We interview editors from four French publishing houses. Literary merit is their only criteria for buying books, they say. “The commercial department cannot say ‘don’t do it.’”
An interesting overview of the French publishing system. I just wish the authors got a little more money for all their hard work. Thanks for this post Jennifer.
Yes, me too. If only writers were reimbursed appropriately the world would surely be a better place. We don't require most people in other professions to work two full time jobs, but when writers cannot make enough money writing to support their families (which is the case for the majority, I wager, given how many relatively successful writers I know who also must work in academia or publishing or bartending or whatever), they must work another fulltime job (unless they are independently wealthy or financially dependent on someone else) to survive. Which is exhausting. The two (or three or four) jobs always in competition, with family as well. One positive thing about low advances here is that they allow publishers to take many more risks because they are not investing as much up front.
We had the honor of accompanying Jennifer, Sébastien, and the director of the Rosemont College programs, Carla Spataro, on this journey. Jennifer is spot on in her assessments, and the students had an experience of a lifetime. Well done!
An interesting overview of the French publishing system. I just wish the authors got a little more money for all their hard work. Thanks for this post Jennifer.
Yes, me too. If only writers were reimbursed appropriately the world would surely be a better place. We don't require most people in other professions to work two full time jobs, but when writers cannot make enough money writing to support their families (which is the case for the majority, I wager, given how many relatively successful writers I know who also must work in academia or publishing or bartending or whatever), they must work another fulltime job (unless they are independently wealthy or financially dependent on someone else) to survive. Which is exhausting. The two (or three or four) jobs always in competition, with family as well. One positive thing about low advances here is that they allow publishers to take many more risks because they are not investing as much up front.
Yes, this is really interesting, and thanks for your thoughts.
We had the honor of accompanying Jennifer, Sébastien, and the director of the Rosemont College programs, Carla Spataro, on this journey. Jennifer is spot on in her assessments, and the students had an experience of a lifetime. Well done!
Thank you, Ken! It was such a treat to get to spend time with you and Linda again! xox
Love this! Fascinating and gorgeous photos!