No single person in a publishing house wants to be on the hook for making a subjective decision to publish something which doesn’t have broad market appeal and real profit potential. Unfortunately however I think that in any business enterprise committees by in large tend to strangle the life out of creativity and real innovation.

In that context I am reminded of the often quoted phrase: “A camel is a horse designed by a committee”. All the more reason to focus on making sure you write a proposal which really grabs the attention of acquisition editor. As you pointed out, obviously you want someone in your corner who’ll make sure your work is given it’s best possible chance.

I understand why committees are a necessary but unfortunate part of publishing. Writing may be an art but publishing is a business.