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Bimsha
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Username: Bimsha
Post Number: 6
Registered: 02-2004
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Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, March 24, 2004 - 09:49 am: | 
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http://www.salon.com/books/feature/2004/03/22/midlist/index.html
Monday, March 22, 2004
[In Books]
The confessions of a semi-successful author
I've published several books, won adoring reviews, and even sold a few
copies. But I've made almost no money and had my heart broken. Here's
everything you
don't want to know about how publishing really works
By Jane Austen Doe
Editor's note: Although the author's name and some identifying details have
been changed, the facts, quotes, e-mails and tragedy depicted in this story
are
real.
March 22, 2004 | "A midlist author is one whose books are well received but
have failed to make a commercial breakthrough; whose work sells solidly but
unspectacularly, who's well known within the writing community but the
majority
of book buyers have never heard his name."
-- David Armstrong, "How Not to Write a Novel: Confessions of a Midlist
Author," 2003
Reader Advisory: By the end of this story I will have broken the most sacred
rules of modern authordom. I'll tell you how much my publishers have paid me
for the books I've written. I'll tell you how many copies each of those books
has sold. I'll share with you some of the secrets, lies and euphemisms told
to
me by my publishers, editors, publicists and agents in their efforts to
comfort, pacify and motivate me, and I'll share some of the salient facts
that make
those secrets, lies and euphemisms such common industry currency.
If you don't want to hear about the noir underside of publishing -- if you're
a writer longing for a literary career, or a reader who's happier not knowing
that producing and marketing a book these days involves about as much moral
purity as producing and marketing a pair of Nikes -- I suggest you stop
reading
now.
Still with me? Great. But who, exactly, might I be? I'm not saying. Because
although I've published books and articles about things most people won't
talk
about, let alone publish -- my sex life and marriage counseling, my quirky
predilections and unpopular politics, my worst mistakes and no-longer-secret
yearnings -- I'm using a pseudonym to write this story, because telling the
truth
about my life as a writer is one risk I can't afford to take.
Thinking you'll put the clues together, figure out who I am? Give it your
best shot. If you could identify me based on the story I'm about to tell you,
I
wouldn't have it to tell.
Here's a Clue: You might know me by my number: 40,137. That's today's sales
ranking of my latest book on Amazon.
Sadly, this is also how I rate myself: Not bad, not nearly good enough.
Interlude: A Midlist Author Friend Writes
"Tales of the midlist author: When [my latest book] came out a few weeks ago,
it bounced around the Amazon rankings in the 25,000 to 30,000 range,
supported there by the radio shows I'm doing and my buddy who runs [a Web]
bulletin
board. Then last Thursday, I mailed a 450-piece promotion to my personal
list,
pitching Amazon that's selling the book for 30 percent off list. This
morning,
[my latest book] is No. 1,665. Now, we all know that the Amazon rankings are
a
distorted mirror and can't be taken too, too seriously. On the other hand,
they're the only instant sales data midlist authors have. So I'm encouraged.
My
mailing to 750 members of the [organization presumably interested in my
latest
book] goes out this weekend. Fingers crossed that I see at least one day in
three figures."
The Story
Being the author of several critically acclaimed, moderately successful books
has given me an extraordinary, exciting, occasionally lucrative, quite public
life. It has also broken my heart.
Nothing makes me happier than writing. And, thanks to the rules that govern
publishing today, nothing I've ever done for a living -- housecleaning, data
entry, creating campaigns for big-name, cutthroat ad agencies, full-time
motherhood -- has been as hard on me as being a writer.
Being an author is the culmination of a lifelong dream. And -- because the
sales of each book I write determine my ability to remain one -- being an
author
has ruined many of my greatest lifelong pleasures. Reading a book that's
poorly written I pace the floor, beseeching the Muses, God and the editors of
Publishers Weekly to explain why trash like this sells so much better than
serious
books like mine. Reading a book that's well written, I writhe, instead, with
envy.
Relax with a glossy magazine on a sun-splashed beach? Not me, not anymore.
The magazine doesn't exist that hasn't either published or rejected my work,
and
there's a trail of tears behind every story. Sunday morning in bed with a
steaming cup of French roast, a well-schmeared bagel, the book review section
of
the New York Times? Sounds great -- if only I could sip, chew and gnash my
teeth all at once. Veg out in front of the tube? Impossible. Playboy is
nearly
the only channel that hasn't scheduled, then cancelled me -- each booking
raising hopes of thousands of copies sold; each cancellation a stake driven
through
the heart of my career.
Never an enthusiastic employee, I quit my job at age 35 to become a full-time
writer, to live life on my own terms. After publishing four books -- each of
them critically acclaimed, several of them award-winners, none of them big
enough sellers to ensure my next book contract, let alone the lifetime of
book
contracts I crave -- I feel less in control of my finances, my schedule, my
priorities and my well-being than I did when I had bosses and employees to
answer
to.
