I think that my insecurity this month is "cancellation." Last month, I lost three of my favorite t.v. shows due to cancellation and then I also lost one of my favorite music groups. It got me to thinking about how nothing seems to last anymore. It also made me ask the question: is the small publishing business immune?
My answer: I don't think it is. There's a part of me that is a little concerned that my publisher may go out of business. There hasn't been any "red flags" per se. But the thought has crossed my mind that a lack of universal sales will kill any business. I just don't want to get to the end of the series that I'm writing (in a few years) and then have my publisher go under. I think that would kind of "suck" to put it lightly, because all of my books would be back in my lap again as if they were unpublished. That would just be...I dunno...really annoying. I guess that could happen to anyone though.
If it did happen, I'd just self-publish everything. At least then you don't have to worry about cancellation and having to do all the work over again. Maybe the old adage "if you want something done right you got to do it yourself" may apply at that point.
Have a great Wednesday.
Cancellation is never easy, and I think it's a fear we all have at some time or another. At least the option of self-publishing is always there if the worst case scenario becomes a reality.
ReplyDeleteAt least we still have Game of Thrones. And that was just renewed for a fourth season...
ReplyDeleteI'm still an unpublished nobody, but I understand that fear, and I probably would have it with any publishing house.
I've known people who have had that happen to them (their publishers going under), and they went the self-publishing route.
Eek! That's a horrible thought! Since there've been no red flags though, I suggest you don't borrow trouble and just go on, assuming everything will be all right.
ReplyDeleteHi Michael .. I agree cancellation in a few years would be terrible due to their loss of business. Change is in the air though .. and I'm sure there's ways to work round ..
ReplyDeleteI hope Thursday brings security of thought - no longer IWSG .. cheers Hilary
Cancellations suck. But you have to brush yourself off and move on. Hopefully your publisher sticks around for a long time.
ReplyDeleteIt's tough in the publishing world right now. But whatever happens, just keep in mind that when one door closes, another one opens. So hang in there.
ReplyDeleteI think since smaller publishers rely on good sales rather than huge sales, so they can outlast others. But you're right, the thought has crossed my mind before.
ReplyDeleteNow - you definitely have to visit today! A surprise awaits you...
A high spirited post that honours the author ~ best of luck with your publisher... Good to have you on this challenge ;-)
ReplyDeleteKeep your chin up, hopefully your publisher will continue to be fine. Just know that if something does happen you will be prepared to go on your own and self-publish it. You always gotta have a plan B. :)
ReplyDeletepublishing is definitely changing - I hope it's for the better too
ReplyDeleteTell me the group you lost was Girls Aloud. ;)
ReplyDeleteWhat happens if the giant topples and Amazon goes under? Yikes. That's why I think we should all get paperbacks of our books. It's the only thing guaranteed to last.
I agree. I hate change, and nothing seems to stay the same anymore.
ReplyDeleteGreat post, Michael. Congrats on being featured on the ninja master's blog. :)
Nobody's immune to cancellation, but I think that's healthy. I'll obviously change my mind when it affects me directly.
ReplyDeletemood
Moody Writing
I've heard of authors self-publishing books that were previously published just because they went out of print or the contract expired with their publishers, so at least we have options.
ReplyDeleteI'd be happy if the one "publisher" went out of business just so I'd have the book back instead of waiting another 2 years for the rights.
ReplyDeleteIf a door closes, another opens. You may also find another publisher. But worrying about things that have not passed yet is like taking out the umbrella because clouds may come -but there are not there yet. Enjoy your now and now you do have a publishing house.
ReplyDeleteNice to meet you, Michael!
Father Dragon Writes
Yes, if there is a will there is a way~ I agree with Father Dragon-enjoy the now!
ReplyDeleteDo you have in your contract that you get the rights back if they go under?
ReplyDeleteWe tend to put all our eggs in one basket, so there is risk that we can lose. As long as you get your rights back should your publisher go under, you can pursue other avenues. If you have that in your contract with them, I wouldn't worry about it at all.
ReplyDeleteI've worried about this same issue. It seems like it is a crap shoot no matter what, as anything can go out of business at any time really. I'm glad self-publishing is an option if the worst does happen.
ReplyDeleteHaving all your books jumping back into your lap is surely the biggest fear. Optimism does help sometimes though :)
ReplyDeleteP.S. Self publishing is one tedious job!
Kriti
Regards
[Stopping by from AtoZ Blogging]
If there aren't any red flags going up, then I wouldn't worry about it right now. Concentrate on getting your series done and the worst that could happen is you self-publish. And by that time you'll already have a name for yourself.
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean about things not lasting. It terrifies me how many agents, for example, have write the business. I'm only hoping paper books don't quit on me as well!
