This isn't going to be the current dither about the minimal royalties traditional publishing houses are paying their authors for e-book rights. The bottom line is that authors are entitled to a bigger share of the e-book profits. There's nothing to debate. Publishers figure it out and shell out. You're going to eventually lose this argument, so do it now.
Nope, I'm going to rail about the idiotic publishing deals that have been in the news. I'm going to add that part of the reason why traditional publishing houses are in trouble financially is that they make ridiculous deals – and then are surprised when the advances aren't earned out.Is there any Stiletto Faithful who intends to buy a book, any book, from Levi Johnston, Bristol Palin's baby daddy? Is there anyone who isn't appalled at the title of Levi's book, Deer in the Headlights: My Life in Sarah Palin’s Crosshairs? I realize that the publisher is playing off Sarah Palin's love of hunting, but I am also convinced that this is an allusion to the famous web site endorsed by the former Alaskan governor which had Democratic candidates in the crosshairs for defeat. Representative Gabrielle Giffords was one of those included. Levi Johnston should not have gotten a book contract because he has nothing to say. And Levi's editor should be ashamed for choosing that title.
Next: let's move on to the book contract that Bristol Palin, Levi's baby mama, received. Again, in a tight publishing market, when smart mid-list authors are being cut faster than a New York minute, why on earth would you give this 20-year old, with her new jaw, a publishing contract? Who is going to buy this book? And even if the publisher is sure there is a market, where is the good sense that these people were born with?
These publishing deals are stupid. Besides the fact that these faux-celebrities have nothing to add to the general discussion, we all know that not one of them is actually doing the writing. And I would bet dollars to donuts that the ghostwriters hired for these gigs are getting minimal pay and maximum aggravation.
Now if any of these faux-authors get a six-figure deal for a sex tape, I say more power to them. At least in that case, they're actually doing the "work."
But otherwise, publishers smarten up.
Marian, the Northern Half of Evelyn David
Brianna Sullivan Mysteries - e-book series
I Try Not to Drive Past Cemeteries- Kindle - Nook - Smashwords
The Dog Days of Summer in Lottawatah- Kindle - Nook - Smashwords
The Holiday Spirit(s) of Lottawatah- Kindle - Nook - Smashwords
Undying Love in Lottawatah- Kindle - Nook - Smashwords
A Haunting in Lottawatah - Kindle - Nook - Smashwords
The Sullivan Investigation Series
Murder Drops the Ball (Spring 2011)
Murder Takes the Cake- Paperback - Kindle
Murder Off the Books- Paperback - Kindle
Riley Come Home (short story)- Kindle - Nook - Smashwords
Romances
Love Lessons - Kindle - Nook - Smashwords
Great post!
ReplyDeleteThanks Dru. The publishing industry has to stop paying big bucks for these faux-books by even faux-er (is that a word??) authors. Marian
ReplyDeleteIt's really discouraging to people who try to hone their craft and get better at writing. However, the way I look at it, ghost writers who are just like us are making money and people are obviously buying these "tomes." I think the Snookie book made a ton for whatever publisher she went with. But do I want to hear anything that Levi Johnston has to say? Nope. Maggie
ReplyDeleteI hope the ghost writers are making tons of money -- but I've seen some contracts where it's work for hire -- meaning you get a set fee, even if the books sells millions. Too often the ghost writer isn't "invited" to share the wealth! Oy!
ReplyDeleteArgh! I hate hearing this crap. I would personally like to slap the people who buy and *read* this junk because unfortunately, as long as there is a market, there are pubs who will cough up the dough.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately there are many people who like these books that's why publishers buy them.
ReplyDeleteI have a friend who does quite well ghost writing for celebrities--though the ones he write for are far more interesting than the ones you've cited.
Marilyn
I agree Marilyn that ghostwriting can be lucrative. I've done some work like that and it's been very rewarding. But I've also been offered contracts that were ridiculously unfair to the writer.
ReplyDeleteI think this is infuriating, and ultimately sad. These books will sell while good authors who hone their craft will not be. I do my best, but I'm afraid that the majority of folks will buy these books to feel like they are in the know, rather enjoying and learning.
ReplyDeleteThanks Lil. I fear that these kinds of books will continue to get the big advances and the promotion budgets as well
ReplyDelete