If so, why?
With the seismic shift in publishing these days, and the reality that virtually anyone can publish a book, one of the odd changes has of course been that the gatekeepers no longer exist. I.e., you don’t have to impress agents and publishing-house novel editors to see your book in print. Gone are the days of writers quietly honing their craft, learning the art of great fiction (and non), toiling for years in obscurity, striving for that one “yes” from someone in the industry—someone who can make their dreams come true.
Now, what I hear from a huge majority of new writers is: “I just need someone to proof my book. I’ve already spent a ton of money on the cover, the website, the PR . . .” Book development gets tossed out the window. And the books, of course, are absolutely abysmal.
Does it matter?
Those serious writers, the ones who care about their craft, the ones who still aspire to leap over publishing’s slush pile and be published by traditional houses, or just strive to put out the very best book they possibly can—in any format—know that quality still matters. Yes, we can all point to exceptions. Fifty Shades of them, which has spawned an entire industry (not to mention an entire industry of parody as well). Is that disheartening to serious writers? You bet. But what sells in the marketplace has to do with a plethora of factors, and often isn’t about quality.
So, why on earth does quality matter?
Another odd shift is occurring. Readers are getting fed up. In this day of a vast sea of self-published books (and most readers can’t tell from which venue a book is published), readers are downloading free books and discarding. They tell me this every single day: “I can’t find anything decent to read.” The point of a free download is to build an audience for a writer. If the reader can’t get through the first page before tossing it, that goal just fizzled to a quick death.
Last year, a half a million e-books were published. The estimate for this year is one million. And for next? Fifteen million books. Fifteen million. It boggles the mind! In that huge ocean, how will yours be seen and not drown?
Unless it takes off like a tornado straight from the sky, a book and its author must build the audience—one reader at a time. Well-written books—those from writers who still strive to learn and grow and master the art of fiction (and non)—find some traction, as time goes on. I’ve seen this happen over and over and over again. While the newbies’ books languish and die, the serious authors’ have a long life, building over time. Word of mouth is a slow process, but one that doesn’t stop.
Will you still be writing five, ten years from now? Or have become disgruntled with the whole industry (easy to do)? Those book authors who yearn to write from the depths of their souls, who want not only to publish but also to write the very best they have within them, will still be around. And their books will still be selling.
As an award-winning author and editor, since 1993, 50 + of my authors’ books have sold to Traditional publishers. Many have won awards, been made into films, been featured in Publishers Weekly, and become bestsellers. I also love English Labradors, red wine, and write literary fiction and co-authored nonfiction,
Yes, quality of writing is highly important to those authors looking for long term success.
As you know, I’m still pretty new to the craft, however, even I’ve learned to quickly spot a poorly written, edited book. These will rapidly fade, always leaving room for great writing to rise atop the pile.
Enjoyed the article, Susan!
Great points, Randy! And isn’t it amazing how poor writing just jumps out at you now!
Great article, and one I sorely needed to read. There’s still hope for those of us who yearn for affirmation that, yes, there is a Santa Claus…for good boys and girls.
Sometimes the slogging really is tough, Jinny! But that piece of encouragement comes just when you need it, if you’re meant to do this. And we know that you are!
Editor and writer Susan Mary Malone has written a timely article that should spark some debate or at least some needed reflection among both veteran and aspiring writers. A must read!
http://www.maloneeditorial.com/
Thanks, Christine! It’s something we all truly need to be talking about.
A sensible and well-reasoned post. It’s true that the overwhelming majority of indie published books are, not to put too fine a point on it, crap. Readers are drowning in lakes of poor books. It is incumbent upon those of us who care to make sure that what we write is written well, that we understand the rules before we break them, and that we produce the best we possibly can. That way, as you so rightly say, we stand a chance of having our reputations spread in a positive way by word of mouth; one reader at a time.
Very well put, Stuart! And yes, that huge sea of pretty awful books . . . But I truly believe that good authors will rise to the top.
As an avid reader, Yes.
As a book reviewer, Yes.
As a book editor, Yes.
Nothing will turn a reader off faster than lack luster quality.
You are so right, Robert. And love that you’re a reader, reviewer, and editor! You come from different angles, which add a lot. I tell writers every day that if the first one isn’t up to snuff–no matter how many sales it has–you’ll lose that audience for the next one.