ReplyDeletethat word is scary. I hate it when my fave shows are cancelled. I'm glad we live in a time when we can self publish if we want. Certainly gives us an alternative to cancellation :)
ReplyDeleteNutschell
www.thewritingnut.com
I can't stand it when favourite shows are cancelled...I usually find something else pretty quickly though.
ReplyDeleteThere have been very few shows that have got cancelled that I cared about, but I can absolutely see how you are concerned. Someone recently told me that decisions needed be made by absolutes - they were certain to have success and I said I didn't think that was a possibility in any capacity of life. That could be a paralyzing thought for some, but it was quite liberating for me.
ReplyDeleteI know I'm coming from another dimension being a trekkie and all but I know what you mean. Sharing stories and gaining strength from the experience is the real deal.
ReplyDeleteCancelled TV shows drives me crazy... as I currently live in Portugal, our cable TV company seem to buy these shows (and pilots) and then show them knowing full well they'll stop mid-flow grrrr
ReplyDeleteOn the self publishing route, that's how I've published all five of my novels so far and they're all selling really well. So if your publisher does get 'cancelled', its the sensible route to take!
To me, it seems like the literary world is constantly evolving... shaping and re-shaping... what is now, may not be the same tomorrow... it's like you don't know what to expect anymore... (this is my two-cents worth, from what I've observed over time)
ReplyDeleteBut it's pointless going into a panic if there aren't any red flags going up...
I have a lot to learn about self-publishing but it's working out so far. Good luck Michael!
ReplyDeleteHaving gone the self-publishing route, I can tell you that you'd do just fine, Michael. But odds are your small publisher will hang in there longer than some of the big ones, so don't worry.
ReplyDeleteLosing three shows in one month is too much. I can't stand it when I lost a show I love -- makes me feel neglected and overlooked by the TV powers.
This did happen to me with my first fantasy publisher. They stopped publishing almost everything but celebrity books after publishing the first two books on my fantasy series. I self published those. It was very depressing so I hope it doesn't happen to you.
ReplyDeleteSeriously so annoying when I'm into a show and it gets cancelled... it's why I almost wait these days to get into anything and see if it sticks around for a few seasons before giving it my time!
ReplyDeleteAnd Michael, it would be AWFUL if your publisher disappeared. Gah. Let's not think those thoughts!
And loved your highlight today on Alex's blog! You're so cool. :D
Michael, as my mother is fond of reminding me, there are no guarantees in life. Darn. But the good thing is, you have a plan in case some does happen. You're a step ahead with that. :-)
ReplyDeleteI think that's why people don't start watching some series--because they know they'll love it and then the network will cancel it on them. It's happened to me too many times.
ReplyDeleteAnd if your publisher disappears, you'll find another avenue. (No need to borrow trouble before it comes.)
Well, thanks Michael, I have never even thought about being scared about something like this until you said something. Now I am terrified. What if they cancel the internet. That would be bad. haha. Great post.
ReplyDeleteHey Michael!
ReplyDeleteLove your header...cool. I looked at your fave TV shows list. A lot of them are mine, too, so I'm worried that I may have lost three as well. Which ones were they?
Yeah, small pub companies (and small businesses, for that matter) always face that risk. Here's hoping yours weathers through it.
Hey...thanks for getting back to me. Whew! I'm not really into cartoons, so it didn't affect me.
ReplyDeleteAlso, the direct link to my blog is mlswift.me/blog. Unfortunately, with this open ID, the link associated with my name when I comment takes you to the home page of the site. I've tried to sign in to where the link is otherwise, but it won't allow it. And adding a link to my comment will many times throw it in spam.
Seems like self-publishing is the way to go for a lot of folks these days. Individuals are busier, with less and less teamwork required on so many levels.
ReplyDeleteI'm fortunate my publisher went under before my book got published. And they gave me my rights back. Phew!
ReplyDeleteI will never get over Firely being cancelled.
I hate when things I like get cancelled. And I was brokenhearted when REM broke up.
ReplyDeleteSorry you've lost a few of your favorites. Don't worry about your publishing company. It's something you can't control, and even big companies go too. On the upside, if a publisher did go under, rights revert back to you. That's what happened to Jessica Bell.
One of my greatest fears is that my small publisher will go under, as well. I'm not sure I'd self-publish my stuff at that point. I just don't know.
ReplyDeleteNow I'm interested - which band broke up?
ReplyDeleteThese days even the big 6 are in danger of going under. All we can do as writers is try and get the best contract terms we can and keep on writing.
ReplyDeleteThat would suck and something I never really thought of with all the small publishers out there. But at least the rights would be yours. There is so much changing in the publishing industry anyway, we have to keep adapting. I Still can't believe MCR broke up!
ReplyDeleteHope your publisher manages to stay afloat. I got stuck on Luther after a few episodes, only to find out it was cancelled. :(
ReplyDelete