Acknowledgment Of Good Fortune
Believe me, I know I'm lucky to be published at all. I've read enough
talented unpublished writers to realize just how arbitrary that privilege is.
I'm
more fortunate still to have had publishers who made significant investments
in
my books, editors who have gone to the mat for me, an agent I admire and
trust.
For more than a decade I've earned a reasonable living as a writer, raised a
child as a writer, had a mostly great time being one.
You know that bumper sticker, "I love humanity -- it's people I can't stand"?
Well, I love writing. It's publishing I can't stand.
Statement of the Problem
In the 10 years since I signed my first book contract, the publishing
industry has changed in ways that are devastating -- emotionally,
financially,
professionally, spiritually, and creatively -- to midlist authors like me.
You've
read about it in your morning paper: Once-genteel "houses" gobbled up by
slavering conglomerates; independent bookstores cannibalized by chain and
online
retailers; book sales sinking as the number of TV channels soars. What once
was
about literature is now about return on investment. What once was hand-sold
one
by one by well-read, book-loving booksellers now moves by the pallet-load at
Wal-Mart and Borders -- or doesn't move at all.
Interlude: Publishing Today Is a Business
"Publishing today is a business, dominated by stockholders and profit
margins, run entirely according to the hard, cold numbers. Investors in the
major
megacorporations that own nearly all of the New York majors want profit, and
lots
of it. In a business that traditionally makes maybe 4-6 percent profit in a
good year, today's stockholders are demanding 15-18 percent. Gone are the
days
when a publisher could nurture a writer with potential through several
lackluster efforts. Today's editors can't afford a single flop."
-- Jeff Kirvin, "What's Wrong With Publishing," January 2002.
Mine is what editors call "the human story behind the headlines." But it's
not just about me; not just about the many wonderful, once-revered writers I
know, who -- loving the craft of writing, hating the damage that being a
writer
has done to them -- aren't writers any more.
It's about the narrowing of the breadth and depth and diversity of our
culture: the quieting of all but the blandest voices, the elimination of all
but the
safest choices. It's about what it will mean to you if the blunt force of
commerce succeeds in silencing midlist authors like me.
Interlude: Excerpt From the Unacknowledged, Unpublished Publishing Glossary
of Terms
When they say: "Americans read trash, not meaningful books like yours. You'd
need to worry if your books were commercially successful."
What that means: "Your next advance -- if there is one -- will be half the
size of your last."
When they say: "Your book will have a long life in paperback."
What that means: "We'll be forced to throw good money after bad to recoup our
losses on the hardcover."
When they say: "Your career is building slowly but steadily."
What that means: "Time to look for a day job."
As Promised: The Unexpurgated, Possibly Unfinished History of One Midlist
Author's Life
Book 1: Contract signed 1994. Book published 1996. Advance: $150,000. Book
takes one year, no research, pure joy to write.
I love my editor; my editor loves me.
Several publishers vying to buy book means book sells at auction for big
advance. Big advance means big publicity budget. Big publicity budget means
promotion handled by publicity director, which means reviews in top
newspapers,
excerpts in top magazines, TV and radio appearances, four weeks on two
bestseller
lists, seven-city tour. Publisher (Mr. Big) sends handwritten note, thanking
me for "writing the great book we all knew you had it in you to write."
Question to agent: "Is there a downside to an unknown author getting such a
big advance for a first book?"
Agent's answer: "What are you gonna do, turn it down?"
Pitch line: "Welcome a fresh new voice!"
Sales: I don't ask. No one seems to care. Final tally: Hardcover/paperback
sales combined are 10,000 copies.
Current status: Out of print. Small but loyal cult following; 10 years later
adoring fans still show up at readings, clutching well-worn copies, eager to
tell me how book changed their lives.
Conclusion drawn then: Being an author, working with the best editor and the
best publisher on earth is a dream come true.
Conclusion drawn now: There is a downside to getting a big advance for a
first book.
The Desperate Years: 1996-98 "A small number of major houses account for the
lion's share of publishing's annual revenues of about $20 billion ... In 1996
[in the U.S.] an astounding 140,000 new or revised titles were issued."
-- Phil Mattera, vice president, National Writers Union
"Crisis of the Midlist Author in American Book Publishing"
Revue Française d'Études Américaines, October 1998
1997: Agent submits new manuscript to Editor Who Still Loves Me (despite
disappointing sales of first book). EWSLM, enthused, takes manuscript to pub
board. Sales director rejects new book, citing losses incurred by first one.
EWSLM
acknowledges to agent: It's not the book being rejected; it's the author.
Question to agent: "Is my career as a writer over?"
Agent's answer: "I'm going to need to try something unheard of to get you
back in the game."
