Bookish Wishlist for Publishing
Not that I expect any publishers to read or listen to these simple wishes. I just wanted to put these out into the universe on the off-chance something might come of it in the future. A lady can always hope, y'all.
Previous book recap chapter for longer over-arching series. This is what will often prevent me from continuing series that feature the same characters because too much time has passed between reading the first/second book and the next one.
Stop using AI to generate covers and pay an actual artist. I am looking at only a couple of publishers, but still, y'all can totally afford to pay an artist for book covers. Especially YOU, Bloomsbury, with your SJM nonsense.
First print-run unique editions rather than a dozen different special editions with one to two differences. Again, staring at YOU, Bloomsbury. Some publishers are also now doing 2 different first print editions, a standard and a "deluxe" which is usually a few dollars more. Not sure that's necessary either.
NO. MORE. PRINTED. ON. COVER. STICKERS. No one will care if a book was chosen for some celebrity's book club. See below alternatives.
Use actual removable stickers OR if you must do the printed on ones, print it on the inside of the dust jacket or on the back of the cover where it won't block any of the front cover.
Give authors more time with books by also having fewer releases. Readers, you have to admit the tidal wave of releases is out of hand (I know YA releases have gone up at least 400% since the renaissance back in 2007).
Do complete edits of ALL books. It's okay to not publish a tome.
Put more authors in the spotlight and do more marketing rather than just focusing all/most efforts on a handful of titles.
Illustrated books for SFF titles. Including characters, scenes, and maps is a great way to help some readers get immersed into the story.
More decorative covers under the dust jacket, namely art that's printed onto the actual hardcover. This can go hand in hand with the first print-run editions. Water Moon by Samantha Sotto Yambao is a perfect example of this. Just LOOK AT IT!
Anyway, these are just my personal preferences that I'd like to see in publishing. Y'all don't have to share my views, and if you've got any Bookish Wishes, let me know them! Always happy to talk about books.
Happy New Year, y'all, and happy reading for 2025.