When Publishing Dreams Become a Nightmare

>That's such a pity!

>I hope I never encounter a similar publishing nightmare, what a shame!

>I, too, was aware that publishers usually hold all the power when it comes to cover art, but I didn't know about titles. That seems downright strange to me that someone who hadn't even read the book dared to insist that the title they came up with was the perfect one. That takes an awful lot of nerve! If she's reading this, I hope "Allison" knows that our sympathies are with her.

>I'm really sorry for Allison, although if it makes her feel better I'd still trade shoes with her. I hope her book does exceptionally well regardless of cover and title flaws.

And just out of curiosity, have you had other negative experiences with this publishing house or was this an anomaly all the way around?

>oh now! how horrible … I just couldn't imagine how she is sleeping right now. xx

>I'm with Keli Glyn.

I'm glad to hear these things BEFORE I get the contract though – expectations mold every experience. Knowing things like this can happen help me hold onto realistic ones.

Thanks Rachelle – and lots of prayers to "Allison".

>What a shame that this experience is clouding the joy of publication for Allison.

My first novel is coming out in May with a good, independant Canadian publisher. No advance (just royalties), but they have some of the best cover artists I've seen.

Now I'm even more grateful that they allow author suggestions, although the final decision lies with the artist/publisher.

>Yipes. What a horrible feeling to be an observer while so much happens that effects your own career.

Maybe, by the time Allison's book is on shelves, the 1978-styled cover will be considered more retro than dated and readers will think it's great.

>A couple of comments here made reference to 'Christian' fiction, and I'd like to know how this got to be about Christian fiction? Read the post again – I don't believe the publisher in question was touted as being a "Christian" publisher – so in fairness, you have no idea whether they are or not. I am currently working with a Christian publisher, and my experience since being signed in November has been extremely positive, in fact more than I could have hoped. It IS horrible when stories like this occur, because let's face it, that first book is a dream come true. We want it to be excellent. Ideally, your publisher should be just as excited about your work as your agent is. They are partnering with you in something you have poured your life into, and the end result should be celebration, not heartache. I hope you'll tell us the name of the book when it comes out so we can all go out and buy it – and I hope the publisher will redeem themselves in the future. I can't see you'd be super excited to pitch anything to them again.

>I think, to find out the publisher didn't bother to read the manuscript, is the moment you pay back the advance and kiss off.

A house that doesn't understand the marketing aspects of good cover design and title is destined to fail.

>Wow! What an eye-opening experience for Allison. I hope this doesn't make her jaded, but more aware of the industry. Hopefully her book will do well to help heal her wounded heart. Blessings to both of you.

>Poor Allison! That truly stinks. Sending positive virtual vibes her way.

>Why would a publisher title a book before the editor has read and fully understands it? Because the title is about marketing, and all they really need to know is whether they think the title will sell the book – not whether the title accurately reflects the book.

T. Anne: This is my first time working with this publisher.

Anon 2:53: While I'm telling a story of a bad situation, your characterization (stick a bonnet on and call it a day) doesn't in ANY way reflect Christian publishing.

Anon 3:48: As far as I can tell, other authors have had good experiences with this publisher and are happy, so this may be an anomaly. I sure hope so.

Anita Mae: I appreciate your wise perspective.

>Best wishes to Allison on her book. I hope in the end, she will be thrilled because SHE GOT PUBLISHED!! YAY!

>Timothy and others: This conversation doesn't have anything to do with Amish fiction.

I'm not sure what good it does to criticize the fact that Amish stories feature photos of Amish-looking women on the front.

In any case, we're not discussing Amish stories right now.

>OK, let's say, worse case scenario, the book flops horribly and the publisher turns its back on Allison. What happens with her next novel? Will she have to convince everybody again through the query process? You included?

I'm a bit paranoid of this kind of experience happening to me.

>Awful thing to happen to your first book.
Mine was nearly as bad. When I got the first edits back, the editor had rewritten my book! Being my first experience, I didn't know if this was normal or not.
I wrote to the editor in chief who said, "We bought your book, not hers," and edited it herself. I was so relieved!
Allison and you have done the right thing in making your objections known in a courteous manner. I hope it all turns out well for her and for you. Does she blog?
It's a hard world, and if you don't speak up, you get trampled on.

>I've already determined that if I ever have the privilege of a contract, I will incorporate high quanities of coffee and prayer into my daily diet and be able to spell the word "flexible" backwards and forwards. That being said, I think my biggest expectations would be cover art. Therein could be huge disappointment. But again, that's what my coffee IV drip is for.

>I cannot fathom why a publisher who is in it for the money or wouldn't be publishing, would buy a book without reading it.