Agent offers EWSLM unprecedented deal: If publisher will buy new book, we'll
forgo advance to help defray losses from first one. EWSLM gently advises
agent
to "pursue other avenues." Agent gently advises me to "pursue other genres."
To keep daughter in Nikes while writing short-story collection, I write Web
copy for dot-coms, ghostwrite celebrity bio (Book 2). Agent sends out
collection; collection rejected by 10 editors. Agent suggests I "take a
break." I start
pursuing other agents.
Celebrity bio becomes national bestseller. It doesn't go on my permanent
record, though, since it doesn't have my name on it.
Question to potential new agent: "Do you think changing agents will help my
career?"
New agent's answer (in so many words): "It sure can't hurt."
Conclusion Drawn Then: Even most loyal, powerful editor employed by best publi
sher on earth can't override power of profit & loss statement.
Conclusion Drawn Now: Even most loyal, powerful editor employed by best
publisher on earth can't override power of profit & loss statement.
Interlude: It's Nothing Personal
"Hardcover publishers lose money on most of their titles and depend greatly
on a few bestsellers ... the large publishers are increasingly inclined to
concentrate their resources on books that have the greatest potential to
become
bestsellers. Like Hollywood, book publishing has become a business driven by
the
quest for blockbusters."
-- Phil Mattera, op. cit.
Book 3: Contract signed 1998. Book published 2001. Advance: $10,000.
Book takes two years, intensive research, mostly joy to write.
Book rejected by 10 publishers; lone editor making offer promises to "make up
for the modest advance with great publicity on the back end." Desperate to
"get back in the game," I accept advance that's less than 10 percent of first
one from editor who never returns my calls, continues to misspell my name.
Minuscule advance means no publicity budget. No publicity would mean this
Second Chance Book will, instead, be Last Book. I hire freelance publicist at
$1,500 per city, $5,000 to pitch to national media. I hand over half of
advance,
sign contract with publicist acknowledging no guarantee of outcome. Spend six
months working full-time on own publicity in key cities; publicist focuses on
nationals. Publicist books me on 55 radio shows, some local and B-list
national TV.
Book hits local bestseller lists on pub date, stays there six months. Book
wins awards. Glowing review in Time magazine nets calls from Hollywood
producers. Screenwriter spends weekends at my house "to get inside my head,"
talks
incessantly about her ongoing extramarital affair. One year later,
screenwriter
tells my agent she's too busy to pursue our project. Now too late to pursue
once-interested producers. Neither agent nor I have received compensation for
year
spent working/negotiating with screenwriter.
Pitch line: None. Whose job was that?
Sales: Publisher announces print run of 20,000; prints 7,000, then four more
printings over next year.
Current tally: Hardcover/paperback sales combined are 25,000 copies.
Question to agent: "How can we capitalize on these solid sales?"
Agent's answer: "Write a new book -- quick."
Current status: Three years later book still yields $600 royalty checks
(after agent's 15 percent commission) every six months. Total earnings to me,
after
agent commission and publicist fee, are $21,000.
Conclusion Drawn Then: A $10,000 book advance is only worth taking out of
pure desperation.
Conclusion Drawn Now: Sometimes it's worth taking out a loan to write a book.
The trick is knowing when.
Interlude: Publishing Used To Be
"Publishing used to be almost a family business. Often a publisher would see
talent in a new young writer and support that writer for many years, printing
book after book that didn't sell, trusting that eventually the writer would
'break through' and make it big. The publisher was the friend and champion of
the writer, willing to risk again and again for a writer [the house] believed
in. Those days are long past."
-- Jeff Kirvin, op. cit.
Book 4: Contract signed 2002. Book published 2004. Advance: $80,000
Book takes two years, hellish research, difficult and delightful to write.
Love my editor at third publishing house; editor loves me. Medium-sized
advance based on previous bestseller means medium-sized publicity budget.
Book
assigned to Sharp Young Publicist, so I don't hire freelance publicist. Six
months
before pub date SYP initiates meetings with major media outlets; tells me to
choose between "Good Morning America" and "Today," Redbook and O, advises me
to buy "great TV clothes." One month before pub date, publisher ("Mr. Big
II")
calls with bad news: SYP is MIA.
Mr. Big II assigns Junior Assistant Publicist to "lock down" Major Media Boo
kings made by SYP. After calling several "confirmed" producers, JAP concludes
that SYP fabricated bookings while secretly preparing to "pursue other
opportunities."
JAP makes heroic effort, books local media (I wear "Good Morning America"
outfit for three-minute interview on local cable news show), is unable to
book
promised national media. Book wins awards; sales flat, even in areas
saturated
by local media coverage.
Pitch line: "The much-anticipated new book from the best-selling author of 'Y
Marks the Spot'!"
Sales: Based on major media bookings promised by SYP, publisher announces
print run of 35,000; based on lack of national media, publisher prints
10,000.
