How Things Have Changed Through the Decades in the World of Publishing

by Crystal Bowman

My first book was published in 1993, so I’ve been in the publishing biz for more than thirty years. Things have changed a lot, so let’s take a trip down memory lane. 

The writing process:

• I typed my first manuscript on an electric typewriter, then finally upgraded to a desk top computer and printer. I kept my documents on a floppy disk. In 1995 I bought a laptop the size of a small suitcase (and very heavy to carry through the airport). 

• Since the internet was still fairly new (and some of us were afraid of it!) my research for writing stories or preparing proposals took place in bookstores and libraries. 

The submission process:

• The Writer’s Market Guide provided submission guidelines, names of editors, and addresses for publishing houses. The books were expensive and became outdated quickly, so many writers used the copy at their local library. 

• Proposals were submitted to a publisher through snail mail, which meant a trip to the post office to have it weighed and stamped. A self-addressed stamped envelope needed to be included if you wanted a response from the publisher. 

• The good or bad news from the publisher arrived in your mailbox (in the self-addressed stamped envelope) four to six months later, or maybe never. 

• Self-publishing was for writers who couldn’t land a publisher. Vanity Press was the condescending name given to publishing companies who would publish your book if you paid them a lot of money. 

Marketing your book:

• Back in the day, publishers had a marketing team of sales reps who would travel to bookstores and meet with managers to promote new titles. 

• The CBA (Christian Book Association) had a mega convention every summer. Christian publishing houses from all over the US and beyond would gather for a week of celebrating and promoting new book titles, music albums, church supplies, and gift products. The exhibit halls were so massive that you could not see everything in one day. Concerts and book signings by top artists and authors were the highlight of the convention as well as the inspiring Sunday evening worship service. 

• Authors were not responsible for marketing their books. If they did some local speaking or had connections for book signings, publishers were happy. Platform was something people stood on while speaking or performing—also known as a stage. 

Let’s fast forward to today.

The writing process:

• Clicking the keys on a keyboard allows writers to easily transport the words in their heads to their computer screens. Features like word count, spell check, Grammarly, and read aloud (my favorite) are helpful tools that enable writers to self-edit as they write. Documents are stored on your computer or an external hard drive. 

• Information and research on any topic are instantly available with the click of a mouse. No more long nights at the library.

The submission process: 

• Writer’s market guides are still helpful when trying to find a publisher, but submission guidelines are readily available on most publishers’ websites. 

• Proposals are submitted via email rather than a trip to the post office.

• Independent publishing is a desirable option for writers who want to bypass the challenge of finding a traditional publisher or wait years for their books to come out. Since many indie publishers are producing bestselling, award-winning books, the stigma of “self-publishing” is gone. 

Marketing your book:

• With fewer brick and mortar bookstores, sales reps are pretty much a thing of the past and authors are expected to aggressively market their books through social media sites like Face Book, Instagram, Twitter, etc. Launch teams, podcasts, blogs, email lists, and You Tube channels are other ways authors can market to a large audience. 

• The Christian Product Expo (CPE) is smaller than the previous CBA convention, but is well attended by publishers, retailers, and authors. CPE offers book signing opportunities, radio interviews, and networking.

• The NRB International Christian Media Convention is the world’s largest gathering of Christian communicators and ministry professionals. NRB offers a variety of keynotes, and workshops as well as book signings and author interviews. 

• Writers’ conferences help authors learn more about writing and publishing, but they are also a place where you can bring your hot-off-the press gem to share with others and possibly win an award. 

In Conclusion

Things have changed a lot through the decades, and it’s important for writers to know what’s current. And whether you publish with a traditional publisher or one of the many professional indie publishers, our purpose remains the same: to use the gifts God has given us to inspire, encourage, and entertain others while bringing glory to God.

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How Things Have Changed Through the Decades in the World of Publishing from author Crystal Bowman on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)

Crystal Bowman is an award-winning, bestselling author of more than 100 books for children and families. She also writes lyrics for children’s piano music and is a monthly contributor to Clubhouse Jr. Magazine, Arise Daily, and Christian Children's Authors. She enjoys coaching children's writers as well as teaching at writers conferences. When she is not writing or speaking, she likes going for walks and spending time with her huggable grandkids. She and her husband live in Michigan and Florida and try to avoid snowstorms.

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