tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post8025021982310455863..comments2024-03-29T03:42:04.742-04:00Comments on Author, Jody Hedlund: The Risks of Taking On Debut AuthorsJody Hedlundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12424307540530719614noreply@blogger.comBlogger50125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-67507721875198510872010-02-09T11:01:48.666-05:002010-02-09T11:01:48.666-05:00I think subconsciously I had at least a glimmer of...I think subconsciously I had at least a glimmer of an idea how much work and support publishers put forth for authors, but this post really makes it clear just how MUCH they do. Thanks for a glimpse into the reality.Erichttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07823808700523297184noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-57205682783377056582010-02-07T16:51:16.656-05:002010-02-07T16:51:16.656-05:00What can i say - I LOVE BETHANY HOUSE!!!!!!!!! The...What can i say - I LOVE BETHANY HOUSE!!!!!!!!! They are amazing people with wonderful staff and warmth that encourages aspiring authors. I'm still so excited for you it just gives me goosebumps. But, for the record, can you tell them to hurry-it up? I want to get your book on preorder so I can read it the moment it comes out! :)Jaime Wrighthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07768583469408522818noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-58294462789751809622010-02-06T23:18:16.967-05:002010-02-06T23:18:16.967-05:00I wish I could meet the models on the cover of my ...I wish I could meet the models on the cover of my book, Is That All He Thinks About?<br /><br />I'm pretty sure the publisher just bought the photo from somewhere though. That would've been an interesting photo shoot. :)Marla Tavianohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14485117754789717519noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-19128899536789885432010-02-06T17:38:59.910-05:002010-02-06T17:38:59.910-05:00I'm in rewrites and gearing up to go on submis...I'm in rewrites and gearing up to go on submission. Your post is timely and will remind me to "mellow out" and trust that the houses know what they're doing and what they're looking for. As always, thanks for the great info!Debra Lynn Sheltonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08238268767406623274noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-74119376926449925752010-02-06T16:16:41.727-05:002010-02-06T16:16:41.727-05:00Jody,
Thanks for your candid thoughts on the publi...Jody,<br />Thanks for your candid thoughts on the publishing process -- this has really given me a fresh perspective. As an unpublished writer, I often feel myself getting bitter and frustrated -- it's all about me, me, me you know! But this post has helped me take off the "me" blinders -- at least for a while -- to appreciate the guys on the other side of the fence, and the challenges they face. <br /><br />Thanks!Michelle DeRushahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07658349105535790020noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-37261372152055367122010-02-06T04:25:13.363-05:002010-02-06T04:25:13.363-05:00Great post, Jody. I think it's so easy to forg...Great post, Jody. I think it's so easy to forget what it's like making decisions on the other side of the table. Publishers have to be so very careful with who they take on at the best of times. Thanks for the reminder.Karen Collumhttp://www.karencollum.com.aunoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-23732089251662890292010-02-05T22:35:33.553-05:002010-02-05T22:35:33.553-05:00I understand the need for houses to be cautious an...I understand the need for houses to be cautious and only take those they are absolutely in love with, but it is hard for masses of writers hoping to break in. It's a business and the houses have to do what is best for the business. We can't let it get us down though, because if God's hand is in our writing, then His plan will prevails in His time. :)Sherrinda Ketchersidhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07581676437345249386noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-43882411589389600792010-02-05T22:02:03.029-05:002010-02-05T22:02:03.029-05:00Trying to retweet, but it says "servers not a...Trying to retweet, but it says "servers not available."<br /><br />This is one of the best posts I've read on publishing.Walt Mussellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07252729944233200374noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-21653912687435704452010-02-05T20:03:13.887-05:002010-02-05T20:03:13.887-05:00I think they are justified in being picky. That’s...I think they are justified in being picky. That’s money and time and I can’t blame them for wanting what they think will succeed.Southpawhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16539290964546504171noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-44665317492607706332010-02-05T20:00:20.875-05:002010-02-05T20:00:20.875-05:00I love that your sharing this journey with us - it...I love that your sharing this journey with us - it feels a little like I'm taking a class. You're broadening my understanding of the publishing world while I get to feel your excitement along the way. Thank you.Deb Shuckahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03439395710731341021noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-43456523036538580392010-02-05T19:42:32.285-05:002010-02-05T19:42:32.285-05:00I've heard both writers and non-writers bash p...I've heard both writers and non-writers bash publishing houses because, "they're only concerned about the money." Yet, if they didn't make sound decisions concerning what they publish, they wouldn't be around very long.<br /><br />Now, when someone makes a remark, I give them a short reality check.<br /><br />Blessings,<br />Susan :)Susan J. Reinhardthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07461276857852409546noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-76029020209792931522010-02-05T18:57:33.077-05:002010-02-05T18:57:33.077-05:00Thanks for such an informative post, Jody! I think...Thanks for such an informative post, Jody! I think in today's market publishing houses have to use a lot of business savvy to stay alive. As writers we hope agents and editors will see potential in our work, but no, I don't think I'd wish for them to take a big risk if they didn't feel it would be worth it. I want good publishing houses to be around for a long time! Hopefully while I wait my writing will keep improving until it meets their standards.Carol J. Garvinhttp://careann.