That tells me the proposal was a slam-dunk winner, but didn't reflect a completely accurate picture of the book if the title didn't match content. What else could the publisher's title be based on?

I also thought acquisition editors were the ones who pitched to the publishers, so how could the editor pitch without reading the book? I have 30 years experience in sales and sales management, and there is no way a person can sell something without knowing what it is. I have to agree with Anon 9:58 on that.

>Congratulations Allison! You were able to get your foot in the door and you will soon become published!

Sure, it would have been great to have an ideal situation where your input might have been considered but to me, my single most important goal is to get my foot in the door and get published!

Does anyone remember the scene in the movie "Julia and Julie" where Julia (Meryl Streep) meets with the publishing representative whose company decides to take on the cookbook that she's spent eight years fine tuning? Julia wasn't sitting there insisting that her title remain as she first wrote it; she was open to the publishing representative's professional knowledge in the area of title.

She was grateful and ecstatic that her cookbook was going to be published.

That's how I look at this process. If I am asked for input, I would consider that gravy and unlike Julia, I'm not writing a cookbook!

I feel my book title on fiction captivates the essence of my book but if the publishers want to change it, so be it.

I imagine that the more successful an author becomes, the more consideration they will be afforded.

>Rachelle,
It wasn’t my intention to criticize, merely to make the observation.

But if I might make another observation, we’re only hearing one side of this story. We’re led to believe that you and Allison are right and the publisher is wrong because you have told us that you are right and the publisher is wrong. That begs the question. Having been on the other side of the table in a similar situation, I’m sure the publisher believes you are wrong and won’t see reason.

In a situation like this, it may be wise to follow the golden rule—he who holds the gold makes the rules. When two parties disagree, someone has to have the final say. As the owner of the gold, that falls to the publisher, but for all I know, the publisher may be right anyway.

>I'm just writing to send hugs and solidarity to Allison (and you too).

I'm also feeling so appreciative of my editor: "It's your book. We want you to love it."

>Thanks for the informative post! Not for nothing, but sounds like a good problem to have…

I have already come up with a nice title and know exactly what I want my cover to look like, but I also realize they will merely be suggestions to the publisher. And that's fine with me. It's my first book. However, for my second book I would like my contract to give me some more room to move. And I also want a bowl of M&Ms – with the brown ones removed – at all of my book signings.

>I've worked for a couple commercial publishers as an acquisitions editor. As such, I would be the advocate for the book, and while I was present at the title/cover meetings, I didn't have the final say over these – that was 'owned' by the marketing department. I would have read the book but I may have been the only one who had. And juggling deadlines and meetings and prospective authors etc etc etc is taxing and tough. So although the situation with Allison is lamentable, I can see why she might have slipped through the cracks with a publisher – first-time author, maybe her original editor was away on some kind of leave (maternity leave?), maybe she is a 'C' ranking author and the publishing house is focusing their efforts on 'A' authors. I'm not saying this is making it right for Allison, but acknowledging that sometimes authors slip through the cracks. Hooray that Rachelle is the agent and is doing all she can to remedy the situation. I hope the book succeeds, and that Allison can someday love the cover and title – I've heard of authors who so hated the new title and cover that they didn't want to promote the book. Clearly a win-win is what all parties should long for.

>I'm really puzzled about what the pay off is for publishers who do this. I understand wanting to sell books through a good title, but in the end, if a title doesn't represent the book, is the buyer going to be happy? I've bought books like this before and felt ripped off by both author and publisher (unfair as that may be).

I think authors have to respect the business that is publishing and respect the publisher as the expert in that business, but as the author I am the expert and the steward of my work. If a title represents my book, but I don't like it, then I appeal. If that doesn't change anything then I accept it and submit to their expertise. But if a title actually misrepresents my book then that's different. That would bother me on an ethical level; it would feel like lying to my readers when I'm trying to establish trust as a writer.

I feel great compassion for Allison. This isn't the first time I've heard a story like this. I hope her book sells well despite her present disappointment. Good for her having a positive attitude and it's times like this that a caring agent is so important. I'm glad she has you.

>I hope Allison feels better when her book is out and the focus is again on the words in the book, not the marketing. I've published nearly forty books, and some have had catchy titles I loved (but readers didn't) while other have had generic, forgettable titles that ended up selling better than expected. I think most readers take a look at back cover copy or heed word of mouth and are willing to forgive a mediocre cover.

>Sorry to say, I'd be walking away from this mess.

They didn't read it yet? Really? If they are this unprofessional from the onset, does anyone really have any faith that they will be more so down the road?

