It’s been an interesting and insightful week.
A week of lessons
It’s been an interesting and insightful week.
One thing above all else is clear. If the course of true love never runs smooth, then the course of publishing is also a white-water, white-knuckle ride.
Watching the process from the inside, I realise just how hard it is on so many different levels. It requires tenacity, faith and vision. They need to find a book they can believe in, deal with the obstreperous, egotistical writer (that’s me, folks) and keep their eyes on the prize.
It now seems impossible to believe that a book can succeed without being available on Amazon. And with only one national bookshop chain here in the UK, it’s Waterstones and the enervating challenge of targeting the 1,000 or so independents.
So, for example, the critical element of the POD publisher is the nexus between printer/distributor and retailers, be they online or high-street. This is essentially an automated process that doesn’t appear to take too kindly to human intervention. Waiting for the system to unwind requires patience and tranquillity. Much of this is invisible to the likes of you and me. As writers and readers, we take our product when we can, producing what outsiders can scarcely imagine in terms of output, even if much of it lands on the cutting-room floor, and getting our mitts on books via Amazon, ABE or our local bookshop.
Let me tell you, I don’t do patience. And tranquillity is not really my stock-in-trade. The only time I’m laid back is for a medical procedure of unspeakable invasiveness (try and put that image out your mind, if you can). So, funnily enough, the whole e-book thing is more sympathetic. Converting the text into Kindle format, getting it through the Amazon ‘stocking’ system and readers downloading it was fast, flawless and hassle-free.
So I’ve learned quite a lot since my last blog. That commercial processes work in their own sweet way and can’t be rushed. That publishing requires the dexterity of the juggler, the mental acuity of an Einstein and the patience of a saint. Also that, sooner rather than later, I may have to revisit my decision to eschew e-books in preference for the tactile pleasure of handling books, picking one out from a shelf or just settling down in an armchair with a beloved and trusted old friend.
But, for now, I have to write a speech for tonight’s launch at Waterstones Hampstead. I’ll report back next week, if that’s ok with you.
Ian Phillips is a freelance writer for businesses whose first novel, Grosse Fugue, is being published by Alliance Publishing Press. Further information is now available at www.alliancepublishingpress.com. The website dedicated to the novel is at www.grossefugue.com and Ian’s tweeting developments @Ian_at_theWord.
I haven't read it as yet, Adrian.
I agree absolutely about avoiding complacency. And I'm sure that you're right when you say there are some very lazy publishers (and authors) out there. A few years ago I was reading a new novel by a celebrated writer with a number of successes under his belt. The more I read, the crosser I got as I encountered a series of errors. In the end, I finished it, and then went back, listed the mistakes and sent them to author, editor and copy editor.
So, yes, strive for perfection but accept it is, in all probability, out of reach and, as you say, cut the umbilicus before the book withers on the vine (mixed metaphor intended).
Hi Ian.
Did you read Wanda Whiteley's blog 3/5/12.
She raised the issue of how much effort the publishers reader will take over a novel.
It appears that some publishers will print a book 'warts and all' as long as they believe it will make them a healthy profit. In their eagerness to rake in the money, they adopt a lazy attitude, which is very disappointing.
I understand that publishers are there to make money, but an author is entitled to quality of service. If a book is considered good enough to be published, I would expect to see a finely-tuned finished product worthy of an authors determined efforts.
Reading Wanda Whiteley's blog confirms my belief, that it is advisable for authors not to become complacent about thoroughly editing their manuscripts. As a fail-safe, I will keep editing until I am satisfied with my manuscript.
I hope that as I strive for perfection, my dedication to this task does not become a life-long obsession. To prevent this scenario, I have employed a private literary editor to look over my manuscript.
I hope that before this year is out, I will snip the umbilical cord.
The short answer Barbara is: Always.
I try to suppress my nerves by forcing myself to realise that it is inevitable, it has to be done, and so 'twere better done well. I rehearse quite a bit but also ensure that I have my script to read from. The crutch helps avoid the twin fears - forgetting the words or losing one's thread.
I have no compunction about being seen to be reading but do ensure that I look up at my audience frequently.
I've received lots of tips over the years but, in the end, one has to develop one's own style and trust that it works.