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-39786001977285245792010-02-05T16:27:32.196-05:002010-02-05T16:27:32.196-05:00I had your sense of shock when I realized everythi...I had your sense of shock when I realized everything that goes into the cover art, the marketing concept. Yes, it's overwhelming...and can be intimidating!!!<br /><br />Loved the tightrope image and am so glad you continue to glean great info for writers.<br /><br />Pattipattihttp://www.pattilacy.com/blognoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-37293909192327199862010-02-05T15:30:43.858-05:002010-02-05T15:30:43.858-05:00Of course they have to be careful. However, some o...Of course they have to be careful. However, some of them are mainly out to make money and treat every 'risk' as a monetary investment NOT a literary one. Publishing should not be all about the money. Sadly, most of it is at the moment.<br />I was told that while my content is great, my profile wasn't high enough to be taken on. My books are now about who I am and not what I've written. This is completely wrong. <br />All of us had to be début authors at one point. Where does this leave us?<br />I wish you all the best with this and may you sell hundreds of thousands of copies!Anne Lyken-Garnerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01425485414456096031noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-39529534680509597292010-02-05T15:09:11.860-05:002010-02-05T15:09:11.860-05:00That really puts things in perspective. Yes, I th...That really puts things in perspective. Yes, I think they have a right to be so careful about debut authors. They are taking a big risk.Susan R. Millshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09578747592345750650noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-32271545710418763392010-02-05T13:42:46.925-05:002010-02-05T13:42:46.925-05:00A book I read not long ago actually gave me a bigg...A book I read not long ago actually gave me a bigger glimpse into some of the efforts that a publisher goes through with any author, but mainly debut authors. As with many careers and jobs, it's easier to get a position if people know you and how you work. When you are unknown people don't generally gravitate towards you as quickly. If they believe in you enough, they take a chance. I think it's fair to say that if they don't believe in someone or their work, after seeing what that person has to offer, I can't blame them for not taking the risk.CMOM Productionshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04595915747223847421noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-57875627231301752242010-02-05T13:28:41.004-05:002010-02-05T13:28:41.004-05:00Thank you for the behind the scenes look. Glad tha...Thank you for the behind the scenes look. Glad that they are willing to take the risk with new authors.Diane Marie Shawhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03365346835912314686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-86234506183741752382010-02-05T13:26:54.700-05:002010-02-05T13:26:54.700-05:00I really appreciate that it's such a huge risk...I really appreciate that it's such a huge risk. It'll mean a lot when someone decides to take a chance on me!Kristen Torres-Torohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15903038121623389560noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-47301845554115818582010-02-05T13:10:53.431-05:002010-02-05T13:10:53.431-05:00It's nice to see a post from publishing's ...It's nice to see a post from publishing's perspective! Very informative.Angela Perryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12283365861048428440noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-84550867599529303692010-02-05T12:58:07.462-05:002010-02-05T12:58:07.462-05:00I didn't realize your book was such a high wor...I didn't realize your book was such a high word count! WOW!:)) And yes I know of the money they put in after attending so many CBA's over the years--so much money went out there to promote the new authors and the old.<br /> SO happy for you!Terri Tiffanyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07771622379178654235noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-68204578734316559782010-02-05T12:53:16.007-05:002010-02-05T12:53:16.007-05:00Great article and yes, as an unpubbed, agented aut...Great article and yes, as an unpubbed, agented author, I'm aware. Still, it doesn't lessen the fact that I want a publisher to take a risk on ME!Gina Conroyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13647753231391009981noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-36537173359432570762010-02-05T12:49:42.504-05:002010-02-05T12:49:42.504-05:00Wow! I never realized how much time, effort and mo...Wow! I never realized how much time, effort and money goes into publishing a book! Thanks for the insights!Donna M. Kohlstromhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04268172745025677265noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-10269461551038118072010-02-05T12:49:30.150-05:002010-02-05T12:49:30.150-05:00I think I've been aware of the investment publ...I think I've been aware of the investment publishing houses make, but only on a sort of back-of-my-mind basis. Thank you so much for painting the picture more clearly. It really does make me feel like I need to really push myself to make sure my writing is the best it can possibly be. How else can I convince publishers to take my novel over someone else's?Karen M. Petersonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06972093977468313631noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-48387299553692484732010-02-05T12:19:09.541-05:002010-02-05T12:19:09.541-05:00Thank you for this post (and the others of this to...Thank you for this post (and the others of this tone that you've done in the past.) I agree that we writers need to try on the publisher's shoes from time to time--we're not the only ones sticking our necks out. Posts like these give me even more respect for the folks on the other side of the desk!Lylahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10828965110399028753noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-30039434574982115722010-02-05T11:52:12.160-05:002010-02-05T11:52:12.160-05:00Very interesting! Thanks for sharing the inside sc...Very interesting! Thanks for sharing the inside scoop on the process. As a numbers person, I completely understand their need to justify the investment. I just hope they consider my book worth the investment some day. :-)Sarah Forgravehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09101753891967001104noreply@blogger.com