Surviving the Orphaned Author Experience – Navigating Setbacks in the Publishing World

Episode Summary

In this insightful episode of Writers with Wrinkles, Beth McMullen and Lisa Schmid explore the challenges of being "orphaned" in publishing when an author’s editor leaves mid-project. They share practical advice for authors to navigate these setbacks and manage expectations in a complex industry.

Key Discussion Points

• What It Means to Be Orphaned in Publishing: The term "orphaned" refers to when an author’s acquiring editor leaves a publisher before the book is completed or published, leaving the author without a dedicated advocate. This unexpected change can severely impact the book’s attention within the publisher's lineup, as a new editor inherits it with little investment or familiarity.

• Challenges of Being Orphaned: Lisa and Beth share stories of friends and colleagues who have experienced being orphaned, including a debut author who faced countless issues after her editor left. From skipped developmental edits to rushed copy edits, this author’s journey highlights the pitfalls that can arise without a dedicated editor to champion the book.

• How Authors Can Proactively Advocate for Their Work: Beth and Lisa emphasize the importance of being assertive. Authors are encouraged to recognize red flags early, such as unresponsive editors or lack of feedback, and reach out to their agents for support. The hosts recommend scheduling regular check-ins with agents to strategize and stay informed on the book's status.

• The Value of Managing Expectations: While many authors dream of their book receiving a marketing boost, book tours, or extensive promotional support, Beth and Lisa remind listeners that publishers face constraints. Authors should consider the marketing blurbs on ARCs as "possibilities" rather than promises, helping to align expectations with the reality that only a small percentage of books get premium treatment.

• When Self-Publishing May Be a Better Option: For authors repeatedly facing these challenges, self-publishing can be an empowering alternative. With more control over edits, timelines, and marketing, self-publishing may better suit authors who find traditional publishing limiting.

Conclusion and Takeaways

Beth and Lisa drive home a key message: authors must take an active, hands-on approach to the publishing process. By setting realistic expectations, recognizing red flags early, and advocating assertively, writers can better navigate industry setbacks. They recommend always having a backup plan and understanding that, in the end, no one will champion a book more than its author. For those struggling in traditional publishing, self-publishing remains a viable option to explore.