Book Rejection Slip Blues

Sept. 9, 2010 - PRLog -- (Calgary, AB) It’s never been easy to get published as an author. One of the reasons is that most major publishers producing 100 to 150 titles a year can receive around 5,000 or more annual pitches.

Times are changing and publishers are feeling the pinch. That means it is even more difficult to get published. In fact, a recent posting by WritersWeekly (http://writersweekly.com/ask_the_expert/006264_09082010.html) says some publishers are looking for authors to take the risk on their own books first. In other words, they’ll consider publishing after the author self-publishes and sells a significant amount of copies.

But one reason the traditional publishing industry is in a funk is because the world is changing. Thanks to Amazon’s Kindle, Barnes and Noble’s Nook, and Apple’s iPad, there are more readily available platforms for an author to deliver a book than waiting the painstaking timeframe for a publisher to say yes or send out the rejection slip.

Still, the print book is not going out of business completely. It may be slowing down a bit (to which you already see the printing industry starting to panic), but people nonetheless like the feel of a “real” book.

But the way most authors solicit their manuscripts is the reason why it’s usually easier to get an audience with the Pope than get a book published.

It’s why I became a publishing expert and why my inbox is filled every day with questions.

“Debbie has an amazing knowledge of the publishing industry."
Former NHL player and coach, Ryan Walter

Publishing a book isn’t for the faint of heart, but I’ve found a way to cut through the bull, streamline resources, and give people real information they can implement, all while making the process less daunting.

My websites (www.freelancepublishing.net and www.bookpublishingmember.com) offer links to many of the free resources I’ve posted that are immediately accessible.

I also have a bestselling book Self-Publishing 101 (published by Self-Counsel Press) and Book Publishing 101 Second Edition (published through Booklocker.com) that step-by-step authors through the publishing process.  


“Here's a tip from a new author: ANYONE can write a book, getting it published, getting it into print, sales and marketing: all separate subjects. Read Debbie's book and find out why. Or suffer mistakes all first-timers make.” Tom McCarthy, Boston DJ and author

“I've read your Self-Publishing 101 book and find it invaluable when dealing with book publicity.” Rachel Sentes, Publicist, Gal-Friday, who works with literary agent Brian Wood

“I recommended your book to a group of writers attending my "Insiders Guide to Getting Published" workshop I held here at Humber. And it's on the recommended reading list for my program.” Cynthia Good, Program Director, The Creative Book Publishing Program, School for Creative and Performing Arts on Self-Publishing 101

Besides the resources listed above to help authors weed through the publishing minefield, I’ve also introduced CDs of my workshops (http://www.freelancepublishing.net/workshops.htm), which are basically “workshops on wheels” to help walk people through the process even more.

This is a topic that many audiences crave answers for, regardless of demographic. There are so many experts with agendas that steer authors in one direction or another, not always honorable, depending on where their interests lie. My role is to put ALL the options on the table and introduce some of the changes and technologies that may happen in the future.

Here is a link to some resources and some media interviews: http://0313f1d.netsolhost.com/WordPress/?page_id=125

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Debbie Elicksen
Freelance Communications
http://www.freelancepublishing.net
http://www.bookpublishingmember.net
delicksen@shaw.ca
403-240-1340

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As Canada's Publishing Expert, Freelance Communications provides book publishing support to royalty and self-publishers and is a member of the Association of Canadian Publishers.