Consider this fundamental fact of publishing today. Over 80 per cent of all books published have been commissioned by publishers. This includes not merely educational textbooks,but mass-marketable paperback fiction, books on science, technology, medicine, law, accountancy and all the rest. But just because a work has been commissioned and a contract signed up, does not necessarily mean that the book will eventually be published . For one reason or another, it may be rejected and the author paid off for his labours. This payment is known as 'kill fees' or in more sophisticated parlance as 'cheque-book editing.' How does the system work? In any contract that the publisher signs up with a prospective author for a commissioned work there are a few clauses of escape that are built in favour of the publisher. These safeguards are of two kinds. First, the timely delivery of the manuscript within the defined parameters such as the word limit, photographs, illustrations and any other specialized material that may be required. Second, there is usually a draconian clause that gives the right to the publisher to refuse publication without assigning any specific reason for the action. This clause is seldom invoked but nonetheless it is there. And in the event that it is invoked, the author is placated with an assurance that in case of a dispute the matter would be 'amicably' settled between the two parties. The catch here is that the quantum of compensation to be paid to the author is never specified in any contract. Matters are decided between the publisher and author, and, if need be, by their respective lawyers. But if push comes to shove, it is always the author who loses out because the publisher can come up with any number of reasons explaining why he cannot publish: the quality of writing, inadequate research, poor arrangement of the material or simply that the demand for a book on the subject has dried up. Clearly, the dice is loaded against the author. But on the flip side, this is also a necessary arrangement because it is virtually impossible for a commissioning editor in India to predict with absolute certainty that the work would be delivered on time and that the quality of writing and research would match the credentials of the proposed author. On both counts, the commissioning editor can go hopelessly wrong. Indian authors, especially academics, are notoriously lax in keeping schedules. Deadlines are seldom respected - this means that publication dates that are announced even six months in advance cannot be adhered to. When you consider that successful publishing depends on a sense of timing, slippages of even a month or two can determine the success or failure of the book. Moreover, very often the language and style leave much to be desired in terms of quality. Heavy editing is required before the typescript can be sent to the press. Unfortunately, our publishing houses simply do not have enough in-house editors to do the rewriting jobs. Getting this work done from outside costs time and money which have to be factored into the cost of production. Naturally, the onus lies with the publisher. He must check out the author's background and experience and monitor each stage of the writing process. He cannot rely on reputation alone. This is the only way to avoid heartaches later.