Why Publishing Companies Reject Good Novels

When it comes to the publishing industry, the primary question a publisher asks is, 'Can I make money on this book?' If the answer is no, the book is likely to be rejected, regardless of its quality. This mindset is rooted in the fact that 'good' is subjective, and publishers are fundamentally driven by the goal of maximizing profits.

Why Publishers Prioritize Profitability

Given that 'good' is a subjective term, publishers prioritize books that are likely to sell well over those that are considered 'good,' but not commercially viable. In essence, they prioritize sales potential over literary merit. This is understandable within the profit-driven framework of the publishing industry, where profit margins are often slim, and costs must be carefully managed.

Overloaded Schedules and Image Management

Additionally, if a good book comes their way but doesn't align with their image or schedule, it may still face rejection. Publishers often have strict criteria and schedules, and adding non-compliant books can disrupt their workflow. They can't simply employ more people or secure more funds on a whim; it all comes down to prioritizing what they believe will generate the best returns.

Moreover, publishers are faced with the same challenges faced by public transport systems. Just as a bus might be full, publishers might have overloaded schedules, leading them to reject quality books that don't fit. However, it's worth noting that this judgment isn't always accurate. Publishers often publish books that would be rejected if they were self-published, with many middling or poorly written books still finding their way into print. This disparity often results from the self-publishing potential that allows for quicker and more accessible publication, thus cutting out years of delays and rejections.

Challenges in Identifying the Audience

Another significant challenge is the difficulty in identifying the intended audience for a good novel. Best-selling books are often those well-marketed but not necessarily those with superior writing. For instance, my wife buys best-selling novels in airports but can't get past the first chapter due to poor quality. Similarly, many 'literary' novels are deemed so because they include violence or specific events, making it difficult to target a wider audience. However, if a book is just 'bad,' it's destined to be rejected regardless of marketing efforts.

The Human Element

Publishers, being human, are not infallible. Sometimes a truly great novel is ahead of its time and fails to resonate with publishers, no matter its quality. Furthermore, some niche books have appeal and can eventually achieve success, but the editors may not cater to that niche. Self-publishing has grown in popularity due to its accessibility and the potential to bypass these challenges. If you've written a novel you believe to be exceptional and can't find a publisher, self-publishing is always an option, but success is not guaranteed.

The Impact of Social Media

Finally, the rise of social media has further influenced the publishing landscape. Today, a writer with a large following on social media has a better chance of getting published than someone without, regardless of their writing quality. While this can be seen as democratizing the industry, it also poses a risk of diluting the quality of books being published purely due to the author's online influence.

In conclusion, while the publishing industry has its constraints and challenges, self-publishing offers an alternate avenue for those seeking to bypass these barriers. Whether you choose to go traditional or self-publish, remember that your book, no matter how good it is, will have to meet the expectations and criteria of the market.