Literary novels by new authors have a better chance in paperback
"...publishers say there is no harder sell in the world of books these days than literary fiction."
In an article in the March 22nd New York Times, Edward Wyatt reports:
For new authors, it would appear, the "paperback original" might be a good way to build readership, often selling two or more paperbacks for every hardcover, on average.
In an article in the March 22nd New York Times, Edward Wyatt reports:
Even critically acclaimed literary novels often have a short shelf life in hardcover, with one-half to three-quarters of the books shipped to stores often being returned to the publisher, unsold.
That has a growing number of publishing companies, from smaller houses like Grove/Atlantic to giants like Random House, adopting a different business model, offering books by lesser-known authors only as "paperback originals," forgoing the higher profits afforded by publishing a book in hardcover for a chance at attracting more buyers and a more sustained shelf life.
For new authors, it would appear, the "paperback original" might be a good way to build readership, often selling two or more paperbacks for every hardcover, on average.
Labels: Writing
4 Comments:
I've never coughed up the necessary cash to buy a hardback. Always paperback, and then over the last four years, probably 90% of reading content purchased has been ebooks I read on a PPC. Yet literary novel publishers are mucking up in this field, as there is a real dearth of literary content available, and mainly only the very big names: McEwan, Updike, etc.
I'm only interested in content and the most convenient, as well as cheapest, way to purchase it.
Mark Hubbard
I haven't bought a new hardback (except photography coffee table books) in years. It doesn't surprise me that most books are returned unsold. I truly believe publishers are completely out of touch with readers.
Mark--
You've never bought a hardcover?? You pagan! It does seem like ebooks are destined to take off, especially for people in a mobile society.
Ginger--
If the publishers don't get in tune soon, writers will have to start their own publishing--and that's just a matter of time before it becomes BIG business for the writer/entrepreneur.
My state writers' association is self-publishing an anthology because the collection's been turned down by several publishers. Publishing companies insist readers don't want "more of the same," yet television beats a successful premise into the ground, over and over, with great financial rewards.
It's no wonder publishing companies lose money/don't make it. They fail to understand that most people wish to repeat pleasant experiences and do so all the time when they buy new books by favorite authors. Sigh.
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