Southsea author criticises “seriously risk-averse” publishers

Pete Adams, a Southsea author, says that we have a "seriously risk-averse market” where so many manuscripts get thrown out on basic submission errors.

After eight years of writing, Adams feels that "scaredy-cat conservative editors" are not brave enough to stray from the safe-bet formula.

He says that the world of writing is not easy and that he is nervous for weeks after submitting manuscripts.

Pete gave me permission to share this photo.

Adams took up writing after hearing a radio interview with Michael Connelly which inspired him to take up writing alongside his architecture practice.

"I favour a solution that would see the mainstream publishers create a shared contract with the good Indie publishers. This allows the small Indies to take the risk in finding the good writers and the great novels."

“Most indie publishers are willing to take a chance and even promote their authors… they rarely have the funding to engage good editors and engage a wide marketing platform”

“The hurdles are there and as you reach them, you get over or go around”.

“A Deadly Queen” cover photo, Adams’ 12th book

Adams is published by Next Chapter Publishers who describe themselves as having the professionalism of a traditional publisher whilst still bing independent.

Book two of his Larkin's Barkin series was released in September of this year and is his 12th book to be published. The series is set in East End London in the late 1960’s and has themes of love, rivalry and danger.

Pete's writing has helped him to share his feelings about so much as he is an avid activist and uses his platform as an author to spread awareness about various social issues.