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What is a "Legitimate" Author?

It all began with Mystery Writers of America's approved publisher list. I've been an active member of MWA for years--but at this moment my publisher is not recognized as an approved publisher because they are a small press that doesn't give advances or print 500 books at a time (Mundania uses Print on Demand technology--which many New York publishers do too), though they do pay royalties, never charge authors anything, and take returns (some of MWA's other criteria.)

No one who self-publishes, or a publisher who publishes less than 5 books a year or charges authors anything makes the cut either.

Some of the mystery cons have decided to use MWA's list as a means to include or exclude authors from appearing on panels.

Bouchercon's committee came up with some recommendations about future cons, stating that only "legitimate" authors should be allowed on panels.

So what makes a "legitimate" author? Someone published by an MWA approved publisher?

I've had over 20 books published, only one by an MWA approved publisher. I've got contract with publishers for the next two in my Deputy Tempe Crabtree series and one in my Rocky Bluff P.D. series.

For ten years, I taught novel writing for Writers Digest School. At Border's Book Store's request, I taught a writing class in the store for three years. I was an instructor for the Maui Writers retreat. I've given presentations at many writing conferences including those put on by colleges, given talks at schools from kindergarten through twelfth grade, libraries and many book stores.

But somehow, I don't fall into the category of a "legitimate" author. If I can't be on a panel, I won't be going to future Bouchercons or anyother mystery conference with this mindset. It makes me sad, because I've got many fans that I get to see at these conferences.

And yes, there are cons that don't discriminate in this manner, thank goodness. One is a conference that is put on by an organization that I serve as a board member, Public Safety Writers of America. It will be held in April in Las Vegas. http://www.policewriter.com

You don't have to be a law enforcement officer to belong to PSWA or come to the conference. We welcome all writers.

Excuse the rant, but this whole situation has really made me sad. This is truly a form of discrimination.

No matter what anyone else might think, I consider myself a legitimate author.

And I'd like to add a comment made by a reader who is now a friend. I met her in Anchorage when I went to Left Coast Crime several years ago and was on a panel. This is what her comment is about this whole situation:

"Reading this made me sad too. I picked up a lot of new authors when I went to Left Coast Conference all those years ago, because I heard them speak ona panel, found them interesting and gave their books a shot...then I pass on the books and hope they get more fans.
A person such as yourself has a lot to offer to aspiring authors. Techniques and how to work with alternate publishing methods, such as thee-books.

If there is a petition to sign or someone to write to, let us know!"

There's no petition, and even when you write about it on some of the lists you might be bombarded by some very inflammatory comments.

Marilyn

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Comment by Marilyn Meredith on November 21, 2007 at 9:01am: The problem is when they start deciding who is a legitimate writer and who is not, those who are with smaller publishers are not allowed on panels. Being on panels affords the fans to meet you and consider buying your book. I've gained many fans this way.

Yes, the cons are fun--but also costly. It won't be worth the bucks if I can't be on a panel.