Authors meeting their publishers

Unimportant · Dec 17, 2009

On another thread, a publisher has said that one of their requirements before they'll sign an author is that they must be able to meet and interview the author face-to-face and be impressed by the author's personality etc.

uprising said:
We do mean face to face and you'll find this is not that unusual, even in traditional publishing -- particularly for non-fiction. The media is critical to marketing books and you need writers who can take proper advantage of that.

I don't know too many publishing house owners personally, but I've never run across one who wants to physically meet with authors. However, I may well have just missed the boat and be totally clueless about the reality of publishing. And since I live ten thousand miles away from nearly every publisher on the planet, the idea is daunting at best. Thankfully, no one who has ever published my work has wanted to meet me or even know what colour my eyes are, but is it likely to happen in future? Should I cross "write novel length work" and "write another non-fiction book" off my list of things to do, since there's no freaking way I could ever afford to fly around the world to meet with a small press owner?

Kalyke · Dec 17, 2009

Why can't they talk on the phone, must they smell you? telephones, they say, are marvellous today. I can totally understand a small press wanting an up-close and personal with their author. Sometimes small presses publish only 5 books a year, so they might be putting quite a lot of an investment into each writer. On the other hand, They would give you at least a year to get it together to visit with them-- since most also have a huge backlog. If they approach you with this problem you might suggest meeting them half way. And, if no one is bringing this up to you, specifically, right now, then cross that bridge when you come to it. Don't concern your self with things that have not happened yet.

Claudia Gray · Dec 18, 2009

I publish with a large press, and although we did end up meeting eventually, it wasn't until after I'd signed, and even that was only because I was living in NYC at the time and scheduling a lunch was pretty simple. I would be surprised if this were a standing requirement, and even presses that normally ask for it might be willing to talk on the phone instead upon hearing that you live so far away. So don't be discouraged.

Terie · Dec 18, 2009

I've never met my publishers in person. One is 6,000 miles and an ocean away. My series was accepted via e-mail. My first phone contact was after the contract was in the mail (possibly even after it was signed and returned, but I can't remember for sure).

I've never heard of a publisher requiring personal meetings. So while the quoted pubisher might choose to insist on them, they are by no stretch of the imagination 'not that unusual'.

Amarie · Dec 18, 2009

I read that thread and the people behind that company don't have any experience in publishing, which may be why they don't know it IS unusual to have a requirement to meet face to face. It may be the case for a writer who wants to be a self-help guru, but I can't think of any other reason. I haven't met my publisher, and don't know when or if I will. It hasn't made a difference.

ETA: Alarm bells are ringing in my head. The whole idea that they want writers who have a bunch of trunked novels is bizarre. I don't think the best way to bring out books quickly is to publish crummy manuscripts that no one else would take. (I have more than one of those trunked myself.)

the addster · Dec 18, 2009

Depending on the size of the publisher, I suppose, I think a face to face is even kind of rare for folks who will be promoting their books through conferences and other personal appearances. I have heard of proposals from, and tapes or DVDs of past presentations or media appearances being requested, but that's it. They can tell if you are presentable without meeting you.

Richard White · Dec 18, 2009

Which thread did this come up in?

Phaeal · Dec 18, 2009

If the publishers want to meet the author, it could be a good sign: They mean to push his work through the media and want to see what kind of impression he might make.

Amarie · Dec 18, 2009

It's here: http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=165414

DeleyanLee · Dec 18, 2009

My only warning bell is: if they're making this a requirement and it's not feasible for whatever reason, I have to wonder what else they're going to require of me that's going to unpleasantly interrupt my life?

My feeling is that their attention should be geared at marketing my fiction. in general only the really big-budget authors deal with personal appearances and a small press is, by design, unable to handle that sort of thing.

That kind of requirement would ensure I'd never submit there.

Jamesaritchie · Dec 18, 2009

That's dumber than a potted plant. I wouldn't give that publisher a piece of used toilet paper, let alone anything I wrote.

Richard White · Dec 18, 2009

I've never been asked to meet my publisher (although I have talked to one of them on the phone before but that was to settle a small matter of getting a paycheck).

I consider it pretty lucky that I've met two of my editors and that's because both of them were at conventions I happened to be attending . . . and I don't live that far from NY. There's just no reason to meet them in person when e-mail and phone covered everything we needed.

(We won't even go into that company's lack of experience, their veiled threats ("you can wait until we're established, but our slush pile will be much bigger"), their weasel-wording in response to direct questions . . . No, I think James is right here.)

Swordswoman · Dec 18, 2009

Jamesaritchie said:
That's dumber than a potted plant. I wouldn't give that publisher a piece of used toilet paper, let alone anything I wrote.

Seriously, though, in the UK this is pretty usual - at least with the big publishers. I've never heard of it being a deal-breaker if it doesn't happen, but it's generally considered a wise move on the part of both author and publisher if they're looking to build a serious, long-term career relationship to at least meet up first.

