How celebrity deals are shutting children's authors out of their own trade | Books | The Guardian
But first, I'd like to give you an idea of what it's like behind the scenes at a publishing house, and how acquiring editors go about the business of signing up books. Writers often don't realize that editors are strongly motivated, in fact desperate, to find authors and their books. Editors wake up in the morning with acquisition anxiety! They may have a great idea or brilliant manuscript ready to go. Given this nervous reality, why do acquiring editors reject so many of the proposals and manuscripts they see each week, often after only a glance at the first few pages?
The concept is the core idea of any book project. We see too many memoirs, for example, that are motivated by hurt and resentment. Or quick and easy programs for financial success, satisfying marriage and perfect kids based on no research or track record. We want to see a concept with a strong premise that has energy, intensity, utility, focus and vision. We want books that will grab readers and resonate for their own lives. We want authors who have something new to say about an important subject or story, who bring a fresh voice or unusual perspective to a topic of concern to many people.
We need authors who are passionate about their ideas and stories, who bring to their work a maturity, expertise, and a visceral compulsion to write that comes from the heart. I can tell pretty quickly when a submission is canned or formulaic. Beware of clearing your throat with digressive warm-up sentences or hyperbolic claims of grandiose brilliance. Too many proposals appear to reinvent the wheel without acknowledging the competition.
Too many authors are uninformed about the importance of self-marketing. Not enough writers hold themselves to a high-enough standard of good writing. I also like to see a DVD that shows your ability to talk about the book without a script — this could be a televised interview or even just a video you created at home.
You might be sending out several. You might be able to briefly explain what your book is about in person always have a pitch prepared! Then, if the agent thinks it sounds interesting, arrange a meeting. Yes, absolutely. This will help you guage responses. If you get no requests for further material, your query letter needs work before you send it out again! The last two of these responses may subsequently also result in a rejection. Sometimes an agent will reject you simply because their list is full. You might get some feedback on your submission. If you hear nothing, follow up with a polite note after weeks.
Seek more feedback — maybe by joining a writing group. Re-work it and re-send it. However, if an agent is interested in you and your book, the next step is a meeting with them to discuss it. And then, possibly, an offer of representation. Getting an agent is, understandably, the most exciting step for many aspiring authors. Finally the doors to the publishing industry have been thrown open to you — big advances, bestseller lists and literary prizes await! Well, maybe. Landing an agent is, understandably, seen as the Holy Grail by many an aspiring author.
Debut fiction is very saleable!
How To Understand The Book Publishing Landscape
Crucially, do you get on with this person? So much of the publishing industry is based on personal relationships — and the author-agent one is a critical one. Keep it professional, make sure your prospective new agent is the right agent for you — and your book. Meet your prospective new agent. Be prepared to talk about your writing — and what books you like reading — but also ask questions. Ask about how they work with clients do they offer editorial support or are they more of a deal-maker? Occasionally you might pitch your book to an agent, but find that they want you to write something very different.
How To Get Published
They may like your style, but think that another type of novel is more saleable. Tread carefully. The agent may be right — they know the market, after all. The best agents will not only help you get published, they will manage your career, help you develop as a writer, and think about your long-term potential as an author. Ideally, this will be a long-term working relationship — so pick one you think you can work with. So it pays to spend a bit of time and effort into making the right match — for both of you.
Once you accept an offer, the next stage is to sign an agreement with your new agent — and for them to start working for you! As a newly-minted author, you will quickly become used to legal paperwork. There are two main contracts to be aware of:. There will be other contracts — but your agent can advise on them all. A key one is an Option Agreement, which is when a film or TV production company buys the rights to adapt your book.
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The basis for this sale will be the materials you submitted earlier probably with a bit of reworking , plus a formal pitch from the agent, which will include some information about the market and commercial potential of your book. This to can be a lengthy process. She was subsequently also rejected as Robert Galbraith. When a publisher makes an offer your agent will handle the contact negotiation. If more than one makes an offer, you may even get into a bidding war. You should also take into consideration what editorial support the publisher will give you, how much marketing they will do — and how much they will expect you to do — and how well they are likely to do with it based on previous books.
Your agent can advise on the pros and cons and make recommendations. Publishing advances vary wildly. You might get anything from low four figures for a niche publication with a small publisher, or up to six figures from a big publisher who thinks your book has major commercial potential. Remember that an advance is literally an advance on royalties. It is an advance payment against money that your book will subsequently hopefully earn in the future once you get published.
You will get a royalty statement from your publisher once or twice a year, which your agent can help you understand. Only when your royalty account has earned out your advance will you earn additional income from royalties. Each is the subject of a negotiation between publisher and bookseller. Your payments will usually be staged.
And that might apply to three books. If you want to get published, it pays to learn not only about the craft of writing, but as much as you can about the pubishing industry. Arm yourself with knowledge. Read blogs, read books, listen to podcasts, subscribe to trade magazines, go on courses or attend events. Your hard work will pay off.
As soon as your first book publishes, the pressure will be on to publish your next! Jon Reed is an author, screenwriter , publisher and social media consultant. He is the author of Get Up to Speed With Online Marketing 2e, Pearson Business, and the the founder of social media consultancy Reed Media , which offers social media management, training and consultancy.
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Jon started Publishing Talk in following a year career in publishing, including as publishing director for McGraw-Hill. We're talking about Room to Write — Isabel Losada writes narrative nonfiction anywhere and everywhere 10 essential books for writers 5 things you need to know about agency agreements 10 Twitter hashtags for writers Traditional or indie?
Hybrid author Nick Spalding looks at publishing from both sides 10 ways to use LinkedIn to find a publishing job Why weddings can be murder for Val McDermid Print on demand for self-published authors 10 golden rules for work experience 10 marketing tips for self-published authors 7 ways to use small thinking to achieve your writing goal Brexit: What does it mean for the publishing industry?
How to get published — at a glance: Identify your genre Showcase your writing Find a literary agent Prepare your materials Submit a query letter Get a publishing contract! Identify your genre What sort of book have you written? All Rights Reserved.
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