Being a writer can be pretty exciting and it is even better when a person can get paid from their words. However, finding the right publisher is not always easy and sometimes, going at it alone is easier said than done if a person wants to move a lot of units. This is why some new urban authors take their manuscripts to the African American publishing company that has the best reputation.
There are many advantages to going with a smaller publisher is the amount of attention that the writer may receive. Those who are emerging may not have an agent on their side to act on their behalf. There are also agencies that encourage their clients to take any deal so they can get paid.
Attention to words can say a lot because often many of the mainstream publishers may want to dilute certain aspects. Those who are part of a minority group, especially women, will often agree that censorship can kill authenticity. Most writers with a unique voice want to preserve as much of this as possible so that they can separate themselves from others in a similar genre.
There are also stories that have many unique factors that are not always openly discussed in groups. These may have to do with body acceptance, class, sexuality, or subjects that are considered taboo. Although some of the mainstream publishers are opening up to diversity, usually they are looking at the entire package before deciding to give the green light.
Most people find that some smaller companies tend to have a greater appreciation for genres that are not part of the mainstream. As the urban experience can have multiple layers that involve class, religious, and social standing, there are few stories that are likely to appeal to major publishing houses. These are also stories that have to be told in the right voice and not in a way that will appeal to the masses.
Most find communication with the smaller publishers to be more open to unique concepts. For instance, late author Donald Goines, who told many gritty stories about living a life of crime and narcotic abuse, would not have made it had he pitched a major publisher. Although some of the larger houses may have an urban division, this was not the case almost half a century ago.
When working on a story, it helps to speak in the most unique voice possible and not just tell an intriguing story. Just saying that something shocking or interesting occurs versus becoming the character, even in the third person, will bring a story to life. Taking time to craft memorable characters and their reactions to simple things is more likely to be bought by a publisher than something that is sensationalized.
Most publishers who want to retain a good reputation will make a fair deal to new and veteran authors. The best rule of thumb for the writer is for them to do their own research about each companies. Things that should be looked into are how often they have new releases, their current roster of authors, and whether they have utilized shady accounting practices. While this may not be easy, the effort will certainly pay off in the long run.
There are many advantages to going with a smaller publisher is the amount of attention that the writer may receive. Those who are emerging may not have an agent on their side to act on their behalf. There are also agencies that encourage their clients to take any deal so they can get paid.
Attention to words can say a lot because often many of the mainstream publishers may want to dilute certain aspects. Those who are part of a minority group, especially women, will often agree that censorship can kill authenticity. Most writers with a unique voice want to preserve as much of this as possible so that they can separate themselves from others in a similar genre.
There are also stories that have many unique factors that are not always openly discussed in groups. These may have to do with body acceptance, class, sexuality, or subjects that are considered taboo. Although some of the mainstream publishers are opening up to diversity, usually they are looking at the entire package before deciding to give the green light.
Most people find that some smaller companies tend to have a greater appreciation for genres that are not part of the mainstream. As the urban experience can have multiple layers that involve class, religious, and social standing, there are few stories that are likely to appeal to major publishing houses. These are also stories that have to be told in the right voice and not in a way that will appeal to the masses.
Most find communication with the smaller publishers to be more open to unique concepts. For instance, late author Donald Goines, who told many gritty stories about living a life of crime and narcotic abuse, would not have made it had he pitched a major publisher. Although some of the larger houses may have an urban division, this was not the case almost half a century ago.
When working on a story, it helps to speak in the most unique voice possible and not just tell an intriguing story. Just saying that something shocking or interesting occurs versus becoming the character, even in the third person, will bring a story to life. Taking time to craft memorable characters and their reactions to simple things is more likely to be bought by a publisher than something that is sensationalized.
Most publishers who want to retain a good reputation will make a fair deal to new and veteran authors. The best rule of thumb for the writer is for them to do their own research about each companies. Things that should be looked into are how often they have new releases, their current roster of authors, and whether they have utilized shady accounting practices. While this may not be easy, the effort will certainly pay off in the long run.
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