Monday, December 14, 2009

A Note to Publishers in these Recessionary Times

Friday was the holiday gathering of the agents I socialize with. We had a fabulous French meal in midtown, and equally fabulous red wine. We were happy.

Until we started talking about the industry. Now you know that today most agent have come from the ranks of full-time publishing employment, so we all were commenting on how glad we were that we weren't on the other side of the paycheck anymore (note to readers: I became an agent directly from a stint as a newspaper publisher). One editorial consultant even mentioned an editor friend who had been promoted and told she still had her junior position expense account, plus the job respsonsibiities she was leaving, as well as those she was taking on. She wondered, "How is she going to get the bigger books, if she can't take agents to lunch?"

And it struck us all how simple it would be to change things now. Yes, I love a good lunch at Ruth Chris or the Rockefeller Cafe, but I really am there for the business. So, why don't publishers invite agencies to the conference room, where a number of editors can meet with a number of agents and order in? This would save so much time and money?

Granted those agents who are so impressed with themselves that they need individual lunches will always be there, but for most agents and editors, this would solve so many problems.

Just my holiday two cents after too much red wine!

8 comments:

Bernita said...

In vino veritas..

Dale Bishop said...

A friend of mine who is an agent recently told me that an editor cooked dinner for him at her apartment because of shrinking expense accounts. Though he thought it was a novelty, he didn't mind at all. He was looking forward to it.

Ravenous Romance said...

Any editor who wants to cook me dinner, please call or email.

Dale Bishop said...

LOL...

Anonymous said...

Because the admin of this web page is working, no question
very quickly it will be well-known, due to its quality contents.


Here is my homepage - payday loans

Anonymous said...

Excellent goods from you, man. I've understand your stuff previous to and you are just extremely great. I actually like what you have acquired here, certainly like what you're stating and the way in which you say
it. You make it enjoyable and you still take care of to keep it smart.
I cant wait to read much more from you. This is actually a tremendous site.



My blog post payday loans by phone

Anonymous said...

I'm truly enjoying the design and layout of your blog. It's a very
easy on the eyes which makes it much more pleasant for me
to come here and visit more often. Did you hire out a developer to create your theme?
Exceptional work!

Here is my weblog - cash advance loan no fax
Also see my site :: cheap payday loans online

Anonymous said...

I'm not sure where you are getting your information, but good topic. I needs to spend some time learning much more or understanding more. Thanks for magnificent information I was looking for this info for my mission.

Feel free to surf to my site; property