Book Publishing Association Tells Publishers: Just Say No to New Authors

In its recent newsletter article, "Books You Should Not Print," the leading trade association for publishers openly endorsed a long-standing, unspoken industry standard by advising against publishing novels by new authors. American Book Publishing refuses to conform to this current industry practice.

In its recent newsletter article, "Books You Should Not Print," by Curt Matthews, Publishers Marketing Association (PRWEB) April 10, 2003 - the leading trade association for publishers - openly endorsed a long-standing, unspoken industry standard by advising against publishing novels by new authors. The advice given to new authors of fiction? "Let them learn their craft on somebody else's nickel."

One Salt Lake City publishing company, American Book Publishing, refuses to conform to this current industry practice. Director of Operations, C. Lee Nunn, says that she understands the reasons behind PMA's recommendation.

She explains that new authors present a challenge because they are under the impression that once their book is finally produced and made available in bookstores that it will magically start selling itself and their royalty checks will start rolling in. When this doesn't happen, authors often turn on their publisher, with blame and anger, instead of realizing that successful authors spend as much, or maybe even more, time vigorously promoting their book as they spent writing it. This common misconception by first-time authors - along with the subsequent financial losses that accompany under-promoted books - is the main reason behind PMA's directive.

Despite such drawbacks and true to this company's motto, "We don't abide by the notion of business as usual in publishing," American Book Publishing remains committed to giving talented first-time authors the opportunity to be published.

Ms. Nunn explains: "We've always experienced heavy pressure to discontinue our practice of giving new authors the opportunity to be published. Yet, giving talented first-time authors a chance is critical to the continuation of quality literature. We are proud to be making this important contribution. It's the reason we are in business."

"The extremes taken to slam the door shut to new authors is becoming quite unethical, " Ms. Nunn continues, "and we have even been accused of being a vanity or subsidy publisher simply because we do give talented first-time authors a chance to be published. We have had certain published-author groups target us with false accusations and slanderous information in an effort to stop our practice of working with new authors."

The fact that it is extremely difficult to successfully promote titles by unknown authors, however, isn't evidence of a vanity press or subsidy publisher. It is evidence of fierce industry competition. It is very difficult for new authors to make their book stand out from the 120,000 new titles on the market each year. It is even harder to compete with books being produced and published by the big houses, which are primarily written by celebrities and established authors with a loyal following.

Despite having excellent distribution channels in place and high quality books, unless an unknown author vigorously promotes his own book, it will almost certainly slip into oblivion within a few weeks of publication. This is common to the entire industry and ABP's authors are no exception.

Given these facts of publishing, it is obvious why working with first-time authors is such a challenge. Yet, instead of following the industry's trend to avoid publishing first-time authors, ABP chooses to educate its authors about how the industry works and then enlists their full cooperation in the marketing efforts.

"The idea is to work with new authors in producing high-quality, award-winning books with literary value. We have highly qualified editors and very talented designers who work to produce an excellent product. Then the marketing department works closely with the author to promote the book through reviews and publicity efforts."

American Book Publishing remains devoted to pioneering innovative ways for new authors to enter the publishing arena, despite the publishing industry trends that discourage this practice.

C. Lee Nunn, Director of Operations is available for interview and/or further comments and information. Please contact her at operations@american-book.com or call 801-486-8639. You may also visit www.american-book.com for more information.