So Scope, sincerely, what then do you suggest authors who are at the querying stage do, considering everything you mentioned?
Toothpaste,
Sincerely, I'm not suggesting we do anything different than we've done before-- write, and when ready, submit.
Given all the changes and consolidations within the industry it would be wise to do more research than usual (e.g., agencies, agents listed may have moved, publishing houses, editors). I think that's a must or we could have a wasted query and be waiting for an answer that will never come.
The point of my post was not to say "stop submitting, the publishing world is falling down". While the current economic situation is of huge concern to all, including any and all associated with publishing, most writers will continue to submit as usual, and as I've said I don't find much wrong with that. However, I read a lot of posts which seem too unrealistic, and if it's possible, too upbeat, as if nothing has changed in the publishing scene. As if we don't need to make any adjustments (such as the additional research I mention above). As if as many writers will be signed by agents tomorrow as they were during the past 5 years, and that publishers will buy and print as many books as before. Right now that's simply not the case, although some writers with outstanding and needy works will definitely be signed by agents, and publishers will continue to buy books and plan on printing and releasing them in 18 months or so. But again, I don't believe as many of either as before. So all I'm saying is I believe some might be served better by being a bit more realistic, by realizing that not all of us are writing an irresistible book, one that any and every agent will want to represent and every publisher will yearn to buy. That in fact many of us are probably writing or have written a very good book, one that can find a home with the right agent, and one that might get published. If we accept the latter doesn't it follow that it will be more difficult to find an agent, and if found, it will be harder for an agent to find a publisher -- at least much harder than a couple of years ago. So yes, move ahead, but lets do so more realistically. At least that's what I believe.
Personally, I've talked about the situation with my agent and we've agreed that while I should continue submitting to her, she will not be so quick to pull the trigger and make submissions to publishers, at least not at the moment. She will of course stay well abreast of things, will speak to editors, and will submit when she believes the time is right. However, I realize this might be easier for me to do than for others since I have 3 books scheduled to come out during the next 2 years.