P&Ls and how books make (or don't) money

[alg]

Profit & Loss/Profitability & Liability: How Books Make (or Don't Make!) Money

A basic outline of what happens when an editor buys a book and wants to publish it. This is very much a basic look at publishing and publishing finance, with some explanation of terms commonly used by the marketing and sales departments.

Comments

[deza.livejournal.com]

I wish I'd learned more about publishing as a business in library school

Seconded. I'd say about a quarter of my patrons are frustrated novelists. Since I'm the one foolish creative enough to head the writers' group, they all get sent to me with their questions. This series of entries will hopefully help keep them calm, and it will certainly sound a lot better than saying "Face it, you just don't write worth a damn."

[alg.livejournal.com]

You have no idea how tempting it is while reading slush to write "GIVE IT UP, YOUR WRITING STINKS" on the form rejection and send the whole parcel back.

[deza.livejournal.com]

I think I'd actually prefer to get a rejection letter like that.

But then, I'm also a masochist. ;)

[(Anonymous)]

There is a distinct, undefinable difference between muddy slush and crystal-clear writing, even when a writer is a complete beginner, in my experience.

I would far rather read the mostly-good stuff from a nervous newbie than the slush from someone who doesn't have an original idea or the flair for language to bring that idea to life in the audience's minds.

Please note, that does not mean that beginner's piece will be appreciated for the diamond in the rough that it is. It's just as likely that the editor doesn't have the time or money or oomph needed to polish the charcoal off the diamond. -- The editor in me notes that I mixed the jewelry and the watery metaphors. I'll blame the transition at "crystal," and hope it doesn't get a rejection slip.

Also note, if an editor bothers to write something other than a standard rejection, or remarks that he or she liked something in it, or that he or she wouldn't mind seeing further work from you in the future -- that is a good sign. Don't give up writing just yet. And if someone buys your work, sing praises to all the muses that have bemused you! -- And then write some more!