Of course, nonfiction would be first

For those who don't know any better, there is the conceit that an author scurries to the small publisher, or self-publishing route, because of a rejection from the big publisher. Perhaps. But Mr. Obie is fascinated to see more authors check out the small publishing route for more money, quicker profit sharing, and more collaborative publicity.

The business press has made about the innovations of the business model from the new imprint, Harper Studio, part of Harper Collins. Bob Miller is the new head of Harper Studio, and formerly of Hyperion. Elements like increased online marketing, no or low author advance, no book returns, and increased profit sharing (50/50 split!!)...is this "Engineering the Risk Out of Business?"

Kinda of, sorta of, says Ms. Obie Joe. Miller just announced the first set of Harper Studio's titles; 16 are nonfiction and one is nonfiction. Let's see, with nonfiction titles you have the following advantages in book promotion:
• Author platform with strong name recognition.
• Author with other income, so more willing to delay book income.
• Locked in audience, tied to author, and/or topic.
• Wider swath of venues for presentation by author.
• Large scale drilling into several niches in online communities interested in the book's topic.

Hmm. Sometimes the little teaches the big.