Carol L Cridge
asked
Christine Feehan:
Does it ever frustrate you that publishers have power over your books? Any power. If they don't like an ending to a book - or a cover on one can they make you change it? Can they ask you to re-write chapters or make a story longer or shorter? Just wondering... SO many people are into self-publishing now and some are good works. Is it absolutely necessary to have a publisher?
Christine Feehan
I haven’t had issues other than with Dark Prince where Dorchester cut 100 pages. That’s why there is now an “Author’s Cut”. My current publisher works with me and my staff as a team. They’ve not asked me to change an end, a chapter or a storyline.
As far as covers go, I am consulted about covers to new books and I do have a say in that. They will often send several ideas to choose from.
There’s been issues in the industry as a whole about word count but that has to do with the fact that there’s only one printer for all of the traditional publishers, which creates quite a challenge. So, some authors are asked to bring their word count down, but as far as asking me to change a story, that’s not happening.
The one thing traditional publishing brings is distribution. I don’t know how independently published authors get distribution into bookstores, Walmart, libraries, etc. I know some of them do. But, I like that my publisher does all of that distribution for me.
I do see so many people self-publishing quite successfully and I think it’s a good idea for all writers to know how to self-publish. I read many independently published authors and have found many great books.
As far as covers go, I am consulted about covers to new books and I do have a say in that. They will often send several ideas to choose from.
There’s been issues in the industry as a whole about word count but that has to do with the fact that there’s only one printer for all of the traditional publishers, which creates quite a challenge. So, some authors are asked to bring their word count down, but as far as asking me to change a story, that’s not happening.
The one thing traditional publishing brings is distribution. I don’t know how independently published authors get distribution into bookstores, Walmart, libraries, etc. I know some of them do. But, I like that my publisher does all of that distribution for me.
I do see so many people self-publishing quite successfully and I think it’s a good idea for all writers to know how to self-publish. I read many independently published authors and have found many great books.
More Answered Questions
Carmen Torres
asked
Christine Feehan:
Will there be future generations books on the Sisters and the sisters of the Heart?
Tobias
asked
Christine Feehan:
How do you balance your book writing time with your other hobbies? Do you have a set schedule or do you kind of just write whenever? When you don't feel like writing do you push through or only write when you feel like it? I'm having trouble with this so that's why I'm asking lol 🤣
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