The bottom line is that if 'Allison; doesn't want to kill the deal, that;s her call, but I'd be tossing the advance back their way and running like I was on fire.

To the publisher it's one book. For Allison it is hopefully the launch of a career. Better to launch it with someone you can at least negotiate with.

IMO at least…

>I too would turn down that publisher and try to cancel the contract. Why stay in any abusive situation? It's like accepting the first crummy marriage proposal that comes along just to be married. Not for me!
After all, if it's good enough for that publisher, it may sell like hotcakes with a diff pub who treats the book and author with respect.

Rachelle, I can see you're in a difficult dilemma but this is business and I'd have that conversation NOW before it's too late. Maybe the editor is the problem? I've had editors hack at my words while others left everything just as written. I say: RUN AWAY ASAP. Good luck!

>Unfortunately, sometimes these things happen.

I've had a variety of "interesting" covers. I've used them as trivia questions and to just simply make fun of them. (After a few years.)

I wish authors had more say on titles (we don't).

>Allison, my prayers are with you.

"What kinds of publishing hopes and expectations do you have?"

My hope – as unrealistic as it appears to be – is to be treated like I actually know something about the content and value of the book I conceived, created, and produced. I've tried to resist the temptation to form expectations, simply because for everything I know about the publishing business, there is so much more that I don't know. (This is why I am seeking representation by an agent.)

"How will you handle it if things don't go as you would like them to?"

With much prayer, consultation, and honest evaluation of the situation. Titles are extremely important to me, because my first book is the only stand-alone novel I have written. My second effort produced a trilogy. The novel I am currently writing is the first in a planned series of six books, and the titles tie them together. Were the titles changed, that continuity would be broken.

I don't even want to think about the horror Allison is experiencing with the cover art ordeal.

This is a terrible situation for both of you, but thank you so much for sharing it with your readers. So many blogs focus on what writers can do to improve our craft, our marketing skills, our business acumen, and so forth. I'd like to see more posts like this one, that share "what's next" after the contract is signed.

Have a blessed and beautiful day!

~ Angela

>… ARE still not someone I would ever want to work with…

(darn typo)

>I feel for Allison, to dream a long time and then to have it in your grasp and find it a nightmare. Hope she can find the courage to laugh even when dissappointed and to be rewarded with a good turnout.

I'll have to say a weird title might not get me, but dated covers would. I know exactly the kind of cover that typically catches my eye and tells me I want to read it. I write the stories I want to read and if my publisher handed me a cover that didn't look at all like those kind of books, but those from the 70s, oh, I think my heart would be crushed. That's one reason why I would never self-publish, I've yet to see a cover that could rival the cover art expertise team at a big publishing house.

Though you seem to be having difficulty knowing what exactly you want to do w/ this publisher in the future yourself, this is why I want an agent, to keep me from fury and burning my bridges if I felt they were hurting my book, or to talk me off that ledge and say, "I don't like this either, but lets calm down and view this logically," to have that voice of experience that says my expectations are too high, or yes, this is terrible, let's work through it and do the best we can.

MJ

>Poor girl. That's so hard.
It really makes me appreciate my publisher though. They've been so good to work with.

>Anon 12:16: Why didn't I "fix this"? Actually, I've been "fixing it" all along, advising each and every step, and each piece of correspondence with the publisher. Advising about long-term pros & cons of staying with the publisher vs. walking away. Talking the author through the situation, which, while difficult, isn't the end of the world. Although we didn't win on the title, we got the publisher to re-do the cover and that's a pretty big win.

There are numerous circumstances about this particular book deal that I haven't written about, which affect my ability to "fix it." The author herself also stands to benefit more from getting this book out than she does from walking away.

Once we sign a contract, it's a big deal to break it. Integrity demands we take these decisions very seriously. Many commenters today have said "I'd just walk away" but a good agent wouldn't let their client make a major business decision based on emotion and pride. We talk it through and calmly figure out the best course to take.

I'm surprised how many commenters today are reacting so harshly, i.e. "just walk away" or "why didn't you fix it?" It's easy to get carried away by emotions and pride – and THAT's a good reason to have an agent.

>"It's easy to get carried away by emotions and pride – and THAT's a good reason to have an agent."

You frequently treat writers as if they were children who should rely on wiser and cooler heads than their own.

Let's look at that wise and cool head. It is your job to sign your client with a publisher who will treat her with respect. That is your job. It is your job to make sure that the publisher reads the book prior to making any offer, much less decisions about cover and title. Perhaps you advised your client to take the offer and sign a contract too quickly. Perhaps you were carried by your emotions.

You have accountability here. This is your job. Your client should not have to deal with this type of situation. Your job is to make sure she doesn't.

