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In this episode of Writers with Wrinkles, Beth McMullen and Lisa Schmid tackle the harsh realities of getting "orphaned" in publishing and offer practical tips for authors to navigate setbacks when their editors leave mid-project. They discuss proactive steps authors can take to protect their work, advocate for themselves, and manage expectations in an unpredictable industry.

Key Discussion Points

• What It Means to be Orphaned: Beth and Lisa explain how "orphaning" happens in publishing—when an acquiring editor leaves the publisher, leaving the author without a primary advocate.
• The Realities of Publishing: Both hosts emphasize the frequent disconnect between authors' expectations and the business-focused decisions of publishers. They highlight the importance of managing realistic expectations, as publishers can only do so much for each title.
• Navigating Challenges: Advice on recognizing red flags, such as slow response times or lack of feedback, and leveraging support from literary agents to push back and secure necessary attention for one's work.
• The Value of Self-Advocacy: Tips on self-promotion and assertiveness in the publishing process, encouraging authors to view their book as a product that they need to actively support.
• Considering Alternatives: For authors who feel unsupported, self-publishing is explored as a viable option, especially when traditional publishing fails to provide adequate resources or guidance.

Conclusion

Beth and Lisa underscore that authors must take an active role in their publishing journey, stay realistic about industry limitations, and advocate persistently for their work. By understanding the industry’s constraints, authors can better navigate challenges and even consider alternative publishing routes if traditional paths fall short.

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