Five Reasons Your Novel Remains Unpublished, Despite Not Being Responsible for Unpublished Status
In the dynamic world of publishing, change is the only constant. Traditional publishers, once the gatekeepers of literature, are adapting to a new reality, one that bears resemblance to the movie industry.
This shift is evident in the increasing focus on blockbuster books, which are seen as the key to profitability. Publishers, much like cable and streaming video companies such as Netflix, HBO, and Amazon, are producing lower-cost films—er, books—and making a profit from them. However, this strategy also means that publishers are limited in the number of books they can publish each year, as they focus on a few titles and invest heavily in marketing to protect their investments in high actor fees and promotion.
This concentration on a select few books can sometimes lead to a reluctance to grow revenue, as some publishers fear that expansion might upset their current way of doing business. Yet, the future seems promising, with the advent of e-books poised to disrupt the current publishing model. The author believes that e-books will lower production costs and take book roster constraints off the table for talented authors, leading to a brighter future for both authors and publishers.
The publishing industry is a competitive field that requires talent, perseverance, and a dash of luck. Rejections, such as the initial one John Grisham faced with his first legal thriller, are commonplace. Yet, they also serve as reminders that genre rules can be broken, and a bestseller can emerge from the most unexpected places.
In the midst of this competitive landscape, publishers are on the lookout for unique, compelling, and well-written manuscripts. They may be interested in expanding into new genres, even if they are not currently active in a particular genre. This was evident in the case of the author's friend, who sold a book to a publisher that wasn't active in his particular non-fiction genre, but was intrigued by the opportunity to expand into it.
However, the decision to publish a book is not always straightforward. Publishers may reject a manuscript if they are unsure of how to sell it, particularly if it doesn't fit neatly into a recognised genre. The publisher that released Larry Kahaner's thriller, St. Martin's Press, is a testament to this, as they took a chance on a unique and compelling manuscript.
Despite the challenges, the publishing industry remains a beacon of creativity and innovation. As the landscape continues to evolve, one thing is certain—the need for talented authors and publishers who are willing to take risks and embrace change will only grow stronger.
