My two mysteries were published by a small indie press. I enjoyed the experience, and with a few exceptions my experience was much like yours. Still, the very littles don’t have the reach of big 5 or even the more prestigious indies. It’s hard, no matter what, to stand out in the market. I’m proud of my books. I’m glad they are out there in the world. But honestly? I wish I’d started out in the biz circa 1973 instead of 2023.
Thank you for this fantastic breakdown of the pros and cons of working with a small press! My publishing background is all in small press and these are definitely the pros and cons I saw from the publisher side too (although, thankfully, I never saw author exploitation!). Our authors always expressed appreciation with the accessibility, support and quality of work but, as you rightfully point out, that can certainly vary. Distribution is especially difficult for start-up small presses (and even more so now that Small Press Distribution has shuttered), so any author considering a small press should definitely ask about their distribution. Sadly, in my experience, your point about small presses going under has been spot on as all of the publishers I've worked for are no more (although many of the books found new homes at other small presses). That said, I still love small presses and believe they can be the most welcoming, supportive home, especially for a debut author!
Thanks, Heather. I truly enjoyed my experience with them except at the end, where things went a little sour. I think they're an amazing option for some authors.
Karin, thank you for this post and for your candor about the Wild West (which is what the array of publishing pathways feels like -- at least for this novice would-be-author!). Much, much appreciated!
You always share so generously. Thank you for this! I love to read about small presses. I keep thinking that I want to read more by small presses and this post is making me rethink the order of books I'll read next! Thank you!
You make the small press route sound very enticing, especially for a debut. A bit of dreaming on my part here... if I had the opportunity to be published by a very respectable small press, would you advise still trying the agent/big press option to see if that might happen first? I'm not in this for the money but would love a wide readership.
Thanks, Brian. That's hard for me to answer. It's so dependent on the prestige of the press and the marketability of the project. Most authors turn to smaller presses and when they've exhausted the larger presses.
I’m also concerned about what I’ve been hearing lately about publishers not wanting “older” authors. I’m not sure what age has to do with anything…especially as we have more world experience and insight and wisdom.
Of course. Thanks for thinking of me. My email is karin.gillespie@gmail.com. Just send them and I invoice you when I'm done. Venmo or Paypal. You're the first so I should be able to get them back to you Wednesday at the latest.
Catching up after being buried under tennis reporting work. Both my eyebrows are raised at this: “Simon and Schuster opened a vanity publishing company called Archway which offers packages ranging from $2,000 to as much as $25,000.” Isn’t this a 10/10 on the cynicism scale!??
I've been writing seriously for ten years and written three novels, though nothing published yet. I plan on publishing my third novel later this year. For my first novel I dreamed of a literary agent and big 5 press contract. I was turned down by over 60 agents and looking back at the novel today it deserved to be turned down. It was a complex near future story that I didn't have the writing chops to make it work. I plan on rewriting it now that I have more writing experience.
For my third book that I'm publishing this year I chose a tiny hybrid press. In many ways it's self-publishing with some professional help. My goals are much more modest and I'm footing most of the upfront costs. This gives me both much more control over the final product and less pressure to make an immediate splash. I have a vision for the book and realize at first I'll be giving away far more copies than I sell and that's OK. I'm more concerned about turning out a quality book then sales or making money. I'm working with a new press with few clients so I'm getting lots of attention and can work directly with the owner. This arrangement is very attractive as I get lots of control and opportunities to learn. The press owner gets a new client he can learn with who fills his niche, science fiction and fantasy, so it's a win for everybody.
My two mysteries were published by a small indie press. I enjoyed the experience, and with a few exceptions my experience was much like yours. Still, the very littles don’t have the reach of big 5 or even the more prestigious indies. It’s hard, no matter what, to stand out in the market. I’m proud of my books. I’m glad they are out there in the world. But honestly? I wish I’d started out in the biz circa 1973 instead of 2023.
Yes, it was easier then but no computers :)
Thank you for this fantastic breakdown of the pros and cons of working with a small press! My publishing background is all in small press and these are definitely the pros and cons I saw from the publisher side too (although, thankfully, I never saw author exploitation!). Our authors always expressed appreciation with the accessibility, support and quality of work but, as you rightfully point out, that can certainly vary. Distribution is especially difficult for start-up small presses (and even more so now that Small Press Distribution has shuttered), so any author considering a small press should definitely ask about their distribution. Sadly, in my experience, your point about small presses going under has been spot on as all of the publishers I've worked for are no more (although many of the books found new homes at other small presses). That said, I still love small presses and believe they can be the most welcoming, supportive home, especially for a debut author!
