All authors need the right representation

skills for publishing

This is a guest post from Tom Chalmers, Managing Director at IPR License.

Authors are more committed to their agent than to their publisher. That is according to early results from the “Do You Love Your Publisher?” survey for traditionally published authors co-produced by Jane Friedman in the States and Harry Bingham in the UK. However, when asked about the possibility of self-publishing, only a minority of authors were reported to be excited at the prospect, with the majority (75 per cent), either neutral or horrified at the thought of taking control.

Of the authors who had completed the survey so far, one-third were said to be published by a “big five” publisher, and a further 20 per cent published by a “large trade publisher”. The majority of writers had published six or more titles already, with half the respondents indicating that they had self-published at least one title, while a further 25 per cent reported that they had “seriously considered” self-publishing.

The fact that 75 per cent of respondents were said to be either “neutral” or “horrified” at the thought of self-publishing is an interesting one, especially when you take into account that around half said they had already self-published one title. You have to wonder just how many have been left disenchanted by either some part of the self-publishing process or a lack of success in terms of sales.

Of course control is highly subjective but with so many genuine options available to help self-published authors reach a wider audience than ever, both domestic and international, success is certainly within reach for those authors possessing sufficient quality, marketing nous and the right kind of representation.

The importance of representation is also evident via the commitment being shown to agents. And this is no surprise, though correct representation is not limited to through agents. After all, getting the best possible deal remains key for all authors – whether traditional, self-published or indie. Which really serves to underline how being showcased to the right people at the right time from the right kind of platform can help make or break a title. Something forward-thinking members of IPR License tell us on a daily basis.

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