With Summer in full mid-form and some planning the rest of their year’s writing efforts, I thought it might be a good chance for you to post below any question you might have about the publishing business.
Editing? Proposals? Why so many rejections? How does it all work? Will Amazon doom us all? Are bookstores dying? etc. I only ask that you keep within the topic of writing and publishing. I can’t solve your calculus homework. I won’t comment on political debate. And while I might like to weigh in on the Kenotic Theory regarding Jesus’ incarnation, it would not be a good fit for this blog.
Some may be answered below. Some may be saved for a longer blog post later this Summer. Be aware that some questions may not be able to be properly answered in a short post.
I recently did a “Ask Me Anything” session at a writers conference. It was scheduled for an hour. The fifty people who attended had a lot of questions and it lasted three hours (with me losing my voice by the end)!
Please let us help you on your journey.
You can also ask more than one question. There isn’t a limit.
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What is your favorite book? Or what book turned your head towards publishing?
Favorite book? Oh my. That’s like asking which one your children do you love best…
Depends on the category. If systematic theologies? I like “Evangelical Theology” by Michael Bird.
If science fiction? It is a close contest between “Dune” and “Ender’s Game”
If a book that changed my life? It would be “Knowing God” by J.I. Packer.
My head was turned when in college and getting a part-time job in a local bookstore. That became my career for over a decade…which became my work as an editor for Bethany House…which transitioned to my work as a literary agent.
No one book created that journey. It was more an overall interest in books.
Is there a certain sub-genre that is experiencing increased interest in the Christian fiction publishing industry (meaning are publishers + agents are more actively pursuing proposals for that sub-genre at this moment than, say, a year ago)? I know this changes frequently, I’m just curious about current ebb and flow. And perhaps why you think that certain sub-genre is experienced an increase in interest?
Brennan,
Trying to identify trends is always a little sketchy as our lens is limited to a certain extent. The momentum for a particular sub-genre in Christian fiction in the past year has been with romantic suspense. However, I suspect that “funnel” has been quickly filled with some great writers. We’ll all start seeing those books in the next couple years.
Just don’t ask, what’s next? Who know?
It could be Dystopian Systematic Theology with a Romantic Twist.
Thanks Steve! So appreciate the time you spend interacting on this blog!
That makes a lot of sense. I’m going to slash Bible verses I have referenced in a manuscript and defer using one key one until the end. Thank you for your response.
Thank you for this great opportunity. I was curious whether the portrayal of certain spiritual gifts could affect the marketability of a novel. For instance, if the protagonist was given a dream or a vision, or if one of the characters once prayed “in tongues”. If the elements of the story were doctrinally sound as to the fundamentals of the faith, and the emphasis was not on those gifts, could their presence still be a factor?
Thanks again.
Interesting question, john. I’d add healing by laying on of hands to your list. I’d also add to your question whether CBA editors who otherwise love your story would insist that you edit those things out.
John and Carol,
Much depends on the orientation of a particular publisher. Some may have a theology as a company that would rather not have the more ecstatic gifts of the spirit on display in their novels.
I do remember (20 years ago now) when a upcoming author (now a household name) had a novel rejected because the key device in the story was a dream/vision. It was the linchpin of the novel. It was published, and helped launch that author’s career. But it had been rejected by some publishers specifically on the issue of the emphasis of dreams/visions in the book.
I know of another author who was writing a novel in the supernatural genre, specifically angels and demons. One publisher was interested because of the author’s reputation, but asked that the author send their theological position on angels and demons. The author wrote out a multi-page response. Basically the publisher was wanting to make sure the author wasn’t going to be touting aberrant or even heretical beliefs.
This long answer ultimate comes down to “it depends.”
Thank you for your thoughtful insights! I expected the situation to be similar to what you described, and I can understand the responses. But how fascinating the ultimate results for the authors. I hope to very humbly submit a proposal soon. Many thanks Steve.
Please help me to get a picture of what happens to a manuscript that has been submitted (via email) to your office, from the time of its arrival to the time of the agent’s acceptance/rejection.
Thank you for opening the floor for this discussion.
A good question for a future blog post.
If you were to publish a book by a Namibian author, how would that work practically with regards to marketing etc
If you are meaning any author who resides in a country other than the U.S., then I think I can answer.
This has always been a bit of a challenge for U.S. based publishers. If the author lives in a time zone that is 10 hours different, then radio interviews can be a challenge to book.
Unless the author plans to visit the U.S. then TV interviews, in studio, are out.
If the author only speaks in their home country in their home language, then their “platform” is stronger in their native land than it is in the U.S.
However, PR and marketing is no longer limited to radio and TV. Blog interviews, creative uses of other social media, can be maximized.
We have clients from Australia and Canada and have not had much trouble.
I have worked with an author in South Africa and her challenge is getting her U.S. published books into the South African sales channels. Thus her ability to promote her work in her own country have been difficult.
