Is Traditional Publishing Dead?

I got into a lively debate not too long ago at my author's association meeting. The lady I was speaking with was an older, more experienced author than me, (and someone whom I also like and respect.)  That said, she is old-school, meaning is into traditional publishing only, and she has no use for the indie publishers or self-publishing.

I'm all for traditional publishing, and while I don't think it's completely dead, I think the days when traditional publishers held a monopoly are long behind us. Thank goodness.

Most of us write books because we want them to be read. I can't speak for other authors, but I've reached the age and stage in life where I just don't have the patience to play the games that traditional publishers, and agents, wish to play.  I don't have the  patience for agents who express an interest, ask for a manuscript, and then are never seen or heard from again. I don't have the patience for publishers who may say they like my story, but they'd rather see this than that, and would I do a major rewrite?  Then, assuming I do the rewrite they wanted, and they finally accept me, I don't have the patience to wait another three years before I see my work in print.

I know I am not alone. A few years ago I got curious and took my own author's survey, where I discovered that most of the authors I know think like I do.  They're also tired of all the games that traditional publishers  and agents play, and they're tired of all the rejection letters, so they are opting to either self-publish, or go to an indie, or subsidy publisher.  Having to pay someone to publish their book is a fair trade for having their books published, in a timely manner, and in return, they get to retain their rights in the process. And by the way, I took this survey before the e-book revolution. That too is going to be a game changer.

There are good and bad indie subsidy publishers out there, so if you elect to go this route I would highly recommend talking to other authors and find out which ones are good to work with and which ones to avoid. And if you decide to opt for a traditional publisher that's fine.  Just remember, you do have other options.

My thought for the day.

GM