On another thread, Uprising says,
We have no grooming regulations or maximum beard length. We sure like George R. R. Martin's beard, we can tell you that.
Folks, do you know George R. R. Martin? Does George R. R. Martin vouch for you?
In re face-to-face meetings prior to contract, in another thread, Uprising says:
Perhaps if we concede the point that not every publisher does this -- the apparent definition of 'not that unusual' on this forum -- much of this discussion will dissipate.
If by "not every" you mean "damn few," then I can agree with this.
In the same post, they say:
What we think will be a trend -- and is already a trend -- is an emphasis on viral marketing and social networking to launch new writers. Whether sit downs and videos are part of that is a function of how such a strategy is implemented.
Gentlemen, would you be good enough to tell me the title of the last novel you bought and read? And, would you be good enough to tell me the title of the last novel you bought because of "viral marketing"?
Uprising says, in a thread that isn't this one,
Remember the root of all this was a question about who we are. Our response was essentially "by the time it matters, you'll have met us."
No, you won't. Because before I even consider submitting work to you, you'll have to convince me that you are able to recognize a publishable manuscript, that you are able to edit that manuscript to commercial standards, and that you can market that manuscript effectively to readers. The face-to-face meeting you describe is after submission but prior to acceptance. But serious writers won't submit their works to you.
I'm certain you get queries. I get queries myself, and I'm not a publisher, have never been a publisher, and have never claimed to be a publisher.
I earnestly beseech you to go to the
index of publishers here, and read the back threads, particularly those printed in grey -- the publishers that have gone out of business.
Uprising says, elsewhere,
Let's take membership in the SFWA as an example. You haven't sold a legitimate book unless the publisher is on a predefined list. That's a pretty clear cut example of the game being rigged against startups. Many reviewing publications have a similar list of "legitimate" publishers.
SFWA's requirements are well known, and joining the list is an easy bar for any publisher to leap over, provided they are capable of selling books to the public.
Publishers risk little compared to authors. The publisher can always say, "Well, that didn't work," and walk away. The author is left with a permanently crippled or dead book, representing perhaps years of work. Please remember this.
