Mid List
I’ve certainly heard the term ‘Midlist’ and never gave it much thought. If I thought about it all, I guessed it was something to do with a back list. Duh!! So, and I know everyone but me knows this, but Midlist is a term used to define books published but not bestsellers. They are the majority of published books though they are only a small fraction of total book sales.
There’s been a lot of talk about the mid list dying but how can it? If most authors are in it, wouldn’t it greatly reduce our reading selection? On a bright side David D. Kirkpatrick of The New York Times said, “The fear that mainstream publishers are substantially reducing the number of midlist books they publish is unwarranted.” That’s good to hear.
What about how e-books figure into the midlist rumors? For one thing out of print midlist books will be easier to still get. The more I read and learn the more I realize that the writing industry is a multi tiered complicated industry and authors need be keep themselves informed. And, silly me, at one time not so long ago I thought all I had to do was write a good story.
Still I’ll choose to write first, and for a close second promote. There really is so little I can do about where the industry goes. And, the bottom line is I love to write. Not so much promote but I’m starting to gain a little on that one.
Like I said I didn’t really understand midlist but of course heard rumors. Blogging has made me think about some things I hadn’t before. Slowly I’m learning more than just the mechanics of writing.
Lavada
Lavada Dee
http://www.lavadadee.com
For Love or Money
Forever Love
This Old House: Love Comes Home (release October 27 2009 by BookStrand)
Open House On Murder (release scheduled for December 2009)
What? You mean writing a good story isn’t enough?
I am slowly learning about how much has to be done to promote our books. Still, I think the market can bear a strong selection of books. After all, people are still buying them, eh? So, hopefully, the midlist, and all books, will continue to be offered in a wide range.
Thanks, Lavada. Great topic.
I agree, Lavada, it’s more than just writing. We have the promotion and understanding the crazy industry. Good thing I have the joy of the writing to get me through the rest.
Laurie, I’m banking on a good story being enough. But I am trying to learn more about this industry. Thank you for commenting.
And, Stacey how right you are in having and keeping the joy of writing. When all is said it’s what keeps us all writing.
I think there is a big scare going on because of all the cutbacks with editors and other personal at the publishing houses. Those left can’t deal with every single author with contracts…just not enough time in a day. So people suddenly don’t get a series contract extended and have to find a new home for their next story.
At RWA Nationals I heard a lot of questions about how publishers handled midlist authors not just new authors. It didn’t really sink in the importance of this until recently.
Thanks for the added information Beth. I’m glad it didn’t sink in with you for awhile either. There’s so much to all this it’s hard to grasp it all and stay focused on writing. But I’m trying to pay closer attention and it is starting to be easier as the more I learn the easier it is to understand.
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Jeannie Ruesch
Stacey Joy Netzel
Maggie Van Well
J.K. Coi
Yvonne Eve Walus
Lavada Dee
Cheryl Pierson
Silver James
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Patti Ann Colt
Laurie Ryan
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