PUBLISHING TODAY

It will come as no news to those struggling to get books published these days that times are especially tough right now. An author friend who finally got an agent last year and is trying to sell what I don't doubt is a well-written novel has struggled through 26, that's right, 26, rejections from publishers since then.

For starters, the market is saturated, as more and more people want to write books, even if they are neither readers nor experts nor experienced "writers," even in terms of understanding Grammar and style. AI and self-publishing both support these kinds of authors and they are creating challenges for those more practiced in the field who need to generate interest in and sell their work too.

Another big problem is that marketability has taken the place of originality in terms of what publishers now seek. How likeable are you as a writer? How likeable is your style? These are questions that would have made most, if not all authors from the past with any true literary sensibility, cringe. They make writers with literary sensibility today cringe. But like it or not, this is what dominates in the industry now.

Another problem for publishers and authors is that consumer spending has declined. According to PR and publishing expert Kathleen Schmidt, who recently wrote in her Substack column, "Publishing Confidential," "only the top 10-percent of earners have increased their expenditures," and there is no telling what percent of that applies to book buying. Oy!

Tariffs are also increasing the cost of book production overseas, writes Schmidt, so "raising book prices isn't feasible when consumer spending is low." Her practical advice to publishers is to "keep prices within a specific range, publish wisely and incentivize consumers to buy." Sensible advice, even if some may not want to hear it.

What is the best thing publishers, agents, authors, editors and all those involved in the industry can do right now? 

Stay flexible, says Schmidt.

To that, I add my writerly "two cents": keep writing about what you love, doing the best you can with the subject matter that moves you since that is what is most likely to win over your readers.

And keep up with trends. Watch what is happening in publishing, as you would what is happening in the stock market. Conditions change rapidly, so stay tuned into your favorite resources and guides. This will help, whether or not you are in a place to market your writing.

Some helpful resources for writers wanting to keep up with publishing trends: Jane Friedman's blog; The Hot Sheet, a bi-weekly newsletter; writing consultant Mike Shatzkin's blog; Schmidt's blog mentioned above; and Publishers Weekly, an international trade magazine that is a standard in the industry.