This is vintage Susan, I know her. The fact that publishing is easirer than every before is no excuse for “Anything Goes.” Both aspiring and established writers are well advised that books, like diamond, are for ever. Anything written, or recorded, is one’s footprints on the sands of time — something that is going to enoble or embarrass one’s offspring, long after one is gone.
Excellent point, Efiong! The last thing any of us want to do is wake up five years later (or even five minutes) and cringe at something that needed work in a published book! Thank you for your insights!
A simple one word answer, YES.
As an avid reader and reviewer I detest reading something that requires editing, and should have been proofread before it ended up in the hands of readers.
You’re not alone, Robert. More and more readers are grumbling about this! Hopefully, this will begin to truly change.
Yes, quality will always matter, but I often wonder to whom will it matter. I just read an article that takes the opposite position, saying that publishing is forever changed. I also just read a whole book on why we should write the “Shades Of” type of books and how to do it.
Of course, I can only write what makes me proud, and that a few dedicated readers enjoy.
You know, Jim, publishing truly is forever changed. And much of that is a negative thing, especially as per quality. Writers, editors, reviewers have been grumbling at the “dumbing down” of books for a while, but when readers start doing so, well, things are beginning to move back the opposite way. If just a hair. Although the whole Fifty-shades phenomena does belie that . . .
Kudos to you! Stick to your guns and keep writing what makes you proud!
Quality is everything. This is a topic that concerns me. As Susan points out, any monkey can publish the gibberish that makes up the vast majority of the self-published “books.” Unedited crap written by people who not only can’t write, but probably never finished high school, and who think that being a writer means typing words on paper. (It is, but that’s called a first draft). People who don’t understand that it’s a craft.
Amazon mixes self-published books and traditionally published books. The reader has to sift through them. It’s not that hard to spot a self-published book, though. It’s free. Or 99 cents. Shit cover. From the first three sentences you can tell it’s written by someone with an fifth grade education.
This is because there’s no gatekeeper. But there will ultimately need to be one. Or the self-published books will need to be entirely separate from the the others.
Even some “publishers” are little more than self-publishers. The garbage they publish will also need to be segregated.
The book Susan helped me with is being published by a small publisher in September or October. They’re small, but they are a bona fide publisher. They are editing the garbage out of my book. Not because there’re a lot typos, or because the writing is bad, but little things. Beefing up a character, correcting minor inconsistencies, stuff like that. But the book was in a condition to be published at all because of Susan. And I hired Susan because I always knew quality matters.
You make so many great points here, Mike! As much as writers bemoaned the gatekeepers, they were there for a reason.
It’s writers like you who push through, dig deep, put in the blood, sweat, and tears who go on to publish. Kudos to you!
Absolutely correct! As a 100 percent Indie author, I work my backside off to produce a high-quality book. I pay a copy editor, artists, and fortunately I’ve been able to master formatting, so that does at least save a few pennies. But I’ve read some crap put out by other Indie authors, and yes, if you put out crap, readers will leave you for someone else. The author/reader relationship is like a marriage which can end in a nasty divorce if you fail to impress them with a quality product. I’ve been published about 3 years and am now finally getting enough sales to cover my costs. Writing is a long-term venture. Don’t do it if you can’t devote the time and give readers a good book.
Perfectly said, Kathy! And congratulations on your success–you’re doing everything right!
Hi Everyone,
As an avid reader and a careful editor I wholly agree with the views expressed here. Kathy Rowe sums it up the best! So even if self-publishing has come to stay, it would be worthwhile to present a lasting work to the reader. Necessary processes such as editing, proofreading, design and promotion have to be undergone for this to happen.
I am a contracted editor with http://www.10dbc.com that helps aspiring writers get published in a better manner.
Wish you all the best in your endeavors!
Vivian Morris Dey
http://in.linkedin.com/in/vivianmorrisdey/
http://www.nicheediting.com (under construction)
Thanks, Vivian! Wishing you the best as well.
Dear Susan,
Thank you for writing this post. It is a topic that is often thrown my way.
Quality of writing always matters. Yes, there are some authors out there who do a great job self-publishing, but with the ease of self-publishing many books get published that never should. Unfortunately, I have attempted to read books that were just pure garbage or filled with errors. I can’t express the frustration I’ve felt while trying to get through a book that could have been wonderful with a little more work.
