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Topic: Recession-era Publishing
| Author | Message |
| ICB | Posted – 10/10/2008 11:23:01 PM | show profile So how do people think this economic upheaval will affect publishing, especially book publishing? I feel like since it's never, or not recently, been much of a boom industry, there won't be as far to fall. Like the group of people buying books has already been so winnowed that it is relatively stable as a buying base. But maybe I'm just trying not to be depressed about a more serious basis for the End of Publishing as We Know it scenario that I've been hearing for years. Has anyone noticed any effects already? |
| Metro Writer | Posted – 10/13/2008 9:24:14 AM | show profile It's all about media consolidation, which means more content is being advertiser-driven at many periodicals. The only growth in the economy is health care and that's a gold mine for writers. You don't have to write about disease. There are a gazillion other topics, from anti-aging creams to zoning issues (hospitals, etc.). Too bad you missed the Connecticut Press Club's recent program with Town & Country's Beauty & Health Editor. She gave people handouts as well as tips on what gets her interest. |
| WordyBird | Posted – 10/13/2008 10:43:27 AM | show profile "The only growth in the economy is health care and that's a gold mine for writers." That's my specialty and I can say that even that's no picnic. |
| dribbledrive1 | Posted – 10/13/2008 1:13:11 PM | show profile Anyone who thinks there's a "gold mine" in writing about health -- particularly if you're talking about magazine articles -- probably doesn't write much about health. It's a very saturated market, and lots of health writers I know are struggling as much as anyone else. I sure wouldn't suggest anyone go into health writing which the notion it's a "safe" recession-proof niche, because it isn't. |
| ICB | Posted – 10/13/2008 1:25:05 PM | show profile What about educational publishing? |
| WordyBird | Posted – 10/13/2008 1:57:01 PM | show profile "I sure wouldn't suggest anyone go into health writing which the notion it's a 'safe' recession-proof niche, because it isn't." Right you are. That's why I took a day job in corporate. Go figure. |
| dribbledrive1 | Posted – 10/13/2008 3:02:15 PM | show profile I don't think there is an entire niche that is recession proof. It's more about the individual writers in those niche. If you have a strong track record of writing sales letters for nutraceuticals that shows you can create revenue for them, you'll do OK. But you won't do OK just because you happen to write about nutraceuticals without a strong track record. |
| WordyBird | Posted – 10/14/2008 1:28:25 PM | show profile "I don't think there is an entire niche that is recession proof. It's more about the individual writers in those niche. If you have a strong track record of writing sales letters for nutraceuticals that shows you can create revenue for them, you'll do OK. But you won't do OK just because you happen to write about nutraceuticals without a strong track record." A strong track record in one area will lead to clients in others, I've learned. I am very well-versed in one disease and its complications. Consumer service pieces are my thing, but I've been able to use my background to write for trade journals and copyedit peer-reviewed scientific journals. I've done patient education brochures and presentations, too. I've been approached about copywriting for pharmaceutical ad agencies and so on, but I'm not interested in that. (My corporate gig is in finance, and yes, it has been crazy.) Point is, once you become known as a health and medical writer, it gets easier--but you do need have to have some solid knowledge of at least one topic first. I can always tell when a generalist writes a health piece: They're often simplified to the point of being inaccurate. |
| Metro Writer | Posted – 10/15/2008 10:01:59 AM | show profile The H&W isn't just about periodicals. Have you seen the annual reports of hospitals recently? Mucho bucks in corporate work. Even some money in writing copy for brochures. There's a wall of brochures at some physicians' offices. Elves aren't the ones who are writing them. Consumer magazines aren't reducing their coverage of health care. Just scan the non-celebrity publications near the checkout counter. Turn off your fat gene! Sneaky symptoms even doctors miss. Boost your energy. Increase your sex drive. |
| WordyBird | Posted – 10/15/2008 12:49:02 PM | show profile "The H&W isn't just about periodicals. Have you seen the annual reports of hospitals recently? Mucho bucks in corporate work. Even some money in writing copy for brochures. There's a wall of brochures at some physicians' offices. Elves aren't the ones who are writing them." No one said it was. BTW, look closely at that wall of brochures. A lot of those "brochures" are glorified ads for drugs, and as such are put together by pharmaceutical ad agencies. Yes, there is money to be made there, but a lot of those agencies want copywriting experience. Hardcore medical writing usually takes an advanced degree as well. |
| Lescalier | Posted – 10/15/2008 4:29:50 PM | show profile Book publishing The original post was about books, so forgive me for taking it back there. I heard someone on Brian Lehrer this morning (granted, a college senior) saying something to the effect of "publishers are in trouble because people aren't buying books in this economy." I was hoping/assuming that wasn't true. In times of economic distress, it seems entertainment is still necessary and important. "Splurging" on a book isn't like splurging on a car. I have heard a few tales of publishers offering less for books since the economy tanked, but I'm not sure if it's a widespread trend or not. The End of Publishing As We Know It scenario seems to be continuing regardless of the economy. It's depressing indeed, but has been happening slowly for a long time now. I like your theory about the winnowing of the book-buying public to a smart, solid bunch. |
