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Are these independent publishers worth it?
I was wondering it independent publishers were worth it?
Please, follow the link:
https://publishedtodeath.blogspot.com/2016/03/6-science-fiction-and-fantasy.htmlThe article says, “Here are four science fiction and fantasy publishers that don’t require an agent. Several offer competitive advances and royalties.
In publishing, as with all businesses, it is “brand recognition” that counts, and some of the names on this list are very well known.”
What do you think?Thanks.
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5 Replies
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I would recommend checking on Publisher’s Marketplace if those publishers are buying anything. What kind of money they have available would be something to consider.
Also, David recommends that if you are writing science fiction or fantasy that you be agented. I’d consider that as well. -
I pitched a story at Heads and Tails publishing. The publisher said she liked the story. Has anyone here had an experience with them before? She seemed nice enough talking to her in person.
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Thank you, Brady.
Do you mean that if you work with small publishers, you are not allowed to have an agent?
My understanding was you can either look for an agent who submits your work to publishers, or you can find the publisher (they might be opened for submission in conferences or online for a few weeks every year). Once you get the publisher interested, you can find an agent who will strike the deal for you. Deals seem to be complicated things and many agents are actually former lawyers.
What I heard was:
1) Pros: Small publishers are closer to their writers. They help you develop your stories in a caring way. They help you publish a book in a niche area that other publishers might not find worth investing in. It might be worth looking at what they specialize in.
2) Cons: Small publishers do not advertise your book enough, so the book will stay mostly unknown (unless the author is great at marketing, which is more and more a necessity everywhere). They can easily get out of business. They cannot produce a book in large quantities. It might be more suitable to local celebrities.Because everyone has different opinions on the matter, it is hard to figure out what is good advice and what is bad advice.
I would love to have some kind of ground knowledge about this. Thanks. -
Hey!
I’m a published author in Italy, so I can confirm what Sussu says about pros and cons about small publishers here. The reason why I decided to “cross the border” is that there is no pro market for SF&F here in Italy – you end up with publishers who are either too small to earn you any money, or too little experts of the field, trying to change your stuff in an inadequate way.
I know “Published to death” and took a couple of suggestions from there, I remember both an agent and a publisher (got politely rejected by both, but this is another story). Publisher’s Market looks more professional and in dept about actual sale. Cool.
I think what we need here on the forum is an increasing awareness about agents and publishers, so each of us can aim better. That’s something we can only do by joining forces!
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Are simultaneously submissions when you submit 2 projects to one publisher, or one project to two publishers?
Either way… Baen has a turnaround of up to 15 months, and so SSs. For someone who writes 4-6 books a year, that feels crippling!
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