Sales figures not in yet; projections not pretty.
Question to agent: "Is my career as a writer over?"
Agent's answer: "Write a new book proposal now, before the bookstores start
shipping returns."
Current status: One hardcover copy (or less) available, spine-out, on a shelf
hidden deep in the bowels of your local bookstore.
Conclusion Drawn Then: National media undoubtedly would have helped. But --
no matter how painstakingly written, no matter how enthusiastically promoted,
no matter how glowingly reviewed, for reasons beyond mortal knowing, some
books
Just Don't Sell.
Conclusion Drawn Now: Maybe my career as a writer is over.
Just Ask Any Midlist Author -- This Happens All the Time
Stranger on a plane, at a party, on a date: "Wow -- you're a writer! Have I
heard of you?"
Midlist Author: "Probably not."
Stranger: "Wow -- you're a writer! Have I read anything you've written?"
Midlist: "Probably not."
Stranger: "Wow -- you're a writer! Will I see your books at Barnes & Noble?"
Midlist: "Only if you look really hard."
Stranger: "I can't wait to tell my wife I met a real author! What's your name
again?"
Book 5
New book proposal written overnight, submitted to editor of Book 4. Editor
loves idea, pitches to pub board. Pub board loves idea, agrees to make offer.
Editor/agent have celebratory lunch: Despite Book 4's lackluster sales,
publisher is certain Book 5 will be my Biggest Book Yet. Editor No. 2 Who
Still Loves
Me (despite dismal sales of Book 4) says, "We want you to be a house author.
We believe in you."
Despite eerie echoes of E#1WSLM, my Midlist Author's heart sings. At last
I've found what every author wants: loyal publisher for life. Editor leaks
terms
of forthcoming offer: $80,000, since Book 5 is "so much more commercial" than
my previous books.
Editor reassures agent daily that offer is forthcoming. Offer does not
forthcome.
Three weeks after celebratory lunch, normally overly optimistic agent calls,
sounding near tears. "It's bad, Jane. They're not going to make an offer."
Mr.
Big III overrode pub board. Citing lackluster sales of Book 4, wants to avoid
"throwing good money after bad."
Comment to agent: "My career as a writer is over."
Agent's answer: "They're not the only publisher in town."
Comment to agent: "They're one imprint of the biggest publisher in town,
which means we can't sell the book to any of that publisher's other 15
imprints.
And I'm already banned from Publisher No. 1 and its 15 imprints. How many
publishers does that leave?"
Current status: Rewritten Book 5 rejected by nine editors. Most love book;
all say it's "not commercial enough." Three-times-rewritten manuscript
currently
under consideration by four -- oops, just received rejection e-mail from
editor whose boss says it's not commercial enough -- three "interested
editors,"
two in same Manhattan high-rise as editors who have already rejected it.
Conveying news of latest rejection, agent mentions we'll be lucky to get
$50,000; explains, "Publishers aren't overpaying anymore. They know they'll
just
break even if they pay $50,000 and sell 20,000 copies in hardcover, which few
books ever do."
I realize if I'm "overpaid" I'll earn $50,000 minus $7,500 agent commission.
That's $42,500 for three years' work. Agent, who's now spent five months
doing
back flips to sell book, will earn $3,000 less than she would have if book
had sold to Book 4 publisher as planned.
Despite estimated 20 cents per hour pay earned while in my employ, agent
tells me, "Just because publishers define success by the numbers, you don't
have
to. You write important books. You should feel proud of yourself. And you
must
keep writing."
Sales: Interested editor tells me during phone interview, "Ten years ago, a
book that sold 20,000 copies was considered a dud. Now we pray for that."
Pray, and, apparently, pay accordingly.
Conclusion Drawn Now: When a book "fails to meet expectations," many are
candidates for blame. But whether commercial failure results from market
conditions, moon in Mercury retrograde, or publisher/editor/publicist/sales
force/author malfeasance, the consequences are the same. Those with jobs keep
them. Only
the author's livelihood is threatened. Only the author is punished.
Interlude: A Midlist Author Friend Writes
"'Celeste' [my editor of several previous books] offered a measly rotten $25K
again. I countered with $35 plus foreign and it looks like I'll get that. I
mean, I didn't earn out even at the pittance I am advanced so I didn't expect
much. But, perhaps, perhaps, to keep my morale up, you could hint to
[publishing people you know] that I have been offered a ludicrous amount of
money?
Please? If we could start a rumor like that it would be helpful all around. I
am
sort of relieved that it will just be a one-book deal this time. Even though
that makes me insecure, it also means that when I turn [interesting
character]
into my next book, I will be free to attempt to actually get six figures."
