I’d planned to write an entry about auditioning, since I spent a lot of years auditioning for bands and for commercials/television shows. I was going to tie the entry in with writing. (A surprise, I know. *g*) But the blog world is in such an uproar over THIS announcement that I thought it might be better to discuss the ramifications instead.
I have to admit that a friend of mine saw this coming months ago. She predicted that publishers would start with e-pubbing most authors with little to no advance, then have them pay to put their books in print. I am disappointed that Harlequin has chosen to go in this direction, especially since it’s such a good company. I have no doubt this, like the no advance epub only company they just started, is a good business decision for the corporation. But it’s definitely not good for the author.
What do you all think?
Well, I think some writers at least are going to see it as auditioning. To tie into your intended topic. Beyond that, not sure what I think. Except that I don’t think we’ve seen the end of traditional publishers branching out to no-advance and self-publishing lines.
by Charli November 17th, 2009 at 4:19 pmCharli, I think you’re absolutely right on all counts. Sadly.
by Jordan Summers November 17th, 2009 at 4:50 pmWhile it is most certainly a good business move for Harlequin, in this case the cost for self-publish may be unattainable for most people. In a down market where everyone is already struggling, no advances, smaller royalty payments and a high cost just to get publicized means more people with either be leaving the world of writing or publishing less. I am sad on many counts because I faithfully follow my beloved authors throughout their creative journeys. For us readers it narrows down the great authors even further….I hope that there will be a way for the good ones to stick around and if self publishing can be made both profitable and affordable that would be lovely.
by Shannon November 17th, 2009 at 10:42 pmShannon, I’d say the cost would be out of a lot of folks price range. I believe you’ll see a bit of both (ie leaving and less books from your favorite authors). I think the changes happening now are going to drive a lot of authors to try self-publishing. I also think we’re going to see a rise in the indie publishers. If they can get books into stores, then a lot of authors, who are fed up with what’s happening in N.Y., are going to find their way to their doors.
by Jordan Summers November 17th, 2009 at 11:45 pmI think they’re diluting the brand and the self pub they got in bed with doesn’t exactly have a stellar reputation. My question is why? Is Harlequin not making enough?
by Ilona November 18th, 2009 at 7:44 amIlona, I’m afraid that’s what they’re doing, too. I know of the company’s reputation from Author’s Beware. I believe business wise it’s a no lose situation–if they’re not concerned about their reputation being tarnished. As for the money, they’ve been one of the few who seemed to be riding out the recession well, so I don’t know what’s going on.
by Jordan Summers November 18th, 2009 at 10:56 amAs you say, it’s a solution for staying solvent but not very good news for the authors. On the other hand, an author in this day and age will need a Big Hit to make any money anyway. With added avenues to get our work out there more easily we might have a shot at the big time.
by BernardL November 18th, 2009 at 1:20 pmBernard, Indeed, we might, but it won’t be through either of these ventures. *g*
by Jordan Summers November 18th, 2009 at 2:29 pmI was actually speechless when this was announced yesterday.
I can’t even articulate how I really feel about it. There are so many things wrong with this, one being the pricing, and the other having Harlequin actually lending their name to this, on the books, as if now that self pubbed author can claim they are a Harlequin pubbed author.
And the fact that I imagine most of those books will go out unedited, because hell the packages don’t come with editing, you have to pay extra for that, and I believe its only a line edit at that and not content and structure and character arcs.
And the money is flowing the wrong way…it should ALWAYS flow to the author.
I can’t even put this venture in with Carina Press because at least Carina has a traditional model of business and the author doesn’t pay them, they get paid on their sales, and the books are edited and get proper cover art.
Oh, I could go on and on….I guess I’m not as speechless as I first thought… :0)
by Vivi Anna November 18th, 2009 at 2:57 pmVivi, This one floored me, too. I wasn’t happy to hear about Carina, but I understood where they were coming from. This one was just…well just unbelievable. I don’t think I would be near as upset about it, if it didn’t have the Harlequin name and the company they joined with didn’t have such a negative reputation. But they do. Blink. It makes me sad. I feel bad for the editors because I know no matter how good of a business decision this is for the parent company, it’s hurting all they’ve worked so hard for.
by Jordan Summers November 18th, 2009 at 3:06 pmYup, that’s my main concern as well J, that Harlequin’s name is on it.
I think it degrades all those hard working authors that busted their asses for years to get their foot in the door at Harlequin.
by Vivi Anna November 18th, 2009 at 3:24 pmVivi, I agree, it does.
by Jordan Summers November 18th, 2009 at 3:55 pm