The book publishing industry is certainly not stagnant when looking across all genres and categories. Literary agent and book development consultant Claire Gerus has noticed more and more publishers picking up stories aimed at children and young adults, alternative realities, and spirituality. They are also focusing on more representation of smaller groups and minorities. This can be exciting for authors writing in these categories, and there are a few factors to consider when deciding if you will go the traditional publishing route or not. Authors who get contracts don’t have to pay for their book to be produced. They also don’t have to worry about getting the book in stores, pushing sales, and securing reviews. Without a traditional publisher, all this work typically falls on the author and his or her own wallet.