While Publishers Weekly will tell you that thus far 2021 has been a stellar year for book sales, what they’re not telling you is that when it comes to paper supply, publishing is in deep trouble.
Correction, writers are in deep trouble.
According a recent piece by Kristine Kathryn Rusch, the paper required to produce both hardcovers and paperbacks is in seriously short supply.
What’s this mean for writers/authors, especially new writers/authors?
It means a book can actually sell out its first print run, and yet, a second print run will not be distributed to the bookstores.
There’s simply not enough paper to go around (some say a new hardcover will soon cost around $45.00).
What’s the short and long term effect of this situation?
When a publisher looks at the profit and loss statement of a particular author who appeared to sell well from in the short term, said author will be blamed for poor sales in the long term.
It’s quite possible that many traditionally published authors might be out on the street due to a shortage which is not their fault. What a raw deal. But then traditional publishing has always been a raw deal.
Remember this, when a book does well, the publisher takes credit. When a book sells poorly, it’s the writer’s fault.
__________________________________
Thanks for reading. For a FREE novel, go to WWW.VINZANDRI.COM
You can also pick up The Girl in the Window and The Devil Won’t Have You, two brand new short thrillers!