Ouch. There's no frick'en way. . . .

[B.R.Stateham]

Just read the requirements the Mystery Writers of America require for a publisher to be accepted and placed on their offical list. Now, interestingly enough, I can see somewhat the logic behind their actions. They want quality. Yeah, so do I.

But their stiff demands concerning payments to authors and book runs just about elminates 95% of the small publishers in this country. And that's unfair. There's lots of good writing going on thru a number of small houses. They'll never be considered for any awards. Nor reviews. (and yes, I'm one of those never-to-be-considered)

That's the way it goes. No one said the world was fair.

[Benjamin Sobieck]

What's the main benefit? Is this like the Writer's Guild, but for mystery writers? I don't know a lot about MWA.

[B.R.Stateham]

Yes I.J. , perhaps you're right. But they're another one of those 'gate-keepers' we keep ranting about. They hold a lot of sway over publishers and reviewers.

[I. J. Parker]

MWA is greatly overrated.

[B.R.Stateham]

Not impossible. But very very very rare for small publishers to do.

[Benjamin Sobieck]

The requirements of #1 (at least $1,000 royalties to at least five authors) and #2 (print runs of greater than 500) are the big eliminators, but they're not impossible. I think MWA's main concern is with pay-to-play publishers.