Publishers or Sponsors?

Something occurred to me this weekend: Modern-day publishers are pretty similar to sponsors. Upfront investment. A guaranteed logo on the author’s racecar—I mean, book. What if things progressed in that direction?

You’d perfect your “indie” book proposal, submit it to a panel of companies targeting similar audiences, and the interested parties would request to handle one of your expenses. Need a big-shot cover artist? No problem. XYZ soda will cover that expense in exchange for a spot on your book spine. What about a nationwide advertising campaign? A tourism board will take care of that. Just tie their location into the story and give them a promotional page or two at the end of the book—kind of like a magazine spread.

It sounds crazy, but look at it this way: We’re seeing more and more traditional acquisitions based not on writing ability, but how easily a book might sell in volume. Is it controversial enough to generate mixed interest? Does the author have an established and/or growing fanbase? That’s business. So, try substituting the publisher’s cut for a different kind of return on investment—brand exposure. In exchange for financially backing an aspect of your book, these companies would gain another advertising medium.

It. Could. Happen.

So, five years from now, who will be pulling our strings? Publishers? Sponsors? Maybe neither one—or both! The point is, we’re going through a period of great change. Anything is possible.

1. Thank you to everyone who lent their support during my freebie promotion, new release, and blog tour. You guys rock! :)

2. Yes, I gave you guys a weird theory because I’m zapped from the last two weeks. LOL

Question of the week: Would you accept the help of a sponsor in the book world?
I bet you would in the Hunger Games!