There Was a Time
"There was a time when writers of serious books not destined to become
bestsellers could expect to get contracts from publishers that included
decent terms
and large enough advances to survive until the next book. Today such
expectations are rarely met ... While publishers lavish large sums of money
and lots
of attention on a few high-profile authors, conditions have grown
increasingly
bad for those writers known as midlist authors."
-- Phil Mattera, vice president, National Writers Union, op. cit.
There was a time, just a decade ago, when my life as a writer brimmed with
hope and promise; when the world of work and words seemed open to endless
possibility; when the music my editors and I made together -- the
appreciation and,
yes, the love they felt for me, the appreciation and love I felt for them --
made my heart sing in my chest and my words sing on the page.
There was a time when my life as a writer overrode my innate cynicism and
doubt, moved me to tell my young daughter, cornball as it seemed even then,
that
dreams do come true, if you really want them to. Because what is a book made
of, if not the spun sugar of a writer's wildest dreams?
"Does it ever get better?" I asked Patty, my most successful writer friend,
recounting my midlist author's tale of woe.
"Not substantially," she answered. "My books sell well now, but I never stop
wondering what'll happen to me when they don't."
"So why do we bother?" I moaned.
"Because this is the thing we do best," she said simply. "What else would we
do?"
That question came home to me last week when, for the first time in 15 years,
someone offered me a job. Without hesitation -- I'm a writer! -- I turned it
down. Then I went home to another editor's rejection e-mail and called my
agent, who advised me to take it. Of all the bad news you've given me, I
said,
this might be the worst. Have you given up on me as a writer?
"You'll always be a writer," she said. "But you won't be able to write if
you're as worried about money and feeling as rejected as you've been. Maybe
the
thing that feels like it would strangle you will actually give you some room
to
breathe. When we sell the next book you can always quit the job."
My husband, greatest fan on earth of my writing, said the same thing. So did
my best friend, and my father, and everyone else I asked. Clearly I hadn't bee
n suffering in as much silence as I'd thought. Clearly, everyone who loves me
had been worried about me. "Taking the job would feel like admitting
failure,"
I told my now 19-year-old daughter, the girl I raised to believe that dreams
do come true.
"You already succeeded as a writer, Mom," she said. "So what if you didn't
make the All-Star team? You made the NBA."
I called my new -- gulp -- employer and accepted the job.
Interlude: A Midlist Author Friend Writes
"I'm having the worst publishing experience ever here. Every day it gets
worse. It's like some kind of out-of-control nightmare that won't stop until
this
book has been completely killed and buried. Yesterday, I was debating whether
or not to borrow some money to hire an independent publicist, but today I
don't know if I can afford to risk it. At this point, it all seems like
gambling.
The book went on sale Tuesday (well, supposedly -- you can't find it here in
[my hometown], even though this was the only place a review ran) -- one of
the
most depressing launches ever."
I Count Among the Losses
Looking back on my writing career I count among the losses the relationships
-- indescribably intimate, more like marriages than friendships -- with the
editors I counted on, and spoke to nearly every day for all the years of our
contractual agreements, and loved and still love, who love me too but will
never
publish me again.
I count among the losses my conviction that mixing love and art and business
is a risk worth taking, and that doing without any of these things isn't.
I count among the losses the hundreds of thousands of dollars that my books
cost the publishers who believed in me enough to treat me respectfully and
pay
me well, and I count among the losses the profits I continue to generate for
the one publisher who didn't.
I count as my greatest loss of all: hope, the most toxic, precious thing any
writer has. Without a writer's foolish fantasies -- envisioning Book 5 piled
in stacks of 50 in every airport bookstore, its carefully chosen title
appearing on the Times bestseller list, my agent calling with breathtakingly,
indisputably, non-euphemistically good news -- how can I face the otherwise
overwhelming prospect of a book waiting to be written?
If I can't bring myself to hope that I'll have the chance to write Book 5, so
my heart can be filled and emptied and broken again; if the privilege of
being published hurts too much to be the thing I hope for, what will pull me
--
and the multitudes of other midlist authors, who are, after all, the vast
majority of published writers in this country -- through the long, unlit
tunnel of
writing another one?
What will we lose if writers like me stop writing? What are we losing now?
The End?
I ran into Patty the day her ninth book became her first to hit the Times
bestseller list. She grabbed me by the shoulders, looked deep into my eyes.
"It
doesn't change anything," she said grimly. "My mother still doesn't approve
of
me. I still don't have a boyfriend. I still can't sleep at night. Don't let
this be what you're waiting for."
And yet I wait for my agent's call, telling me there's another chance that it
could happen for me.
