Hi guys,

Just back from a 3 days training course on selling rights. I dreaded the thing as in my job I constantly hear such things as:
'Authors are such a pain'
'Publishing would be such a nice job if I didn't have to deal with authors'

My countless curses against the offenders have remained useless and I was getting seriously dispirited...

BUT!

During this course I met the big people and the guru of Rights Selling. I thought she'd be just the same, that I'd hear endless complain about having to pay royalties to the authors/artists when really we'd rather keep all the money, etc.

I am pleased to say it wasn't the case at all. As it happens, most of the people who got to the top and who are recognised as the 'experts' actually care for the books and they love them as much as we do. I heard such things as:
'You want to protect the author's interest and you don't want to do anything that might damage the reputation of the book.'
'You want to check with the author if they agree on doing the deals.'
'An author/artist should receive payment for their work and there is no reason why they shouldn't'

Needless to say I feel a little bit better about what I do for a living now. It's not my dream job but maybe it will allow me to become what I want to become.

It has also giving me a very good insight in the difference between trade publishing and educational publishing (the branch I'm in). Whilst in educational publishing authors are not always appreciated as they should be, I found that in the trade people have a great respect for their authors. Since they are the original source of all money they are looked after, consulted and appreciated.

That said, we all know best-sellers and newbies aren't treated in the same way at all but there are people out there who believe in what we do.

THERE IS HOPE!

THERE IS HOPE!