I’m a classically trained writer who grew up dreaming of a Big 5 publishing house deal. I didn’t envision selling my book for millions of dollars, but I was interested in the perks that went with it, not to mention the glory. 

Most writers still cling to some version of that fantasy: get the book deal (after you’ve shed some blood writing the proposal), then develop the book with an assigned editor who will make everything you produce that much better. Back and forth you’ll go, like old pals, as you push through the necessary revisions as a unit.

Except, that’s not how it works anymore. 

You can expect to write the book independently, with an occasional check-in from your assigned editor. That’s because most of them are working with multiple authors at a time, numerous projects, and there are only 24 hours in a day. Beyond a few cursory suggestions, you’re on your own, so if you require help, you must hire it. 

It’s right there in the contract… the author will deliver a publish-ready manuscript by such-and-such date.

Unless you wrote the manuscript before the book proposal, you will need to hire a developmental editor (or book coach) to meet the looming deadline. Rare is the person who can deliver to standard in roughly 6 months without professional help. And these traditional execs take their deadlines very seriously. A glance at the contact will convince you of this.

Now, tight deadlines aside, if you think you’re going to get the best in the industry focused on your book, say a cover designer like Chip Kidd, who makes about $4M a year, well, you need to know that those big guns are reserved for the likes of David Sedaris and Michael Crichton. The instantly recognizable names that bring in millions.

But surely the publishing house will distribute your book to all the big box stores so Mom can see it in the window.

Not so fast. If you think going traditional guarantees that your book will be displayed in big retail chains, like Barnes and Noble or Hudson News, I’ve got some bad news for you. Oh, the house will send the seasonal catalog–the one with your book description inside– to the purchasing agents, but that’s about it. Maybe Barnes and Noble will order 50 copies companywide to start and wait to see if it sells. But there’s no one pushing them to go for more, to place a bet on you. And if you want your book on the table up front or highlighted in the latest release section, you must pay for that yourself. We’re talking thousands of dollars a month coming out of your pocket.

Will they get you into Target, Walmart, or other big chains that buy in bulk? That would take a salesperson to work that deal, and chances are good your book isn’t even on most reps’ radar. 

You have become the latest publishing orphan, of which there are many. Your fair share of the marketing and promotion resources will be devoted to whichever darling promises the house profits. 

This is WAY more common than you think. The tears I’ve seen shed!

If you’d like to better understand the traditional publishing industry, rife with pitfalls, check out our free resource, 12 Horrific Things About the Publishing Industry You Need to Know to Safeguard Your Wallet.