How Newpub Turned the Tables on Oldpub

For generations, the big New York publishers had the upper hand in the author-publisher relationship. Aspiring authors climbed over each other to answer the perennial question from acquisitions editors:

“Why should we publish you?”

So writers devoted untold hours drafting query letters and courting agents. It’s hard to conceive of now, but not too long ago, getting in front of an audience meant signing a book deal with gatekeepers in Manhattan. That meant convincing them your book deserved access to their paper distribution monopoly.

Because as author J.A. Konrath observed, at the end of the day, oldpub was never in the story business. They’re in the lumber trade …

… which has become apparent as oldpub is forced to contend with authors who already have their own readerships.

A Bookseller report on the growing number of successful indie novels describes oldpub houses having to change their longstanding strategy. Now that newpub authors have learned to build audiences of their own, the tables have turned.

Once, big publishers demanded authors explain why oldpub should sign them.

Now, successful newpub authors are demanding to know why they should sign with oldpub.

Read the full post on Substack.

SOULDANCER RETURNS, THE CYCLE CONTINUES

Ten years after winning the first-ever Dragon Award for Best Horror Novel, Souldancer returns with the definitive anniversary edition and an all-new companion novella, The Other Side of Fear.

The Kickstarter launches September 1, featuring early bird rewards and a crowdfunder-exclusive hardcover of the new novella.

Follow the Kickstarter now to be notified the moment limited rewards go live!