Thanks, Heather. I truly enjoyed my experience with them except at the end, where things went a little sour. I think they're an amazing option for some authors.
My debut thriller THE BETTER MOTHER is coming out next year with Crooked Lane/Alcove so this is all great information. Thanks for putting this out!
Congratulations, Jennifer. Alcove is a great house.
As always—thorough and insightful!
Tnanks, Tracey. I'm sure you have your own thoughts. :)
Karin, thank you for this post and for your candor about the Wild West (which is what the array of publishing pathways feels like -- at least for this novice would-be-author!). Much, much appreciated!
You're welcome, Pinki. The Wild West is the perfect metaphor.
You always share so generously. Thank you for this! I love to read about small presses. I keep thinking that I want to read more by small presses and this post is making me rethink the order of books I'll read next! Thank you!
Thanks, Kolina. That's a great idea. I'll do that as well.
You make the small press route sound very enticing, especially for a debut. A bit of dreaming on my part here... if I had the opportunity to be published by a very respectable small press, would you advise still trying the agent/big press option to see if that might happen first? I'm not in this for the money but would love a wide readership.
Thanks, Brian. That's hard for me to answer. It's so dependent on the prestige of the press and the marketability of the project. Most authors turn to smaller presses and when they've exhausted the larger presses.
Fair point. Thanks Karin. If I’m so fortunate to secure a deal with either, I’ll let you know.
You do such a consistently great job with your newsletter— it’s absolutely gold!
Thank you, Jennifer. You made my day.
👍🏽❤️👍🏽
Terrific overview of small presses!
Thanks, Aimee
I’m also concerned about what I’ve been hearing lately about publishers not wanting “older” authors. I’m not sure what age has to do with anything…especially as we have more world experience and insight and wisdom.
You've inspired me to write a newsletter on this! Thank you. I've been thinking about it as well. Time to do some digging.
Possibly shaving the first 20 years of work experience off my LinkedIn resume? Lol.
Cool! I’m looking forward to your take on this.
Wonderful breakdown of what is gained and lost when you work with a smaller publishing house. I love the honesty and personal storytelling here.
Thank you, Alexandra.
Thanks Karin, this is valuable information to consider. It’s hard to navigate all this for the first book — does it get easier?
Emotionally, yes. You get accustomed to the ups and downs :)
Hi Karin. I would love if you could evaluate my first ten pages for $25.00. Can we do this?
Of course. Thanks for thinking of me. My email is karin.gillespie@gmail.com. Just send them and I invoice you when I'm done. Venmo or Paypal. You're the first so I should be able to get them back to you Wednesday at the latest.
Sounds terrific. Thank you Karin. Will send this morning. Andria
From what I understand 1973 was around the time staff editors were leaving their day job to start their own agencies. Exciting times.
Catching up after being buried under tennis reporting work. Both my eyebrows are raised at this: “Simon and Schuster opened a vanity publishing company called Archway which offers packages ranging from $2,000 to as much as $25,000.” Isn’t this a 10/10 on the cynicism scale!??
I've been writing seriously for ten years and written three novels, though nothing published yet. I plan on publishing my third novel later this year. For my first novel I dreamed of a literary agent and big 5 press contract. I was turned down by over 60 agents and looking back at the novel today it deserved to be turned down. It was a complex near future story that I didn't have the writing chops to make it work. I plan on rewriting it now that I have more writing experience.
For my third book that I'm publishing this year I chose a tiny hybrid press. In many ways it's self-publishing with some professional help. My goals are much more modest and I'm footing most of the upfront costs. This gives me both much more control over the final product and less pressure to make an immediate splash. I have a vision for the book and realize at first I'll be giving away far more copies than I sell and that's OK. I'm more concerned about turning out a quality book then sales or making money. I'm working with a new press with few clients so I'm getting lots of attention and can work directly with the owner. This arrangement is very attractive as I get lots of control and opportunities to learn. The press owner gets a new client he can learn with who fills his niche, science fiction and fantasy, so it's a win for everybody.
Bruce, I’m so glad that’s working out for you!