And so I wait. And I wait.
|
Cynique
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Cynique
Post Number: 131
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, March 24, 2004 - 12:20 pm: |
|
Certain writers need to stop being in denial about why they write. They write because they crave fame and fortune, not because they love their craft. Writing a book is the ultimate ego-trip. It's an endeavor that begins with the writer's notion that he or she has something so special to tell, that great numbers of people will want to read what he or she has to say. Very often a "successful" writer is one who tells readers what they want to read, while less successful writers tell readers what the author thinks they will enjoy, assuming that what the author regards as interesting will inspire the same reaction in large numbers of readers. But the bottom line is all about becoming rich and famous. |
Whistlingwoman
Newbie Poster
Username: Whistlingwoman
Post Number: 8
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, March 24, 2004 - 06:12 pm: |
|
Cynique---
To quote from Pulp Fiction, "That's a bold statement."
I understand your reasoning but I just don't buy it. Sure there are the fame seekers, right now we're locked in a horrid celebrity culture cycle, but the work is too hard for the bottom line to be fame and fortune. It can be a factor, but I have too much respect for my favorite authors - many of whom keep their day jobs - to believe that a beautiful story well told, love of language, and hoping that our history in all its forms reaches people doesn't figure into the equation in some way/shape/form.
Call me a wide-eyed optimist - I've been accused of worse - but I'm going to chose to believe it's about a little more than fame & fortune.
By the way, this article is all over the web. I've seen it everywhere since it first appeared in salon. My guess is that Jane Doe is Anne Lamott, some identifying factors have been changed but I think it's her.
|
Cynique
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Cynique
Post Number: 132
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, March 24, 2004 - 08:44 pm: |
|
Well, critical acclaim should be reward enough for any writer who is not hankering to be a super star, best-selling author. And anybody who thinks they are going to be among the small group of elite authors who can earn a living at writing books is, indeed, an optimist. If you aren't satisified with selling a modest amount of books, then you are seeking wide-spread recognition and validation of what you believe to be your talent. This is nothing to be ashamed of. Envy is a human reation. So there's no need to sugar-coat it with a lot of noble rhetoric. |
Blkmalereading
Newbie Poster
Username: Blkmalereading
Post Number: 25
Registered: 02-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, March 24, 2004 - 10:45 pm: |
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I tend to agree with Whistlingwoman on this one. I hope it's not for the fame that 'some' writers wear their feelings on a page. It can't be for that reason. I believe the point of the article is that you wish to make a living at doing what you say you do. Whatever that maybe. You can call yourself a shoeshine polisher, but if you are not making a living, and that can be defined only by that person, then, can you 'really' say you are a shoeshine polisher? I hear a longing to want to return to what was and just make a living at something that you obviously do very well. It's also an insight into the business end of writing. As stated, it's probably the only profession in the world where being the best is not always the measure of success or even allowing you to call yourself a 'writer'. I think the article is also a telling tale of the same discussions that we've had on this list and many others, time and again. What makes a writer? Who determines if you will remain so? I can't think of another profession where greatness and rewards are not rewarded with some kind of financial gain.
I don't think that many writers, at least the writers from this person's generation were looking for fame and fortune. I believe that some writers still feel that they have a story to tell and that they will not be able to sleep until those pages are typed, but that they also have studied and labored over the craft to the point that they will be able to convey that feeling inside onto a few pages and that the world will enjoy the reading of it as much as they enjoyed writing it for us. I think they are still a few writers around who fit into this mold.
Interesting article. I suspect that any would be or new writer will print this out and paste it to a wall in their writing space.
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Jmho
First Time Poster
Username: Jmho
Post Number: 1
Registered: 03-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, March 25, 2004 - 12:14 am: |
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BMR said:
As stated, it's probably the only profession in the world where being the best is not always the measure of success
and then said:
I can't think of another profession where greatness and rewards are not rewarded with some kind of financial gain.
There are plenty of professions where people are underpaid yet are great in what they do. Also, there are plenty of singers who don't have the best voice but have the look, are more commercial (read have cross over appeal) and the marketing machine behind them.
We've just become addictive to fame and fortune. Whether it's deserved or not. |
Chrishayden
Veteran Poster
Username: Chrishayden
Post Number: 55
Registered: 03-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, March 25, 2004 - 10:23 am: |
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Cynique:
You did not get the point of the article. The point is that some, maybe most, writers require a period of time to find their "sea legs" adjust, develop their careers and that in the current climate of publishing they are not given that chance.
There are many writers, many artists, who bombed terribly or were not successful on their first tries--I think of what might have happened to Aretha Franklin had the whole publishing industry judged her on her first records for Capitol--
Fortunately I have a solution--midllist publishers with low bottom lines using different avenues of distribution to get authors off the ground |
Chrishayden
Veteran Poster
Username: Chrishayden
Post Number: 57
Registered: 03-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, March 25, 2004 - 10:42 am: |
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All:
I know of (don't know personally) an author this happened to--huge advance for the publication of his first novel, which was then in long hand or something--ultra rough draft. He had caused quite a stir with two volumes of poetry which tread on new and very controversial ground--reading his poems was like an experience, not like reading a poem--many others stated that they could read one of those poems at a time--had to put the book down.
