Happy authors = better publishers

 Strong author-publisher relationships are the foundation of any successful publisher's strategy. Here are four ways good connections make a difference.

1. Great books. Authors who feel valued properly tend to produce better work than unappreciated ones, and they also meet their deadlines.

2. Increased sales. Motivated authors are much more likely to take a more active role in marketing. In niche markets in particular, where an author has valuable connections, that can make a big difference to sales.

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3 Long-term strategy. Authors that get a positive experience will stick with a publisher rather than find another partner. This gives certainty to editorial planning.

4 References. Satisfied authors and illustrators become ambassadors for publishers, recommending them to potential contributors.

Making it work

"Authors thrive when they feel valued and supported," says Art Molinares, president of Henery Press. "When they know that we stand behind them and that our team truly believes in them, every aspect of publishing benefits."

But how can editors create those relationships with authors as friendly and productive as possible? It begins by making sure potential authors are a good fit with the culture and values ​​of the organization. They must understand exactly what is expected of them, from the moment they agree to a contract to the promotion of their book.

"We go beyond content when we purchase: we only want to work with authors who are passionate about our mission and interested in being a part of every step of the process," says Christopher Robbins, CEO of Familius, who has a personal interview with all of their authors. before signing. After an agreement is reached, Familius gives the authors with what it calls "adoption documents," a summary that describes what both parties can expect from each other and when.

When a publishing project is underway, communication is key to an excellent editor-author relationship. Frequent linking throughout the editorial and production process keeps everyone up to date. Marketing and advertising planning usually begins at least a few months before publication, so that authors can schedule what is asked of them.

There are no strict rules on the frequency of contact, and publishers will prefer different types of engagement on things like cover design and advertising work. But the most important fact for authors is to know that the communication channels are open, that they can call or send an email with any questions at any time. In addition to custom timelines that establish exactly what will happen to an author's manuscript and when, Henery Press offers access to an online help desk and searchable knowledge base called Helping Hen, which contains answers to common questions and information about the publishing process.

And communication is not closed after publication. Familius sends out biweekly emails to all of its authors and illustrators, updating them on what's happening in the company and in individual books, and celebrating success together. It helps authors feel part of the publishing family, working together towards similar goals.

Small details like thanks or congratulatory messages, or even a birthday greeting, can cheer up the authors, adds Art Molinares. "We do our best every day to show our appreciation, which ultimately leads to happy authors and even happier readers."

Putting authors in touch with one another may also be productive. Online forums allow for writers to expand their contacts, share ideas, and promote each other's books. Famiius has created a Facebook site called "Familius Backyard" and Robbins says it has been an effective tool.

Get copyright right

A little later comes a crucial aspect of strong relationships with authors: royalties. This is where editors can really show their care and commitment and build a strong relationship with the author. Regarding royalties, the authors value three key qualities:

1 Efficiency. Giving royalty and payment statements on time is always a sure sign of a professional and responsible editor.

2 Lack of Errors. Mistakes in royalty calculations can cause embarrassment and undermine trust.

3 Ease of Use. Authors value clear royalty statements, presented transparently and on a secure but easily accessible platform.

It appears simple, but it is not! Manual royalty management is good for smaller publishers, but with more than a couple of books, the processor system can become slow and inaccurate. Automating returns and payments through MetaComet's Royalty Tracker royalty publishing software makes life much easier, reduces costs, and frees up publishers to focus on publishing and selling amazing content. Meanwhile, authors enjoy access to the MetaComet AuthorPortal, where they can view their statements at a glance.

"Getting your disclosures accurately and on time is absolutely crucial to great relationships with authors," says Christopher Robbins. Art Molinares also adds: “While I'm sure our authors love our good wishes and applaud our communications, when the quarter comes to an end, they need us to show them the money. Royalty management enables us to pay our authors on time and accurately, and underscores their trust in us. "