As with other answers, “it depends.”
Thank you for this opportunity, Steve.
What one trait do you find most common amongst authors whose work you consistently accept and are to place with quality contracts? (two or three if you have them)
A good question for a future blog post.
Steve,
Thanks for opening the floor. I am wondering what stage should I have my memoir edited? After I have an agent? After I have a publisher? Before? Should I consider ever getting professionally edited before I get an agent or publisher? What’s the process?
A good question for a future blog post.
If Jesus were to walk into your agency and look over the books you have contracted, the proposals on your desk, the policies of your agency, and your agency’s role in his kingdom, what do you think he would say about it?
On a broader scale, what do you think he would say about the general state of affairs of the Christian publishing world?
Would he be proud and excited?
Disappointed?
Uninterested?
Pleased?
This is not a negative question. I ask this about my own business all the time. I think every Christian should. That’s part of being a disciple.
I think all that we do should be for the glory of God. (1 Corinthians 10:13b) We strive to keep that in front of us in all we do and say. Not that we are perfect or even admirable, but at least we work towards that goal.
As for the industry? God seems to be blessing the publishing work in mighty ways.
Is it perfect? Hardly. We are sinful people redeemed by Jesus Christ. But we are still quite fallible. Does pride, greed, hubris, envy, and other sins creep into the process? Of course. But God’s kingdom cannot be shaken by the sins of men and women.
What advice do you have for an author who does not like to speak?
A good question for a future blog post.
Hi Steve,
How do you see the role of literary agents changing as more authors, both indie and traditionally published, pursue self-publishing?
A good question for a future blog post.
Hi Steve,
I’m going to be itching to submit my work for representation starting in October. I want to do so with proper etiquette though. I know that it’s not nice to send multiple submissions to agents representing the same agency. If it happened at your agency, I’m sure the new office ferret would sense the negative energy, and who knows what will happen to the “Cheez It” snacks. Utter madness could ensue.
(First Question):
“What is the max number of submissions you should send at a given time?” I’ve heard ten but that sounds off; to me, it seems it should be less than that if you are carefully considering the agents you reach out to.
(Second Question):
“For first-time authors, who’ve submitted X manuscripts for Y weeks but drew no interests in representation, when is it time to pursue self-publishing?” It’s not Calculus!
A good question for a future blog post.
Steve,
How heavily do education, credentials, and social media presence weigh into the decision when agents/publishers are looking at an aspiring author?
Thank you for taking questions!
If non-fiction it is HUGE. It is labeled by the word “Platform.”
If you don’t have a platform it is an enormous uphill battle to get traction in the marketplace.
In fiction is is important, but not as essential. However, if your “platform” is small (200 facebook followers, for example, no blog, no web site, etc) then it suggests to the publisher that not many people are engaged in your network. It will factor into the decision-making process.
Hi Steve! In relation to platform … what top resources do you recommend for learning the art of platform building?
Hi Steve, I was at your dinner table the last night of the BRMCWC where you held a mini “ask me anything.” We had an equally wonderful time! You had us all laughing with your stories. We didn’t want dinner to end! Thanks for providing this virtual session now.
My question is: When can the writer/author expect to hear from an agent once their proposal has been submitted to a publisher?
Callie,
That was a fun last meal time! I think our table was one of the last to leave the dining hall.
Let me draw the chronology based on your question:
You are already represented by an agent.
The agent has submitted your proposal to publishers.
The publishers are responding.
When does the agent contact you?
If that is the correct path to your question then the answer is, “It depends.” (Getting tired of that reply yet?)
In this case it depends on your agent.
Our agency makes a point of telling you the news from each publisher as soon as it comes in to us. We’d rather you get a “real-time” experience of what is happening.
We also like to send you the list of all the editors and publishers who have received the proposal so you can check off the list as we check off the list. That way nothing is overlooked.
If you are asking about how long it takes to hear from a publisher? “It depends.”
I’ve had rejections within minutes of sending a proposal. I’ve also had many situations where we never hear back from the editor…ever.
The record waiting time was getting a contract offer 22 months after sending it to a publisher. I called that author and she said, “what book are you talking about?” We had moved on and sold other novels by that author. But this publisher found the proposal, had a need in their list and the author was able to fill it.
However, those are the extremes. Let me be a little more clear.
If we don’t hear back from a publisher within six months (despite follow up questions about it), it probably won’t work.
If a book sells to a publisher that usually happens before three months have passed.
I just saw a blog by Bethany House concerning the status and future of Christian fiction. Uncertain if you’ve seen it yet but would like your reaction and how you see the future for authors publishing in the general Christian market.
A good question for a future blog post.
Lauralee, can you post a link to this blog post? You have me curious now.
The blog post you are looking for is at https://bethanyfiction.com/2017/07/13/ask-bethany-house-whats-next-in-christian-fiction/.
Thank you Steve for being willing to do this.