Anyway the novel was got lukewarm critical notices and was a box office bust--I believe it was not the scandalous, semi autobiographical thing that would have brought out the masses. the author has disappeared after being quite visible before--readings, magazine articles, tv appearances--folks wonder if he was crushed by the experience.
The too much too soon syndrome? |
Anita
Newbie Poster
Username: Anita
Post Number: 5
Registered: 02-2004
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Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, March 25, 2004 - 06:13 pm: |
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I agree with whistlingwoman. There are lots of writers who love the craft and know they aren't going to have Terry's money, Stephen's houses, and Nora's sales track. Many authors love putting pen to paper or finger to keyboard in an effort to bring an engaging world to themselves, not necessarily the masses. About two years ago, I had the pleasure of meeting lots of AA authors who were very candid about the pitfalls of the industry and the triumphs they've had. I kept hearing, "Keep your day job!" One male author expressed disdain that his publisher pushed his hand to write more romance driven novels instead of books with a socially conscience view. This was after a successful run in publishing. But because money was the bottom line and his sales were low, he had to give the publisher what they wanted. He said that he missed the days of just writing for himself.
Money isn't everything. I really think there are folks out there writing because they truly love doing so. |
Yukio
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Yukio
Post Number: 107
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, March 25, 2004 - 07:26 pm: |
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Interesting comments....it seems that everyone has used words such as "often" "many", etc....if this is indeed the truth, then we can all agree, No?
CH:
Also...there is one thing to get the point of an article or piece of work[writing, painting, movie, etc..], and another thing to abstract ideas from the piece of work...this is called creative interpretation, and it can be done in such a way that the integrity of the socalled "point" of the work is not lost...I think[which means that i'm not certain] that Cynique is doing this.... |
Mike_e
Newbie Poster
Username: Mike_e
Post Number: 6
Registered: 01-2004
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Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, March 26, 2004 - 08:24 am: |
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There is a very good novel by John A. Williams Click Song which deals with many of these subjects. It is now out of print but I think copies can be had through amazon.com. |
Chrishayden
Veteran Poster
Username: Chrishayden
Post Number: 60
Registered: 03-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, March 26, 2004 - 10:48 am: |
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Yukio:
I seriously doubt it, but there is one way to find out--Cynique, were you engaging in creative interpretation?
Actually though you took a position that was also put forth by many of the letter writers in response to this essay--they accused the author of "whining" and pointed out that actually she had made out quite well. |
Cynique
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Cynique
Post Number: 134
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, March 26, 2004 - 04:28 pm: |
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Yes, I was being creatively interpretive! To wit: There's not an author out there, who upon deciding to write a book, doesn't have in the back of their mind, the dream that their book will become a critically-acclaimed, best-seller which will result in a slew of offers from movie producers, and a whirl wind book tour where they will be wined and dined at book signings, and interviewed on TV programs. This is what happens when an author hits it big, and I defy anyone to deny that this isn't what mid-list authors wishes would happen to them. |
Cynique
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Cynique
Post Number: 136
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, March 26, 2004 - 09:31 pm: |
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That was also some very creative grammar I used, wasn't it? LOL |
Blkmalereading
Regular Poster
Username: Blkmalereading
Post Number: 26
Registered: 02-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, March 26, 2004 - 10:17 pm: |
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Cynique: How could you possibly know someone else's dreams or feelings? That's like the rich man who feels that everyone not only wants to be rich but want what he has.
Also I don't believe that to many authors are looking to be critically acclaimed, not with the type of stuff that they are putting out. But I agree as in another post we've discussed, slanging books is the next 'new' get rich quick thing in the 'hood.
It seems that the author of this piece just wanted to be fairly paid and respected for their craft over everything else. I would say that a few authors have been wined and dined but are not respected in the industry and will probably not last very long in the game. But who knows, I have no idea what's going on with books now a days. |
Cynique
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Cynique
Post Number: 137
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, March 26, 2004 - 11:10 pm: |
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Who is to determine whether an author is being fairly paid, if the book they've written doesn't sell?? I will slightly amend my contention, however, when it comes to historians, many of whom write non fiction books because they want to leave a record for posterity. |
Chrishayden
Veteran Poster
Username: Chrishayden
Post Number: 62
Registered: 03-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, March 27, 2004 - 11:00 am: |
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Cynique:
You really are writing good these days--your grammar is good, your sentences are dexterious, your fire and passion are winning through--this is so different from the shy, retiring little wallflower you were when you first tentatively posted on this site, and I take full credit for it. I will send you the address where you can send your grateful and generous donations--
Now I gotta take you on to the but
BUT!
You are in the neighborhood but you ain't yet on the right block (what do you think of that "hood" metaphor?)
