Over at YA Highway, the topic today is: If you were made supreme ruler of the publishing world, what would be your first ruling?
I love this week's question. Not because I'd want to be the supreme ruler over anything, but because I love to think about ways systems of all kinds can work in more positive ways for all involved.
Now, the first issue, some might think, should be low advances. As supreme ruler, I'd deal with that too. But because advance sizes are so linked to marketing and marketing to success, my first ruling would be that the marketing budget for each book should be at least triple what the advance is, and that the author be given a standard menu of options to decide how that money/staff time should be used (with some wiggle room for unique marketing options too).
Does that sound like two rulings? Well, I'm supreme ruler, and I say it's only one:)
I love it. Marketing really makes the difference!
ReplyDeleteThat's the perfect rule--marketing is so critical! I'd elect you supreme ruler :)
ReplyDeleteThat's a great rule. If no knows about your book, how can they buy it.
ReplyDeleteYes! That should def. be good. That might be money better spent than a higher advance, which can actually hurt you if you don't sell out. And that was def. only rule!
ReplyDeleteAuthor involvement in the marketing = Good call.
ReplyDeleteOoh I like these moves. You've got my vote! (Do we vote for supreme leaders?)
ReplyDeleteSupreme leader can have as many rules as she likes! These are super ones!!!
ReplyDeleteI'm a BIG fan of low advances...and author involved in the marketing. Gold star supreme leader!
ReplyDeleteErinn- I'm not sure I'm for low advances...a livable wage for a book a year would be nice until sales got going. But like Laura said, a too-large advance without marketing backing could end with an author never selling again.
ReplyDeleteGood call! Marketing is so huge, and it would be great to have a menu of options like you propose.
ReplyDeleteYou'd be an excellent ruler. :)
Oooh... advances! This is a good thing to debate. I like the idea of an author getting to decide whether some of that goes to marketing, but a livable wage is also important. Decisions decisions!
ReplyDeleteFantabulous idea!
ReplyDeleteExcellent idea! There's always so much stress about whether writers "earn out" advances. I guess the increased sales from a well marketed book could eventually make up for a lower advance anyway?
ReplyDeleteI do like these ideas, especially the menu of options for marketing. You really don't want an author with no marketing experience running around with a marketing hat. Trust me on this.
ReplyDelete