>I can understand the cover situation, that's supposed to normally be a hassle, right? But the title…eek, I sincerely hope that the publisher doesn't make the process of going through the insides of the book that bad. Here's wishing 'Allison' a better process and hoping the final product is worth it.

>To those who think Allison should just "walk away": to what purpose?
She will then have to look for a new publisher, only now she has the added baggage of being an author who had a contract and walked away. Others may not care why she walked away or under what circumstances; all they'll worry about is whether she is a good author to work with. Showing you have class and integrity will take you far in ANY industry, including publishing. (Something a few trolls need to learn.)

>That is, she should walk away because the deal will do more damage to her career than simply to be published at all. Of course, anyone in that situation must weigh the circumstance according to what they feel is best for them based on various factors — but walking away is always an option. And suggesting that she should take it because it reflects integrity is a half-truth; we all want to conduct ourselves responsibly, but not at the cost of our self-worth, our self-respect.

Just sayin'.

>That sounds awful!

I'm curious as to what sort of publisher this is. A large one you're likely to work with all the time? A small one you thought would be best suited for her work? If it's the latter, would you consider not pitching to them anymore, or at least giving them less priority?

>That makes me sad for her. I was unhappy with my covers for my 1st and 3rd books. Both times I had conference calls with the publisher, and both times I got outvoted. I still don't like those 2 covers and both books went out out of print. Looking at the bright side–my other 2 books have beautiful covers that I love.

>I'm so thankful for having the opportunity to work with a great publishing team to co-publish my two books. The books acquisition editor, the editor, and the marketing cover design team are tremendous professionals and a sincere pleasure to work with through the entire process. I'm grateful and blessed!

>Martin Rose: I said integrity demands we take the decision very seriously. I never said that integrity demands an author stay and "take it."

Anon 7:39: Not sure what kind of point you're trying to make. We all know that Amish fiction sells well in the Christian market, and most Amish novels feature a picture of an Amish girl on the cover. Nothing new here.

For 30 years we've all seen "Fabio" covers on mainstream romance novels. So what? It sells, it has an audience, there's a formula to the cover. You don't have to like it. You don't have to buy it or even recognize its existence. Not sure what you're hoping to prove.

>"So what? It sells, it has an audience, there's a formula to the cover."

That perspective on publishing is my point. Thanks.

>Wow.

This makes me incredibly grateful for the wonderful experience I had with Revell. Their team read my manuscript, had long conversations about it, and knew how to package it in a way that was consistent with the content. Plus, they were friendly, genuinely helpful, gave me lots of time for my edits, and delivered on all their promised dates.

Is this more the norm, or was I incredibly fortunate?

>I've learned to let a lot of stuff just "go" – With my covers, I've had readers contact me telling me they LOVED the cover(s) and in the same inbox readers saying they don't like or even hate the cover(s). Same with titles.

Same with what's in between the covers and beyond the title – my words can be loved and my words can be not so loved.

It's all just part of the business and that's just how it is.

But, I do feel bad for the author hating her title and her cover . . . maybe it'll grow on her . . . I'm curious what reactions will be from her readers – you never know -they may love it! Just as we writers aren't always good judges of what words of ours will sell and be loved, maybe we aren't good judges of what our titles/covers "should" be?

>Rachelle, I think we got our lines crossed, I should have been clearer — I disagree with Rivka's previous viewpoint that publishing, despite grevious differences, reflects integrity and class. Maybe in some cases, perhaps — I fear not in this one.

>This is such an incredibly fabulous article, with so much to learn from. I feel bad for the author, because as a writer myself (mainly poetry but just did a "self-published" a novel) there is so much involved in all of it, even for those self-publishing. I've discovered DTP/PDF etc. etc. ~ I decided to do everything pretty myself, even the cover art. It may not be perfect, but life isn't either, but I'll learn something from it too. It's a first novel. Maybe the next I can get some help. Hopefully not in the manner poor "Allison" has though….YIPES! Thank you for such a wonderful article. ~April

>This actually speaks more about the literary agent than anyone else.

Sorry, but, the agent represents the author.

This whole debacle is the agent's fault.

Bad agent, bad experiences.

>I've had good experiences with a publisher and the in-house illustrator. I also had no agent.

I had a difference of opinion in how one illustration of a character I'd created should not look so scarey. The illustrator said it was common to look that way on kids cartoons, so why not in the illustration?

My comment was 'just because it's common from the world's perspective, it didn't mean it was common for this Christian children's book'. She was gracious and took my thoughts to heart, changing the illustration to be less intense.

