Writer Beware

 I recently submitted my Medusa novel to a publisher I found because they approached me to review one of their books.  Now, my nonfiction blog isn’t a big deal.  With only a couple hundred regular readers I’m sure it didn’t lead to sales.  The book, honestly, wasn’t that good.

Still, the website was friendly and welcoming.  As I filled in the proposal form I was honest, as it asked me to be.  How many copies, it asked, do you think your book will sell?  Be honest, it advised.  I put a number, realistic, that my own publisher would’ve been satisfied with.  Most books, truth be told, sell less than 1,000 copies.

When they sent their rejection note a week later they said that I wasn’t well enough established as a fiction writer.  In other words, I couldn’t bring in enough money.  I’m not established enough?  How are you ever going to get established if even a small publisher like that won’t give you a chance?

Here’s the inherent dishonesty in the system.  I’m not famous—I’m honest about that.  I, however, work hard for my publications.  I set up websites, I do interviews, and, I’m told, I write well.  If you only accept established authors, for God’s sake say so!

I’ve worked in publishing for going on twenty years now.  I’ve been writing for nearly half a century.  For those who get my work, they note that it’s intelligent and often fun.  Would people pay to read it?  I may never know.

Looking back, I wonder if it was wise to submit my novel to a publisher that produced the kind of book (for an author with no platform, I must add) they sent to me.  All I really lost was a week of hope that some publisher, honestly, would understand what it means to be a creative.