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I'm not impressed by established authors who make it big self-publishing. Their readers don't care who publishes them as long as the books keep coming. Now, if the quality starts going downhill, then they'll care - but otherwise... And yeah, if a writer gets caught in a bad contract, well, they signed it.
Blame the victim. Konrath annoys me because he is a grandstander and many of his arguments are full of holes (his defense of monopolies in a recent post was an invitation to consider him either stupid or dishonest).
BUT, he is right that many authors really do not have a choice in the publishing world of yore. If they offer you a lousy contract, especially if you are a new author or midlist, what the heck are you going to do about it?
You sign.
Or, if you believe Konrath, you give them the finger and make bushels of money self-publishing.
But, let's stop blaming writers for contracts that make writing a profession from which little money can generally be made.
General You in effect:
It's not as if you don't have a choice: Sign or else. If there was interest, there will be again. You don't have to take the first offer out there. So, let's be real. Only Konath tells us that you that you have no choice but to sign.
...
Sadly, that's where anyone gets hit, self-published or trade. Making bad decisions because they're so desperate to 'see their name in print' that they won't Stop and Think about the offer on the table in front of them.
Blame the victim. Konrath annoys me because he is a grandstander and many of his arguments are full of holes (his defense of monopolies in a recent post was an invitation to consider him either stupid or dishonest).
BUT, he is right that many authors really do not have a choice in the publishing world of yore. If they offer you a lousy contract, especially if you are a new author or midlist, what the heck are you going to do about it?
You sign.
But the gun is smaller now. Writers have more choices than ever.it might seem that there is no gun to one's head, but that might be because the other party doesn't need a gun to achieve the outcome they desire...
But the gun is smaller now. Writers have more choices than ever.
Where Konrath's argument falls down for me is implying that anyone taking a contract from a publisher is automatically exploited. We should all be doing what is right for us. This may or may not be the same as what is right for him.
But it's isn't a 'contract with us or never get published' kind of deal any more, or at least it's starting to open up.
They will do what they can within reason to get you to accept their offer, and that includes negotiating any contract terms which you find unacceptable.
Very true. I was just trying to illustrate that the options are wide open right now. (and as you say, they were pretty wide before). Provided you have a good book, natch.A book that's publishable by one is publishable by many. You can always say "Thanks for your time, see you later" and go to the next publisher on your list.
But the gun is smaller now. Writers have more choices than ever.
Where Konrath's argument falls down for me is implying that anyone taking a contract from a publisher is automatically exploited. We should all be doing what is right for us. This may or may not be the same as what is right for him.
Any contract we sign, we should know what's involved and know that it is worth it to us.
But it's isn't a 'contract with us or never get published' kind of deal any more, or at least it's starting to open up. That doesn't mean that signing with a publisher means you're exploited (unless ofc you don't negotiate things to the way you want, or at least feel comfortable with)
It's checks and balances - what is important to you, the writer? Is it widespread distribution? Or complete creative control? Maybe you'd prefer the lump sum up front rather than have to wait and see how many you sell? Or...?
Every writer has to decide for themselves what is important to them, and go from that basis, and get the best deal they can. Which is something Joe seems to fail to understand in his my way or the highway argument.