The main thing writers want to do is be read. I think everybody wants fame and fortune (though it may not be what they need like the old Smokey Robinson song says) but who wants to write a book and have nobody read it.
Who wants to just write for the sake of writing? Why don't we just write out our postings and tack them to our bathroom walls? We want someone to read them. We want to communicate. Writing is not like doing roadwork or excercising, that we do for selves
And before you chime in with literary writers, Yukio, all of them would sell their souls to have Stephen King's numbers. They just don't want to write what he has to write to get 'em |
Cynique
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Cynique
Post Number: 138
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, March 27, 2004 - 12:27 pm: |
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Well, Chris, mid-list writers are being read, presumably by thousands of people. Why are they complaining? Because they want to be widely recognized and financially compensated.
People who can't get their books published or whose books don't sell at all, have good reason to be frustrated, but who does a person blame when what he or she writes does not capture the fancy of the reading public?? |
Chrishayden
Veteran Poster
Username: Chrishayden
Post Number: 65
Registered: 03-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, March 27, 2004 - 01:11 pm: |
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Cynique:
Why are they complaining? Because they have been lied to. Because they were told--in MFA programs or English Lit or whatever, that good aart wins out over bad. They have been told that it is good to get a lot of money for something, that your problems are over. They have been told that once they land an agent and publish a book, their worries are over.
Maybe they are dumb for believing the hype. They do have a right to complain as did the very popular writer friend she referred to in her piece.
They are not being widely read as the top list authors which is their complaint.
Don't people who can't get their books published or whose books don't sell at all have only themselves to blame, too? |
Cynique
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Cynique
Post Number: 139
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, March 27, 2004 - 01:38 pm: |
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To back-track, unless you are speaking in jest, Chris, your knowledge of ancient history is flawed. I have never been a shy, retiring, wall flower of a poster on this board. If you recall, I was all but asked to leave when I posted under another name and was over the top with my sarcasm. Then I returned as "Cynique" and was busted by another poster who recognized my style.
And we really are beating this mid-list author subject to death. It suffices to say that every industry is profit-driven and everybody wants the validation of having a high price-tag placed on what they believe to be their talent.
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Jmho
Newbie Poster
Username: Jmho
Post Number: 2
Registered: 03-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, March 27, 2004 - 04:31 pm: |
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Chris wrote:
Maybe they are dumb for believing the hype. They do have a right to complain as did the very popular writer friend she referred to in her piece.
Don't writers, like most people in every other profession, know that life hold no guarantees. Reality check: sometimes you won't be able to do what you love and make a living from it. Sometimes, you have to get a second job to pay the bills, if what you're doing, isn't making the ends meet.
If we all could do what we love and make millions... |
Lambd
Regular Poster
Username: Lambd
Post Number: 41
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, March 28, 2004 - 12:44 pm: |
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Excellent! Jmho wrote exactly what I was thinking. If we all could get paid huge amounts of cash for what we love to do anyway, wouldn't life be grand? |
Chrishayden
Veteran Poster
Username: Chrishayden
Post Number: 72
Registered: 03-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, March 29, 2004 - 02:22 pm: |
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Cynique:
Well, all things do come out in the light. I remember when you were accused of posting under another name and I thought they had you wrong. I remember somebody posting, "You are fooling noone, Cynique!"
As an aside, how do you know when it is someone else posting under another name. Is there some Cyberspace fingerprint--maybe some repeated words or phrases or something?
How did they bust you? |
Cynique
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Cynique
Post Number: 151
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, March 29, 2004 - 02:44 pm: |
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Well, as I recall, when I first happened upon this board, talking about black men in a very negative way was just one of my infractions, and I decided to make my exit before I was asked to leave. Then I came back as a less caustic person who Carey told to "stick around", obviously thinking I was someone new until one of the female regulars expresssed her opinion that the bitch had re-surfaced as "Cynique". Obviously I have tempered my ways since then. I really do love black men - except when I hate them, and my bark is also much worse than my bite/byte.
I think female intuition helps women spot a certain style and figure out who is saying what. I could always pick up on Kola Boof's vibe no matter what name she posted under. |
Bookgirl
Regular Poster
Username: Bookgirl
Post Number: 43
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, March 29, 2004 - 05:00 pm: |
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That's funny Cynique. LOL I guess you did come back as a less caustic person because I am somewhat of a newbie here and your postings were some of the first that I read that I thought represented a really intelligent; but nice sister who I agreed with an awful lot. Funny how you can get certain "cyber vibes" from a person's postings. |
Always_lurking
Newbie Poster
Username: Always_lurking
Post Number: 10
Registered: 02-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, April 01, 2004 - 11:34 pm: |
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My only questions is this, why didn't she just self-publish. Is there some rule that doesn't allow that. She was already spending the marketing budget and had a following. Is that just a naive question at this point? |
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