The demise of traditional book publishing and explosion of self-publishing opportunities seem to be two sides of a coin.  Many authors are questioning the value of what a traditional publisher can provide and are choosing to publish books themselves.  The availability of e-pub options make this appear deceptively easy.  It would appear that anyone who is a little bit tech-savvy or can hire someone who has the technical ability to do it for them can upload a file, and presto, is now a published author.

This is amazing and in many ways thrilling, but as an industry veteran (and a former editor and publisher), I don’t believe that it can in any way duplicate the contributions of a traditional publisher, if you have that choice.  Publishing a book is a team effort, requiring the exquisite coordination of a passionate editor/advocate who will help you to shape a book, a copyeditor, designers for the cover and the interior (usually two different people), and a host of marketing and sales people, each contributing a specific expertise honed through years in the trenches.  When the “system” works, it is a beautiful thing.  So much thought and craft go into it.

It’s well known that for most authors, finding a traditional publisher is practically impossible without the stewardship of a literary agent.  The agent is much more than a seller.  Most effective agents today curate content, through their selection, development skills and editorial polish.  Indeed, editors count on agents to bring material to a very high level before they share it with publishing houses.  An agent stakes his or her reputation on knowing who to submit to and the form in which an editor and house expects to see it.  Once a book is sold, an agent is in it for the duration, creating a bridge between the author and the publishing house, sharing knowledge every step of the way, helping an author to build a reputation and brand, as well as a book.  The goal is not only for the book to be successful, but for it to have legs so that it continues to sell (and generate income for the author and agent) for years to come.

For those who are not able to snare a coveted publishing contract, agents can still play a major role. These industry professionals can advise you on the pitfalls and opportunities as you attempt to navigate the self-publishing process, connecting you with the virtual publishing company you need to create to publish your book successfully.  Not all agents will work with self-published authors, but many more today will, and if you can get a trusted, reputable agent to partner with you in this way, you will be that much the wiser.

So regardless of the path you choose (or the one that chooses you!), consider turning to such resources as Jeff Herman’s excellent annual Guide to Publishers and LiteraryAgents, or the AAR (Association of Author’s Representatives) website to find your perfect partner.

–Joelle Delbourgo

Dine like Draper and Drink like Sterling with More Than 70 Recipes from the Kitchens, Bars, and Restaurants Seen on Mad Men

These days leadership isn’t just expected, it’s demanded at every level. The problem is, it can feel overwhelming to try to be an effective leader and still remain authentic. Executive coach and leadership development consultant, Kristi Hedges systematically shows you how to develop a presence that that inspires followership and motivates others.

Historian Deborah J. Swiss tells the heartbreaking, horrifying, and ultimately triumphant story of the women exiled from the British Isles and forced into slavery and savagery—and who created the most liberated society of their time.

The extraordinary story of a child of Buchenwald who returned home at last, with forewords by Shimon Peres and Elie Wiesel.  No one could have believed that the little boy of eight, who miraculously survived a “men’s” camp and could not read or write at the time of liberation, would someday meet two popes, the Queen of England, Nelson Mandela, Fidel Castro, Ronald Reagan, and many others as one of the world’s most influential and inspiring religious leaders.  Here is in his own words is the moving story of how he endured against incredible odds to become Israel’s Chief Rabbi and chairman of Yad Vashem.

November marks the publication of OUT OF THE DEPTHS: The Story of a Child of Buchenwald Who Returned Home at Last, by Rabbi Israel Meir Lau. A memoir by an extraordinary man who I am honored to have worked with, the book chronicles the life of the child who would be come Chief Rabbi of Israel, continuing an unbroken chain of rabbis in his family for a thousand years. With forewords by both Shimon Peres and Elie Wiesel, and illustrated with photos of the rabbi with world leaders such as Fidel Castro, Nelson Mandela, Yihtzak Rabin, Pope John Paul II and many others.

Last week, Rabbi Lau was interviewed at the 92nd St. Y in New York by Rabbi Menachem Genack of the Orthodox Union and a long-time friend in a lively sold-out event. I also attended a beautiful reception honoring Rabbi Lau and his book at the Plaza Hotel.

Rabbi Lau spoke movingly of his experiences, of the many “angels” who had protected him at different points in his life, and the obligations of a rabbi to his community (currently Tel Aviv), his nation and the international community.

Here is a wonderful video of Rabbi Lau:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=E-GqJqz1b6w

–Joelle Delbourgo