
- agent at a publishing panel
Left Coast Crime is a fun and energetic mystery novel "fan" conference. An opportunity for fans of writers to meet the authors they admire, and for writers to mingle with each other, learning the latest trends in publishing and publicity in the fast evolving book industry. I was struck by the comment above, a wryly offered "The Emperor has no clothes!" as I've met equal parts "self-publishing gurus" here as writers seeking more traditional publishers from the big six houses or the various regional or small presses. In the rush to make the engine of the Internet and e-publishing power our words into the hands of laptop and tablet toting readers, we the writers, are getting close to forgetting the value of the publishing vetting process. There is a reason a would-be manuscript must compete for first an agent, then find an editor that will champion the book before an acquisitions committee, and then woo over book reps and reviewers....good books are made. And the more they are scrutinized on the way to you, the reader, the more I feel we all get what our dollars pay for - a good read.
The book process has many flaws, subjective taste one that often dilutes originality from one end of the bell shaped curve to the other, but it's strength is enforcing the highest levels of skill and craft. I am reminded of that today, listening to the hardworking agents that read tirelessly, the consulting book editors who fix bad drafts, the publishers who will read for months to find a gem in the pile and the champion it all the way. Books have fans. They begin in the publishing industry, and end in the bookstore. At conferences like this one. I am humbled...Today I had the pleasure of seeing one of mine, THE GEOGRAPHY OF LOVE, wrapped up in a beautiful auction basket for bid in the book room of the conference. Fans, even where least expected, make you glad you worked your way to where you are.
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