The Publishing Industry and the Fine Line Between Good and Good Enough

Most writers start off writing for themselves as they try the new hobby on for size. While some get bored of it or just simply give up, there are those who stick with it, and as they grow and write, they may decide they want to share their words with the world. Sound familiar? I thought so. Which is where the popular topic of publishing comes in. You can self-publish, which is super accessible thanks to the internet, or you can go the tradition route which brings along a million more steps, querying, getting an agent, getting a publishing contract and yada, yada, yada. This isn't a post on how to publish or how to juggle all of the complicating steps. This post is a deeper look inside the industry to uncover just why landing a publishing deal is so hard. Surprise: it might not be your book.

Let me just start by saying I've never been published, but I have done a lot of research on both traditional and self-publishing. I've seen how the publishing process effects writers, and I have talked to both self-published and traditionallay published authors about their publishing experience. When it comes to publishing, a lot of writers don't know what they're doing or how to navigate the crazy process that comes after finishing a book. They're great at writing, but when it comes to the business side of things, they need a little help.

Many books have been published and many have been rejected by agents and publishers. All of this constant "You're not good enough" talk brings writers down, but here's the reason why it might not be your book that's causing you to get rejected in the big, bad world of publishing.

Publishing houses can only afford to publish so many books, and pay so many authors. Publishers don't only look at the physical content of the story, they also have to look at the business side of your book. Things like whether it's marketable, something that readers will find interesting, or if it's the type of story the house typically publishes. They are forced to look at your book in the term of "Will this sell and can it make money?" because if the answer is no, then that's money the house has lost and they're not going to sign you.

Which is why I say, and I believe, that just because a book gets rejected doesn't mean its a bad story. Countless books, some that are now internationally known, got rejected a number of times. Sometimes your book isn't what that particular publisher is looking for, but it could be another house's gold mine.

They are so many variables that effect why your book may or may not get rejected. It may take years until you land a contract, but remember that every publisher, every agent, and every reader is different. No one likes the exact same things. But I'm sick and tired of seeing unfinished manuscripts sitting on shelves collecting dust because one; the author got rejected and gave up, or two; the author got scared and never even tried! So please, please, if your book has been rejected, but you have a feeling, a burning passion that you were meant to write this book, and that the world needs to hear these words and story. Then please don't give up. Your books could change someone's life, but not if it's sitting in the back of your desk drawer. So write that book, finish it, and start down the long road of publishing, whether you go traditional, or self-publish. I can't wait to read it!

What are your thoughts on the publishing industry? Do you want to self-publish or go the traditional route?

It's been a pleasure writing for you, and until next time--stay weird and stay writing. - Lexi