| Beating the Drum from 4RV * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * January - February 2009 Newsletter |
In this issue:
Blog tour for State of Wilderness
Upcoming events
Article "Keeping Up with Publishing"
Blog tour for State of Wilderness
Upcoming events
Article "Keeping Up with Publishing"
Keeping Up with Publishing
by Vivian Zabel
A writer I know, a former attorney who was able to retire at a rather young
age, attends writing conferences and reads extensively to keep up with the
publishing situation since he wants to be published. I've done some editing of
his work, and he is an excellent author. When we visited last week, before he
and his wife took off for a long vacation in Hawaii, he said he's hearing, in
numerous places by people who know, that anyone not already published
probably never will be.
From my reading and from what people I know in the industry, the
recession-nearly-depression has a huge impact on the publishing business. The
major houses are cutting back on staff, number of manuscripts accepted, and
number of accepted authors. They want established authors, well-known
authors, authors whose names will attract book buyers. The publishers are
wanting and needing changes in the book selling process, too, but whether or
not those will happen remains to be seen (and would be the topic of another
newsletter).
Fewer books are bought as the economy worsens, so large, medium, and
small publishers are facing financial troubles. Without sales, presses receive
even less income when the profit margin is small enough under the best of
circumstances. Fewer books and sales means the need for fewer authors and
manuscripts.
Small presses were and are trying to help new authors begin their writing
careers, but they are most harmed by a new law, the Consumer Product
Safety Improvement Act of 2008, a law with the best of intentions but with
many harmful actual effects. All items manufactured for children twelve years
of age and under must be tested for lead and a few other hazardous materials.
Important, very much so.
The problem lies in the vague, broad range, and confusing wording of the act.
For example, since we're talking about publishing, the law includes books,
something that doesn't contain lead or other hazardous materials -- even books
imported from overseas. Every component that goes into a book is tested
already, but the law does not accept those test results. The act requires that
publishers (who have no control over the materials used in books) pay for
tests to prove their products are not guilty. The testing is extensive and
expensive.
What happens if this law continues on the current path of implementation,
which goes into effect February 10, 2009, just a few weeks away? Many
small presses are already preparing to close their doors. Others are dropping
children's and middle grade books. Large publishing houses will test and pass
the cost on to customers, causing the cost of children's books to rise
drastically. However, according to Publisher's Weekly, some major houses
don't know if they will survive another financial blow.
Where do the problems facing the publishing industry leave writers? With very
few choices or chances to be published at this time. Hopefully, conditions will
change, but we need to know what happens so we can be prepared.
One way to be informed is to read publications such as Publisher's Weekly
(http://www.publishersweekly.com/article/CA6627969.html?desc=topstory}.
The online version is free. Also PW has a children's division, Children's
Bookshelf
(http://www.publishersweekly.com/article/CA6629950.html?talk_back_header
_id=...} also free online.
Another way to know what is happening is to be a member of groups or
forums dealing with writing and publishing. I first discovered the problem
concerning CPSIA on a Yahoo listserver called CBPublishing (CB = Children's
Book).
Hopefully, the problems facing publishing today will lessen and soon. Only
time will tell.
State of Wilderness Blog Tour
written by Elysabeth Eldering, illustrated by Aidana WillowRaven
SATURDAY, JANUARY 17 Book Roast blog
MONDAY, JANUARY 19 - Visit Montana on Martin Luther King, Jr's
Day
Rena's multiply site
Rena's blog A cross posting where comments will be used for the drawing
TUESDAY, JANUARY 20 - Visit New York
Donna McDine
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 21 - Arrive in South Carolina
Katie Hines
THURSDAY, JANUARY 22 - Visit Texas
Holly Jahangiri (Holly will also issue a challenge for commenters to leave an
interesting, fun, or wacky fact about the state in which they live)
FRIDAY, JANUARY 23 - Up to Washington state
Susan Marlow
SATURDAY, JANUARY 24 - and down into Utah
John Hughes
SUNDAY, JANUARY 25 - Wrapping it up in South Carolina and
Tennessee
Elysabeth Eldering and Aidana WillowRaven
Coming Events:
Book signing: Elysabeth Eldering, January 24, 2009
11 AM - 1 PM, The Open Book
Greenville, South Carolina
Book Festival: Vivian Zabel & Jacque Graham
January 24, 2009, 1 - 4 PM
Edmond Historical Museum, Edmond, Oklahoma
Blog tour: Bubba & Giganto: Odds Against Us
January 25 - 31 -- to be posted later
Book signing: Elysabeth Eldering, January 24, 2009
11 AM - 1 PM, The Open Book
Greenville, South Carolina
Book Festival: Vivian Zabel & Jacque Graham
January 24, 2009, 1 - 4 PM
Edmond Historical Museum, Edmond, Oklahoma
Blog tour: Bubba & Giganto: Odds Against Us
January 25 - 31 -- to be posted later