At present, I’ve written two drafts of my first manuscript and have my next two books outlined. I’m often asked when I plan on publishing my book and literally have a waiting list, but I have no intention on publishing anything until I can gather up enough resources to correctly invest on making my books the best I can in hopes of getting an agent and publisher.
When people hear this I’m often met with a puzzled look. This is almost always followed by being asked why I bother with all of that when I can just self-publish. It is my belief that just because anyone can publish, doesn’t mean they should. I fear for the future of the writing industry, and have no intention on contributing to its mediocrity. I’m in this for the long haul, and am ready to do everything possible to present my work at its best.
Hopefully, you will be hearing from me again in the near future. It would be a pleasure to work with you. Until then, best wishes on your continued success.
Bellanda
Oh, Ballanda, I love hearing from writers like you! Those dedicated to the craft, and not just happy with slapping enough words on the page to call it a book. I, too, have been dismayed by the publishing industry, and I love that you ‘have no intention of contributing to its mediocrity’!
Keep doing what you’re doing. With your focus, you’ll get there. And let me know down the road if I can be of help.
All Best,
Susan
Thank you, Susan. I will definitely keep you posted.
Best wishes,
Bellanda
Great article, Susan. Thanks for the encouragement. It can get discouraging when you see the flood of books being published today to find a way to stand out. You remind us that quality is what will separate the wheat from the chaff, so onward and upward and back to the keyboard. 🙂
Colleen
It can get discouraging, Colleen. But the medicine for that is great writing! So yes, back to the keyboard!
All Best,
Susan
Hi Susan,
For me, there is no debate on this. Passion should drive writing. How can I produce bad quality for something I am passionate about?
Regards,
Zulfiqar
That sums up the whole issue, Zulfiqar! And your passion shows so beautifully in your work. And now The Rat-Boys of Karalabad is out! One of my favorite books ever.
Much Success to You!
Susan
Amen sister! There is a LOT of bad s*** out there. But for those of us who can’t, won’t, don’t know how to quit the sun continues to shine. For every book that is worth reading there are plenty of readers. The critical part issue is how to let those people know? If I write for the sheer pleasure of the process, I’ll be happy with a few friends enjoying my work. But, writing is a business, after all. And if I’m in it to make money (like most of us are) then I’ll treat it like any other business. Create a product people will want, and market it well. Promote, promote, promote. It’s crass. It’s almost embarrassing (at least for those of us from the Victorian age). And it’s not much fun. Until you start selling, of course. Your book is like a tube of toothpaste on a store shelf. You are the only one who can catch the eye of the buyer and get them to notice (and choose to purchase) your product. I don’t like it, it takes away from my real work….but I’ve got a new book out, The Secret Lives Of Ordinary Women, A Collection of Short Stories, and this time I’m going to put my money where my mouth is! Stay tuned.
Sage advice, Ginnie! And yep, the promo is difficult for many of us. But your work is so lovely. Can’t wait to read the new one!
All Best,
Susan
This is why when I wrote my book, I wanted to go the traditional route. A small publisher agreed to publish Inside Dweller for me and referred me to an agent. The agent is a professional editor and is working to edit the book for me as we speak. For anyone who is looking to get published, I would much rather get published with a medium sized publishing house with nationwide distribution first time out than self-publish a book, then find a way to stand out among them. I am relying on the expertise of the publisher to help me, but I am not totally reliant, because I have already begun to market it. I think your information is right and I agree with it, because it’s very easy to write a poor book then shovel money out of your pocket to get it published yourself, but that doesn’t guarantee you will ever sell a single book. I don’t know why people think they’ve written a book then suddenly they’re experts on publication, editing, distribution, sales, and fulfillment. I didn’t want to try and reinvent the wheel. All I wanted to do was write a book and get it published, and let the experts handle the rest while remaining proactive and involved with the marketing and selling. Happy writing :).
You nailed the gist of the matter, Kirsten. SO many folks are just tossing words onto a page, saying they have a book, and spending the dollars to publish and promote it.
Congrats on your sale!
Susan
Thanks so much, Susan. Enjoy the Olympics!