Editor Time: The Competition

live people on other side of screen

As you know by now, I’m a reviewer and as such have my favourite authors. People who I would love to work with but who are with other publishers. Of course, I think my publishing house is the best and I make no attempt to hide who I am with, who I work beside.

I respect and like the other publishing houses. If not for them I would only have the authors the big publishers deem worthy. Those small publishing houses have paved the way for every house that has opened after them…as we strengthen the very same road for those who follow us. We learn from each other by working with the competition, watching, and reading them. 

You do know why every sale looks alike? Why there are so many common themes – genres, mixed-genres, even cover styles. A strong marketer watches and tweaks to their company and audience. Before you think it’s stealing an other’s ideas, think about your grocery stores. Think of certain stores starting with W, T or K. Look at the major bookstores.

It’s a natural part of doing business.

Imitation has been called a form of flattery. You want success? Follow someone successful then make it your own.

Whoa, no way does this mean I would go to my fave authors, another publishing house’s authors, and try and steal them away. Heck no! I may have my wish list but my and my publisher’s integrity is beyond reproach and it’s staying that way.

In this business all you have is your name, your ethics, and it may be old but your word is your bond…should be your bond.

Does this mean perfection, as in nothing is ever goofed up or mistakes never happen. Oh double heck no. There isn’t a person or business alive that doesn’t make goofs or mistakes. It’s on how you handle yourself during these moments that matter. (small side note – in our industry where you can either work with a pub-house or go it alone, there are differences in how other companies deal with you. Each have pros and cons…pub-house, self…doors are closed and open to each)

Are you asking then how come you see authors in multiple pub-houses or moving houses? That’s an easy answer. Each pub-house has it’s strengths and operating styles. Each has an audience that may play or seem to play to certain genres. It’s all in the author’s perception. And in an industry like ours sometimes having your eggs spread out in different baskets may be your best option. And, yes, sometimes as in all aspects of life, the other side may seem greener. That’s where working in partnership with your publisher…and editor…comes in hand, a necessary hand.

Not only have you taken a risk with us, but we’ve taken a risk with you. Which is why contracts are vital – and knowing that the books/manuscripts we are interested in are free and clear of any legal ties to any other pub-houses.

Our reputation with authors and readers is important. Our reputation with all other pub-houses is the backbone on which we stand. Our industry needs us to work and support each other. Any hint of bad-mouthing, less than above-board dealings, pinching authors from each other, well that’s hitting below the belt and not a company I want to deal with.

My advice for anyone researching a future publishing home:

1…read their guidelines
2…is it possible to see a copy of their basic contract
3…dig around their website
4…dig around their authors’ websites
5…follow them on social media…how do they interact
6…contact their current authors for feedback
7…interview the publisher, those who work behind the scenes…anyone who works behind the scenes, and yes their editors
8…read their books…read their books in your genre. Go for preview reads or even yes, buy a book. Oh I can see the shocked looks. Hey, this is your business we’re talking about. Isn’t it in your best interest to invest in where you plan to call home? Your choice in book means the publisher can’t pick and choose. 

You’ll notice the one thing I haven’t included…researching sites that list reviews on publishers. Why? Am I afraid of what’s written there?

Ahhh, oh heck triple no. I’ve been a part of our online industry, in varying positions and degrees, for twenty years now and frankly, I don’t trust a place that isn’t open to a legitimate exchange of facts and voices. I’ve witnessed too many pub-houses and the people within ripped apart without any opportunity to offer their input. To counter opposing viewpoints, to explain how a situation was rectified.

The truth is this…there’s one side, the other side’s, and in the middle is the truth. 

A strong publisher will be forthright in all dealings with you..at all times during your association whether or not you sign with them or not. 

It is these pub-houses and their people I’m proud to stand side-by-side and say…we are your publishing homes.