I don't know what this publisher is like today as it's changed hands and new people run the company. It was a great group of people when I was with them from 1983-87.

During the time I was one of their authors, there was another author who was extremely upset with a book cover that was chosen for their book. The publisher opted to change the cover for them.

Rachelle has the right idea regarding working with the publisher, asking questions and sitting down to let them know how it was 'at the author's end'. Given time this author can come out on top if she doesn't panic and listens to Rachelle's advice.

If Rachelle was my agent, I'd be glad she was on my side!

>Anonymous at 6:48 pm, let's just hypothetically say that this whole situation was the agent's fault. It wasn't, but let's just say it was.

Does that automatically translate into "bad agent" as you say in your post?

This kind of generalizing is ridiculous and reveals that you have a thing against agents.

An agent, like anyone else, could make a mistake and they could handle one transaction less than perfectly, and it still wouldn't make them a "bad agent."

Just sayin.'

>I'm trying not to have high expectations. I only hope for a few things: 1) That my editor and I will get along well and be able to work together, even when we disagree, 2) That my story won't be butchered to the point that it's unrecognizable. The foundation needs to be the same, and 3) That I'll find a bright-side even if it's terrible.

>Ok look, I was one of the 'walk away types', but making this the agent's fault is jumping the shark a bit.

I agree with the feeling that eating a crap sandwich just because you are hungry is a bit stupid. If the book is good enough to be picked up by these guys surely someone else will show interest.

At no point does that become the agent's fault for pairing the writer w/ the pubber.

Now, that said, writers need a wake up call here.It is YOUR book. YOUR career. Take some responsibility. You hire an agent to advise you – not make your decisions for you. If your agent is making decision for you, you need a new attitude. Not their job. Their job is to walk you through what is going on to give you the info you need to make an informed decision. Period.

An agent is no more 'in charge than a lawyer is in charge of the sale of your house just because they handle the closing. You still put it up for sale and entertain offers. He/she is just there to explain the legalese. Get off the idea that the agent is there to 'take care of you'. This is business. Treat it like one.

If you have an agent and you feel he/she is not doing right by you, fire him/her. That simple. No different than firing a contractor that isn't building your deck the way you want it.

But don't blame the hired help if you sat in the bleachers as a spectator through the process and then bitched about the outcome.

I will still kill the deal. Getting published is not enough to erase the feeling of being treated like I don't matter. I am already only getting 7.5% of the money my work is going to earn. I think I've taken enough crap in the arraignment.

>MMBennets: So what happened? Did you ever get the deal you wanted?
Maybe you can try a US publisher? Best of luck!

>Wow, I'm surprised at how many people didn't know that authors have so little input on the title/cover.

Think of it this way:
1) Publishing is a business
2) The Publisher's job is to SELL the book.
3) Title and cover art are part of the SELLING.

The thing that scares me here is that the agent, who shares in the responsibility of selling the book, was also worried about the title/cover art.

>I'm posting anonymously since I'm going to say something critical about one of my publishers, but I am a published author. My heart goes out to Allison. I know that feeling of betrayal, when you feel your work is being destroyed or sabotaged by someone else's carelessness. I have had many wonderful covers but I had one bad one which grossly misrepresented the book, and it did result in significantly lower sales for that book. With that said, I do have some control over my fate…after that experience, I simply decided to no longer publish with that particular house.

The important things–ALWAYS–is to just keep writing good books and presenting them in their best possible form to the marketplace. The reading public will do the rest via word of mouth.

I am sorry for this author's experience, but this was just one book. Hopefully many more will come from her pen and her next experience will be a better one.

And for those who were saying, Just walk away, back out of your contract, this is the agent's problem, etc, I can only assume you are not a publishing author. It is not as easy, never as cut and dried as that. Publishing is a collaborative process, and nothing is ever completely under the author's (or agent's) control unless they are self publishing.

>{I skimmed the comments and didn't see this brought up before; apologies if I missed it} If the editor hadn't yet read the ms while all this was going on, s/he wasn't the one to acquire it and isn't invested in it the way an acquiring editor would be. I wonder if this is part of the problem.

I can't tell from the post if "publisher" means the house as a whole, the person who holds the title of publisher, or is shorthand for "everybody we had to deal with," but in any event, the arrogant manner in which this was handled at the publisher's end makes me wonder if your main contact is new and unsure of him/herself. I suspect that person will not be around long unless there is a nepotism factor at work, because if s/he treats authors that way, colleagues will get the same treatment.

>Seriously, this is one of my worst nightmares.

So my only big hope is that I'm able to get an agent and an editor I completely click with and trust. But I guess it can always go back to "beggars can't be choosers."

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