I have a question about writing coaches/mentors. I have entered a contest and subscribed to a blog by a couple of different mentoring or coaching services. In one case I received some great feedback from the coach with an invitation to submit my work for further help. Of course this help comes with a substantial fee. I do understand this is what their business is. At what point is it worth the investment to hire a writing coach?Being on a limited income I am hesitant to spend a large amount of money on a book that might not ever sell. Both seem to be reputable coaching services but I feel like it’s just another layer and expense for the writer.
Thank you for your time.
A good question for a future blog post.
This question is kind of specific. In a women’s fiction novel that alternates between two women’s POV, how would you feel about having one woman’s POV be in first person, and the other in third person? Would that be distracting? Would it be better to keep the POV consistent? I’d be interested in both your personal preference and also your thoughts on how the POV could affect marketability. Thanks, Steve.
Katie,
the only “rule” is that there are no “rules” only preferences. A skilled writer can navigate all sorts of rule-breaking techniques.
But if your first person POV character and your third person character are in the same room and having a conversation? That would be problematic, most likely.
Me personally? First person, especially first person present tense, if very difficult to do well. When done well, it works beautifully. When it isn’t, I’m pulled out of the story so fast it’s like whiplash.
So many wonderful questions here! Thank you for opening the floor!
Many of the questions that sprang to mind have already been asked here. The rest are more specific to my current manuscript. So, I will instead ask you this:
With all the plates you have spinning, plus submission piles a mile deep, how can we pray for you?
Oh! And one other: do you have an speaking engagements coming up in Arizona? Is therea place online we can find your upcoming engagements/appearances? Thanks!!
Jennifer,
Very kind of you to ask.
Pray for all of our clients first. They wrestle with words every day in an attempt to minister to those who may be touched by those words.
Pray for each of us in the agency that we can serve with grace and insight to help our clients. And to help each of you, through this blog and our teaching at conferences, to navigate this labyrinth called publishing.
No, I do not have speaking engagements in Arizona planned in the near future. I will be at Realm Makers conference in late July, then at ACFW in September. Then nothing planned until next year.
When I am overwhelmed, I turn to my favorite relatively-unknown Psalm: Psalm 69, which begins, “Save me O God! The waters are up to my neck!”
I can only imagine all the stories shared in a three hour Q&A! 🙂
My question involves industry standard word counts. I know the most importabt thing is to tell a great story, but at some point the preferences of publishers and readers come into play. My novel is a YA fantasy. Fantasy tends to run long, but YA is all over the map–I’ve seen counts from 55k to 80 or 90k words. So what’s the norm for YA fantasy?
Like everyone has already said, thanks so much for opening the floor!
Tracey,
Word count? “It depends.”
Depends on the story.
There isn’t a set rule in YA Fantasy for length. Other than to say that most Fantasy readers want to wallow in the depth and complexity of the story.
55K would be on the short side for sure.
Haha, I should have seen that answer coming! 😉 Would you say 69k is more the middle of the road, or still a bit short?
If 55k is low then 70k is more than 55k, but still on the low side.
But it depends on the story.
The novel I published over at Enclave Publishing called “Knife” by R.J. Anderson could be classified as YA, but we thought the reading audience was broader than that.
Get a copy. (It is a fantastic story!) It is 73,800 words. And is on the short side.
Then take a look at “A Time to Die” by Nadine Brandes. The main character is 17 years old so could be classified as YA but we thought the reading audience was broader than that.
Get a copy. (It too is a fantastic story!) It is 139, 600 words. On the LONG side of the equation.
My recommendation? Write the best book you possibly can. THEN count the words…
I actually do own a copy of Knife! I read an earlier copy years ago when it was under a different publisher, and more recently I got the Enclave copy and reread it. A great story! A Time to Die has been on my radar too, though I’ve yet to read it.
It’s encouraging to see such a wide range of length!
Thanks again for your response! I’ll concentrate on story first. 🙂
Hi Steve,
What is the procedure to get my rights back from a publisher that I am unable to contact? My ebook is still offered on Amazon, but my print book is no longer listed for sale. Also, my name and the book is no longer listed on their website.
I qualify under my contract to ask for right back, but how do I go about doing so when my publisher will not respond to all my attempts to reach her?
Connie,
Much depends on your contract.
If your ebook is still for sale then you should be receiving royalties and a royalty statement. If they have failed to send either they could be in breach of that contract I mentioned. If they are in breach then you can send them a registered letter (signature required) informing them of the breach.
This is a tough one. I know of an author whose publisher went bankrupt suddenly and he was unable to get his rights back until the bankruptcy court ajudicated the assets.
I wonder if I am missing obvious opportunities to get more information from my tribe. What would you recommend about getting the best feedback for relevancy from readers? What tips would you give bloggers for expediting the feedback process?
Cathy,
Not sure what you mean by feedback?
If you mean bloggers? Write your content in such a way that it creates dialogue via questions or comments.