Can't See The Orchard

...for all of the rotten apples?

As a writer, the need to research fully depends on what you're writing. Pure fiction, of course, needs only a little research if any, whereas other fiction books like fact-based fiction or historical fiction, even science fiction require much more.

The worse thing an author can do is internet research only. It's a great place to start - but stay far away from "agenda driven" sites.  For instance, if you wanted to discover the entire list of contraindications regarding a certain drug additive, it wouldn't be wise to go to that pharmaceutical's website for truth in advertising. Much like a Realtor describes a pile of rubble as a "fixer-upper," agenda-driven reports will feed you the same tripe.

When deciding whether or not to sign with a publisher, one must be diligent and do research on the company, other than the company's own website. This is paramount to a pleasant publishing experience.

I know of a writer whom after over a decade of honing her craft, attending schools and conferences, winning awards for some of her picture book manuscripts, and submitting to plethora houses for publication finally received the one letter which didn't start out: "We regret..."

Understandably she was ecstatic. She read and reread her contract. It looked almost too good to be true but believable just the same. She had her lawyer peruse the document who found no glaring defects.  She thought all of her hard work had finally paid off in spades.

She signed with the company back in the Fall of 2006 with a production promise from them of 12 months.
It is now the Fall of 2009 and my acquaintance has yet to see even a rough draft of her book. 

Eventually she did some research on the company.  Too little, too late unfortunately. They've declared consolidation bankruptcy more than once, requiring a name change both times. The company calls itself an "Independent Press" ~ but in order to claim that moniker a book publishing house must print books from eight different authors a year.  The two owners and one of their two children account for three of their authors ~ the owners, of course using a pseudonym for publication, but their adolescent child "writes" under his given name.  Their employees "are required" to have books published through their house, giving the house a total of at least six authors, maybe more. Therefore, in this writer's humble opinion, the house must contract with one or two desperate authors a year, making them eligible to advertise as an "Independent Press" publishing house. I doubt very much they are unique in this practice.

I don't believe these types of IPs are doing anything wrong or illegal, only highly disingenuous. Especially to their contracted authors whom all believe their contracts (and talent) to be legit.

Upon further research you may discovered these types of IP houses are no more than a print-on-demand publishers, which is a house who publishes books only as they are ordered, a smidge of a step up from self-publishing. They promise an author shelf and major outlet availability, but more than likely this claim is no more than out-and-out fabrication.  Don't expect any books to be printed unless ordered by you, the author.  Do expect to have to order in bulk and wait up to six months, maybe more, for your books to arrive on your porch.

My advice - there are great discussion forums on the web which address publishing houses and their authenticity. Absolute Write Water Cooler is one example. Use these sites to your fullest advantage. Post a question about the house which has offered to print you. Find other authors who've signed through them and ask their opinion of how they were treated or used. Search public financial records on the company through their home state.  Try to order from a major outlet, distributor or warehouse a book they've recently published. If it's unavailable or no longer in print, a waving red flag should appear in your face.

Moral of the story? There are more publishing houses in the orchard than there are apple trees. Don't give up the good fight. If your book is better than just good you'll eventually find it a home.

Speaking of apples, the autumn harvest is in and my niece brought down some lovely Kerry Irish Pippins and a few Bartlett Pears when she came to visit this old curmudgeon last. The freshest of fruits are locally grown near her home in Santa Rosa at the Philo Apple Farm. I stayed there once during a lengthy visit with my niece and her sweet family. It was a beautiful respite from my noisy life. I highly recommend the place.

If we're done here, I believe I'll bake myself a Kerry Irish Pippin Pie for tonight's dessert.

Thanks for stopping by.
H