I like it. My agent likes it too, as it gives us a chance to meet several publishers, have a relaxed chat over lunch and see if you like what they have in mind for your book. A purely money-orientated agent wouldn't care so much, they'd want you to go with the best offer, but a good long-term career agent will want to make sure you're happy with the publisher's view of your work.

The marketing angle is important too. These days, the writer who thinks their job is over when they've written the book is a rare and soon-to-be-extinct animal. If I were a publisher, I'd want to make sure I didn't have a dribbling maniac on my hands, or someone who can't string two words together at a social event, or someone whose political views are so extreme and offensive they should never be let near a blog or a live interview. The best way to find out those things is a personal meeting, preferably over a meal or some other relaxing social occasion.

However, I can see this is a lot easier in the UK, because it's tiny. Everyone in the country can travel to London. The US is a different matter, and I'd guess publishers and writers need to be a lot more flexible. However, when it comes to marketing, distance can't be a barrier. Another of my agent's writers flew over from Mauritius specifically to promote her book - and this is considered usual.

So, no. I can quite see why this could pose a lot of practical problems in the US, and I'm sure most publishers would be prepared to waive the meeting on those grounds, but I don't think a desire for it is intrinsically wrong in itself. I like to meet people I plan to do business with - don't you?

Louise

Izz · Dec 18, 2009

Swordswoman said:
Seriously, though, in the UK this is pretty usual - at least with the big publishers.

I know of plenty of authors published with big houses in the UK who've never met with their publishers face to face.

These days, the writer who thinks their job is over when they've written the book is a rare and soon-to-be-extinct animal.

And the day that happens we'll be well on our way back to the nineteenth century, where only the rich or those sponsored by the rich could hope to write and earn money from it.

katiemac · Dec 18, 2009

I understand where the practice would be nice, especially so you get to meet who's potentially working on your book and vice versa, but in the end I'd rather the money for my plane ticket--even it's just a couple hundred bucks--goes back into the marketing budget for promoting my book.

Swordswoman · Dec 18, 2009

Izz said:
I know of plenty of authors published with big houses in the UK who've never met their publishers face to face.

Really? I say that not to doubt you, but just because I personally haven't met any. My agent did say this was a relatively recent development, though - probably coinciding with the need to use the author more in marketing.

Maybe (says she hopefully) Phael is right, and it's more to do with the kind of book deal or the sort of push a publisher plans to give the book. I'd love to believe that (obviously

) though I have to say I know small to midlist writers who've also all met their publishers. It's a subject that comes up a lot, because people at the SofA are always wanting to know what particular publishers are like in person. Publishers may not realize it, but we are vetting them every bit as much as the other way round...

Louise

Emily Winslow · Dec 18, 2009

Richard White said:
I don't live that far from NY. There's just no reason to meet them in person when e-mail and phone covered everything we needed.

I agree that the *requirement* of a face-to-face meeting is odd, and that their secretiveness in general doesn't bode well.

On the side topic of meeting one's editor, by choice, after beginning a publishing relationship, however, I feel differently from you, Richard.

I've had the opportunity to get to know my agent and my editor personally over the past 2 years. Spending time with them, getting to know their tones of voice and body language (and they mine), telling jokes, brainstorming...all this has added a background to our mainly phone-and-email relationship that I find tremendously helpful.

Is it needed? No. Is it helpful? In my opinion, yes, yes, yes. (And fun too.)

Of course, this isn't an option everyone has. But for those who can get themselves in the same place as their agent or editor, I think it's worth it, to support the building of a long term relationship.

Swordswoman · Dec 18, 2009

[derail]

Izz said:
And the day that happens we'll be well on our way back to the nineteenth century, where only the rich or those sponsored by the rich could hope to write and earn money from it.

From Jonathan Fields in Wednesday's Huffington Post...

Yes, I get that most authors just want to write and cringe at the thoughtof platform building or marketing. I want to live in 3,000 square foot photo loft in the West Village for $600 a month. Doesn't mean I can. The world is changing in a profound way. Publishers are struggling to find their place in the new book economy and will very likely have to endure huge, painful change.

I don't get your concerns about money and rich authors though. It doesn't cost much to blog or build an online platform, or to give a radio interview. Also, if your publisher's a good one, they're the ones paying. All that's required of the author is her time. Why should you need to be rich for that?

Yes, I can see this means those with bigger (and richer) publishing houses will be able to promote their authors better, but what's so new about that? Those books on the table in the front of the store - how do you think they got there? Placement costs money, and it always has. I'm not saying that's right, simply a fact.

If that's 19th century to you, then I'm afraid it's already here.

[/derail]

Louise

Richard White · Dec 18, 2009

Emily,

I think you missed my point.

Meeting with the editor? Yeah, I can see something to be gained from that. Learning what an editor is interested in and their foibles/quirks can be useful, especially when you're selling directly to them (don't have an agent at the moment - but that's because I'm mostly writing media tie-in which is work for hire anyway).

