Inside Scoop on Publishing – Three editors bring a fresh take on the subject of today’s market.
Your Book Still Has to be Amazing – Literary Agent Scott Eagan makes a strong case. He is right on the money. I quote“…this is probably the biggest change we are seeing right now in publishing. It isn’t the fact that we see the e-reader technology taking over, but a change in the way the readers are finding the books.”
Free Audio Lectures on Lit! – This is an amazing resource. Hear Tony Reinke discuss the material behind four chapters from his new book Lit!: A Christian Guide to Reading Books.
How Publishing is Like a 7th Grad Dance – Brilliant post by Mary DeMuth.
Issues Facing a Digital Transition – Excellent, but all to brief, interview with Tom Bozeman about some of the complex things publishers must deal with.
Author Philosophy 101 – Katie Ganshert asks some great questions.
15 Frequently Confused Pairs of Verbs – Are you guilty? I see this more than you care ever imagine.
Marketing for Insecure Writers – Don’t be afraid to admit you read this one.
Thanks for the information, tips, and links!
Thanks for the link love, Steve!
When do we want to get into our war? (re: Thomas)
Great Mary. Now people are going to wonder.
An internet guru suggested that Mary and I find a topic within our industry where we disagree. Then post our opposite opinion on each other site as a guest blog.
Problem is that Mary is too nice and, contrary to many opinions, I’m nice too. And we couldn’t think of anything on which we vehemently disagreed. And since arguing over sports teams, or politics, or theology would go beyond the scope of our blogs we had to smile at each other and say “Nice idea, but we’ll find something else.”
Thanks for the information, Steve. It’s always helpful to find new sources of information, blogs, etc.
One question: In the post on marketing for insecure writers (I’m not ashamed to admit I read it!), Jim says, “Personally, and as I’ve said before, the best marketing plan is to have another book in the works, ready to sell. The more you have out there is the more you can sell. The law of numbers is actually on our side as authors. Embrace it.”
Do you find, as an agent, you more heavily consider an author who has multiple novels written (not published, just written or in the works)? I’m working on my first novel and plan to start querying, etc., when I’m finished early next year. But do I need to start on another one right away so the agent and publisher know I have more ideas? Or should I focus my time and energy on finding an agent/publisher for the one I have finished? Thanks!
Lindsay,
A great question for a blog post!
In the meantime, I would continue writing. Each book you write will improve your craft. Stephen King wrote five complete novels before he sold his first one.
I have a client who got my attention with a story because he craft was so good. But the genre of the story was unsellable at the time. So she had another one ready and that is what we started with.
BUT refrain from telling someone “I have 14 unpublished manuscripts.” That is frightening because I’m now afraid you might think I should sell them all just because I like your latest one.
Having stories in “inventory” is a luxury in the future. You may have something that you can convert into a genre that is very hot. Or you have a story that with a little tweaking can fit the new direction your career has taken.
But those who cradle their one story and never let it go are handicapped in their growth. It is painful to see an author with the same manuscript idea year after year at the same writers conference…and the craft isn’t much better.
Ask every accomplished novelist if they wish they could have their first published novels back to “fix them.” Everyone should be improving every year as they study the craft and mature as an author.
Hope that helps.
Steve
Thanks for the great reply, Steve! It definitely helps. At the moment, I’m so focused on the one manuscript, and I’ll start seeking representation on it as soon as it’s ready. But at that point, I’ll also start on something new.
I’ve found with every writing project, whether it be creative non-fiction or a short story, I improve. I know it will be the same with novel writing!
Thanks again for the advice.