A Publisher's Conversation with Authors: When Good Intentions Derail Promising Manuscripts
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.
This week, the topic is one not commonly discussed in public. These are the things that happen behind the scenes. Not knowing about such things can impede positive potential author-publisher relationships. Among these "things" is when an author engages the wrong kind of attorney, typically a well-meaning dealing with general law and not an intellectual property rights lawyer, who would be well meaning and astute.
As publishers, there is nothing more fulfilling than discovering a manuscript brimming with potential—a story that moves us and deserves to find its place in the world. We cherish working with authors, especially those who may be embarking on their first publishing journey. Together, we turn raw ideas into polished works ready to meet their readers. But, as we all know, the journey from manuscript to publication is seldom without its challenges.
Sometimes, the process is hindered by misaligned expectations or advice from well-meaning but misguided sources. Authors, particularly those new to the publishing world, often rely on trusted friends or advisors for guidance. While such support can be invaluable, it can also lead to unexpected roadblocks when advice doesn't fully align with the realities of publishing.
We recall an author who came to us with a heartfelt and compelling story about her bond with an owl—a manuscript full of charm and promise, but with a few "gaps" in cohesion that could be readily fixed. We recognized its potential immediately and were committed to providing the necessary editorial support to help shape it into a truly outstanding book. As a small press, we were ready to invest in the process, bringing both passion and resources to the table. However, the author's demands, rooted in the counsel of a lawyer friend, quickly exceeded what we could realistically provide. For example, she sought an extensive, fully-funded marketing campaign that included our supporting her jetting for book tours to several major cities (unwilling to accept that such book tours only succeed for authors with recognizable names) and significant upfront financial commitments that were far beyond our means. These demands, while perhaps well-intentioned, ultimately made it impossible for us to proceed.
We believe her lawyer friend wanted the best for her, but the advice she received served to limit her opportunities rather than expand them. Publishing, especially for debut or niche works, requires collaboration, shared risks, and trust between the author and the publisher. Unilateral demands and unrealistic expectations—however well-meaning—can place undue strain on the relationship and jeopardize the success of a project.
The lawyer sent the author off in search of a literary agent--not a bad idea, but, unfortunately, the author had little to recommend herself, who was unknown and had no platform, and her book, which needed an editor's eye and hand and was not ready for prime time (but we could have made it ready).
We share this story as both encouragement and advice for authors navigating the publishing process. It's vital to understand the dynamics of publishing, to be open to compromise, and to trust that your publisher shares your vision. While advocates and advisors can play an important role, ensure their guidance aligns with the realities of your publishing journey.
In the end, we hope this author finds a way to bring her story to the world—it's a story we believe deserves to be told. To date, nearly ten years later, we have seen nothing in print. Perhaps she has been sharing the story orally; that is a venerable tradition.
And for authors embarking on their own journeys, remember: we, as publishers, are here not to stifle your voice but to amplify it. The best outcomes arise when authors and publishers move forward as partners in pursuit of a shared goal.
Bottom line: If you are in the position of searching for publisher and find one that is interested, listen to the advice, take the suggestions, and ask, don't demand, whatever is dear to you (and forget, or at least double-check, what anyone not associated with the publishing and intellectual property industries tell you).
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 22 years of publishing first-time and experiences authors, we have had a conversation with one of our authors that we can share with you.
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.
Check out recent issues.
 |
Follow MSI Press on Twitter, Face Book, Pinterest, Bluesky, and Instagram.
Interested in publishing with MSI Press LLC?
Check out information on how to submit a proposal.
Planning on self-publishing and don't know where to start? Our author au pair services will mentor you through the process.
Julia Aziz, signing her book, Lessons of Labor, at an event at Book People in Austin, Texas.
Comments
Post a Comment