I've been published with/through Berekely, Simon and Schuester and Big Finish, LTD. What would I gain by meeting these publishers? Berkeley and S&S are huge publishers with hundreds/thousands of authors. The publisher won't know me from squat.

Big Finish, LTD is located somewhere in England. All I needed was to be sure the editor knew where to send my short story and to ensure they had the right mailing address for the check. Given the amount of money I got paid for that story, there was no way in heck I'd have flown there to meet them if it was a requirement to getting the Dr. Who gig.

Agent? Yeah, I'd like to meet mine (if I ever get one).

Editor? I can see some value added there.

Publisher? Nope. Not seeing it.

Izz · Dec 18, 2009

Swordswoman said:
If that's 19th century to you, then I'm afraid it's already here.

You've missed my point entirely, Louise, but i didn't provide any context so i can understand why.

However, i don't have the time, inclination or energy to argue/animatedly discuss this with you right now. So the derail will not continue

Swordswoman · Dec 18, 2009

Richard White said:
Editor? I can see some value added there.
Publisher? Nope. Not seeing it.

Ah! I wonder if we're just looking at a language barrier here - maybe a UK/US thing, or a short story/novel difference. For me, my editor is my publisher, and I'd guess the same to be true of Emily.

And Emily - I totally agree with your points about the advantages. I think I'd be scared of my editor if I hadn't met him, but now I'm familiar with his dry sense of humour it's not a problem.

Louise

Emily Winslow · Dec 18, 2009

Richard White said:
Emily,

Agent? Yeah, I'd like to meet mine (if I ever get one).

Editor? I can see some value added there.

Publisher? Nope. Not seeing it.

Ah. In my situation, I see my editor as the representative of my publisher, so I just read them as equivalent. I can see that your situation is different.

I meant only to respond to your point that you live close to NY, yet have never had to urge to meet [what I took to be your editor]. For most writers who live near, travel near or can get near the location of their editors, I would recommend a visit.

ETA--Louise, we posted at the same time. Just want to add, my editor is hilarious. Glad you have a funny editor too

IceCreamEmpress · Dec 18, 2009

I think meeting one's editor is great if at all possible. Meeting the person who's doing publicity for your book is a real plus.

Meeting other people from one's publisher? I think I met someone from sales once for about ten seconds.

Of course, when I was working in textbooks, they'd give a party at Christmas and you'd get to meet the division head and the sales folks and the business staff and whoever. But that was a bit different.

Chasing the Horizon · Dec 18, 2009

Well, I'd be willing to meet with my agent or editor in person, assuming they were in New York City, because I live within easy driving distance. If I didn't live within easy driving distance of New York, then obviously I wouldn't be able to meet them, unless they paid my travel expenses.

I really don't understand what would be accomplished in person that couldn't be accomplished just as well over the phone, though.

Jamesaritchie · Dec 19, 2009

Swordswoman said:
I'll be sure to let Penguin know that...

Seriously, though, in the UK this is pretty usual - at least with the big publishers. I've never heard of it being a deal-breaker if an author fails to impress at meeting, but it's generally considered a wise move on the part of both author and publisher if they're looking to build a serious, long-term career relationship to at least meet up first.

I like it. My agent likes it too, as it gives us a chance to meet several publishers, have a relaxed chat over lunch and see if you like what they have in mind for your book. A purely money-orientated agent wouldn't care so much, they'd want you to go with the best offer, but a good long-term career agent will want to make sure you're happy with the publisher's view of your work.

The marketing angle is important too. These days, the writer who thinks their job is over when they've written the book is a rare and soon-to-be-extinct animal. If I were a publisher, I'd want to make sure I didn't have a dribbling maniac on my hands, or someone who can't string two words together at a social event, or someone whose political views are so extreme and offensive they should never be let near a blog or a live interview. The best way to find out those things is a personal meeting, preferably over a meal or some other relaxing social occasion.

However, I can see this is a lot easier in the UK, because it's tiny. Everyone in the country can travel to London. The US is a different matter, and I'd guess publishers and writers need to be a lot more flexible. However, when it comes to marketing, distance can't be a barrier. Another of my agent's writers flew over from Mauritius specifically to promote her book - and this is considered usual.

So, no. I can quite see why this could pose a lot of practical problems in the US, and I'm sure most publishers would be prepared to waive the meeting on those grounds, but I don't think a desire for it is intrinsically wrong in itself. I like to meet people I plan to do business with - don't you?

Louise

I don't care who the publisher is, Penguin or any other. That's a moronic requirement, and no publisher I've been around makes such a demand. Nor should they. It's stupid beyond words, and I wouldn't work with anyone who thinks for a second that a book won't sell just as well without such a meeting.

Nothing is as overrated as marketing and promotion. Both are pretty much menaingless until and unless you have a book that already has strong legs, and books get strong legs on their own, not because the publisher meets the writer.

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