Re: Question on Book Prospectus

**G* R* <g*@gmail.com>**

Never, since my first book came out way way back in the 1980s, have I heard
of something like this. It only reveals publishers' deep lack of confidence
in their own judgement. Commissioning Editors should not be hired to find
out what a range of other people think about the proposals put to them, but
for the value of their own insight. Are they editors or market researchers?

We've also recently had the issue raised here of the lack of response from
publishers to book proposals (me too, I have to say). Perhaps, publishers
are simply circulating the ideas round a range of outsiders so they can
gauge the response before responding?! Of course, the fact that some
publishers (there are a few honorable exceptions) never respond to proposals
at all in any way only diminishes our respect for them. It's no wonder we're
all thinking about self publishing in one form or another.

Frankly - increasingly disillusioned...

Graham Rice

 <http://transatlanticplantsman.com/>Transatlantic
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On Tue, Feb 23, 2010 at 4:30 PM, Gene Bush <genebush@netsurfusa.net> wrote:

>
> I have a question.
> It may have the wrong mix here to ask this question, but it also could be
> the best forum.
> My book has been edited and I am in the process of selecting the slides.
> While that process is moving along, my book prospectus was accepted by a
> publisher. The prospectus has now been sent out to reviewers. I am to
> receive and answer in 30 to 60 days as to go or no-go with this publisher.
> Now comes the question.
>        I was discussing this with a fellow published writer. I mentioned my
> selecting several authors who's work I admired and was along the veins of
> my
> own work. I was asked to provide reviewer names by the publisher in my
> prospectus.
>        I received a raised eyebrow and it was hinted that I should have
> "stacked the deck". As in worked more closely with authors I know,
> contacted
> them in advance and worked out a favorable review before they received the
> prospectus.
>        I do not know that the publisher will even pay attention to the
> names I sent as reviewers. Do they?? Should I have been "more savvy"??
>        What say you....and yes, that was more than one question.
>
> Gene E. Bush
> Munchkin Nursery & Gardens,LLC
> www.munchkinnursery.com
> Garden Writer - Photographer -  Lecturer
>
>
>
>
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