluctuations
Recessions, inflation, and shifts in consumer spending all impact book sales. Publishers may cut back on advances, readers may buy fewer books, and royalties may dwindle. These aren’t just abstract economic forces—they directly affect an author’s livelihood.
If you can, diversify. Teaching, freelance writing, Patreon, or other creative income streams can help smooth the bumps during lean publishing seasons.
4. Intensifying Competition
Thanks to self-publishing and digital platforms, more books are being published than ever before. That’s a beautiful thing for readers—but it means authors are vying for attention in an increasingly crowded field.
Building your brand, honing your pitch, and developing a strong online presence are more important than ever. But so is building community with other authors. Support each other. There’s room for more than one voice at the table.
5. Contract Confusion
Publishing contracts can be dense, technical, and filled with clauses that have long-term implications. Rights, royalties, territories, reversion clauses—it’s a lot to navigate, and not every offer is in the author’s best interest.
Get help. Whether it's a literary agent, an experienced author friend, or a publishing attorney, don’t sign anything you don’t fully understand. It’s not just a contract—it’s your career.
6. Marketing Mayhem
Even great books can struggle to find readers. Visibility requires time, energy, and often money. Social media, newsletters, bookstore events, ads—there’s no magic formula, and success is never guaranteed.
Focus on what you enjoy and can sustain. Build authentic relationships with readers, not just sales pipelines. Sometimes slow growth is the steadiest kind.
7. Piracy Problems
Once your book is out in the world, it’s vulnerable to piracy. Unauthorized distribution can mean lost income and control over your work.
While it's hard to eliminate entirely, you can take action—set up Google alerts, report infringing sites, and use DRM when appropriate. Most importantly, don’t let fear of piracy stop you from sharing your work. Most readers want to support authors—they just need to find you.
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There’s no sugarcoating it—the publishing industry is uncertain. But uncertainty isn’t always the enemy. It’s also the space where creativity, innovation, and opportunity live. As an author, your best strategy is to stay adaptable, proactive, and open to lifelong learning. Build a support network. Learn the business side. Keep writing, even when the ground feels shaky. Because at the end of the day, your voice matters—and there are readers out there waiting for exactly what you have to say.
Bottom line: Adaptability is essential. Listen to your publisher, who knows the industry best, and consider suggested adjustments.
See more Publisher Conversations with Authors HERE.
Learn more about publishing from an acquisitions editor -- how to get your book proposal accepted, why proposals are turned down/accepted, and how to find the right publisher for your book. On special sale for $5 while inventory lasts at MSI Press webstore. Also available as an e-book and an audiobook.
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use code FF25 at MSI Press webstore.
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The Tuesday talks reflect real discussions between the management of MSI Press LLC and our own authors or those would-be authors who come through our doors but don't make the cut--yet. If you have a topic that you would like addressed, leave the question in the comment section. Chances are, in our 18 years of publishing first-time and experiences authors, we have had a conversation with one of our authors that we can share with you.
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Julia Aziz, signing her book, Lessons of Labor, at an event at Book People in Austin, Texas.
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