The disruption within publishing has been evident for years. Collective revenue of the major players has stagnated, with a notable decline in the past couple of years. Increasing politicisation within the industry—what some describe as a creeping illiberalism—has hindered the publication of works by authors who do not conform to a new set of ideological standards.
A parallel publishing landscape is emerging as traditional publishers decline due to external and internal pressures, including the rise of the internet, the decline of print, progressive staffing changes, and the introduction of sensitivity readers. In this new space, both established and emerging writers are finding opportunities to thrive. Numerous small, independent presses are fostering creativity free from political agendas and cancel culture.
The Reality of Publishing Contracts
Traditionally, authors have faced three primary pathways to publishing, with hybrid contracts emerging as the most favourable option. Many conventional publishers refuse direct submissions, insisting that all manuscripts be submitted via agents, often warning that unsolicited works will be discarded unread. This traditional gatekeeping mechanism turns publishers into unwitting accomplices in the ostracisation of new and emerging writers.
Agents maintain that their gatekeeping role protects publishers from unsolicited manuscripts, yet this system often imprisons writers, unnecessarily complicating their journey to publication.
It is only natural for writers to desire traditional contracts, bookstore presence, advances, and sales. Unfortunately, many first-time authors struggle to secure traditional deals or agents, leading to frustration and reliance on self-publishing platforms like Amazon—often resulting in frustration, financial losses and limited exposure.
First-time authors fortunate enough to obtain traditional contracts frequently face low royalties (often less than 10%) and must repay modest advances (averaging £2,500) before earning any income. With average sales for a traditionally published book less than 2,000 copies, and only about 250-300 of those sales happening in the first year, the math is daunting.
However, writers willing to abandon the “I won’t pay to publish” mindset can significantly benefit from hybrid publishing models, gaining access to physical bookstores, building readership, and earning revenue.
The Changing Landscape
Many talented authors—those with critical acclaim and accolades—remain unseen by mainstream publishers due to systemic changes, cutbacks, and downsizing. Most authors don’t realize that many agents may not be genuinely invested in their literary merit but rather focused on commercial potential.
The reality is that literary agents often prefer to represent established authors or those with vast commercial appeal, leaving little room for emerging voices. Agents make most decisions based on potential profitability rather than literary quality. Their cut—generally 15% of the author’s share—often leaves little incentive for representing less commercially viable manuscripts, further alienating dedicated writers.
The industry dynamics mean that many promising novels may never see the light of day simply because they don’t fit the immediate commercial mould. Agents often prioritise works that can generate instant sales over those that may require time to build an audience.
A New Era: Authors Taking Control
The publishing industry now resembles the Wild West, where aspiring authors are reclaiming their narratives and rejecting outdated norms. Writers no longer need to accept rejection as a reflection of their talent; they should embrace alternative publishing routes.
The bottom line is this: the publishing ecosystem operates primarily in its own best interests. Established authors who hesitate to voice dissent within the traditional landscape must recognize the changing tides. If they wish to restore balance to the literary world, they must advocate for new voices and alternative publishing avenues.
Now is the time to break the rules, empower independent authors, and foster a diverse literary landscape.
Photo by Christian Wiediger on Unsplash
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