Very interesting read. In my own case, the dream is simply (ha!) to write a novel in the first place. For this to happen, it has to be the book I would want to read and that is not in the genres of Hoover or Yarros (although I quite enjoy both).
My cousin is a top illustrator and we had a fascinating discussion a couple of weeks ago. He said the best, most artistic front cover designs are reserved for the first novel of a writer who the publisher think has real potential to be a best seller. They are deliberately eye catching to capture the audience.
Once this happens, the books sell off the back of the author name/reputation and cheaper/simpler front cover illustrations are commissioned instead. A bit off topic, I know, but it confirms your argument that it's all about marketing.
This is so interesting. And it's defnitely a factor. An agent told me once that one of her clients didn't sell because they didn't get the cover right - so it was marketed as A instead of B. So many things go into it.
I suppose it depends on whether you write because you have something to say or if you write because you need something to sell. And, of course, if you write something just because it sells, but you don't like it, what's the point then? Just a humble opinion :)
Can't you have something to say and need something to sell cos we need to live?
Also there are some writers who are in it just for the money and have nothing to say but and can write REALLY well I know lots in TV. I couldn't do it but I wished I could.
Also publishers can give good writers ideas and they go away and write the book. It's just a business a lot of the time.
I feel like my book *could* be big. But I don't really know. I just know it's a book I'd want to read. Honestly, it's become more of a vanity project, so I don't want big money. Just that book to say, 'Hey, I did this.'
But I would love the big advance too 🤣🤣🤣 Full of contradictions over here!
I was just discussing with a friend about how Romantasy is big now! Exciting for her as that's the genre she writes in.
I also noticed a big swing towards translated Japanese cozy literature.
I guess if you write something well, and are passionate enough about it someone will notice. There's a reader for every genre. Or I'm just optimistic
I guess it's hard to advise unless I know the environment. Do you mean self-marketing? That's difficult but I saw a substack floating about that might help with that. I wish I could remember who she is. Anyway, I think there are a few substacks that advise on self-publishing.
I really associated with your post, Janice, having dealt with many pub;ishers and agents over the years.
I agree with your hypothesis about correlation between advance and publicity.
I fear the traditionla publishing model is irretrievably broken, and I will be posting about this soon.
I cannot wait to read Guy!
Ditto
Very interesting read. In my own case, the dream is simply (ha!) to write a novel in the first place. For this to happen, it has to be the book I would want to read and that is not in the genres of Hoover or Yarros (although I quite enjoy both).
My cousin is a top illustrator and we had a fascinating discussion a couple of weeks ago. He said the best, most artistic front cover designs are reserved for the first novel of a writer who the publisher think has real potential to be a best seller. They are deliberately eye catching to capture the audience.
Once this happens, the books sell off the back of the author name/reputation and cheaper/simpler front cover illustrations are commissioned instead. A bit off topic, I know, but it confirms your argument that it's all about marketing.
This is so interesting. And it's defnitely a factor. An agent told me once that one of her clients didn't sell because they didn't get the cover right - so it was marketed as A instead of B. So many things go into it.
Very helpful article. Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this. It's been on my mind for a while now. 🙏🏻
I suppose it depends on whether you write because you have something to say or if you write because you need something to sell. And, of course, if you write something just because it sells, but you don't like it, what's the point then? Just a humble opinion :)
Can't you have something to say and need something to sell cos we need to live?
Also there are some writers who are in it just for the money and have nothing to say but and can write REALLY well I know lots in TV. I couldn't do it but I wished I could.
Also publishers can give good writers ideas and they go away and write the book. It's just a business a lot of the time.
It’s true, it all depends on how you see the job. .. and how many bills you need to pay.
I feel like my book *could* be big. But I don't really know. I just know it's a book I'd want to read. Honestly, it's become more of a vanity project, so I don't want big money. Just that book to say, 'Hey, I did this.'
But I would love the big advance too 🤣🤣🤣 Full of contradictions over here!
I was just discussing with a friend about how Romantasy is big now! Exciting for her as that's the genre she writes in.
I also noticed a big swing towards translated Japanese cozy literature.
I guess if you write something well, and are passionate enough about it someone will notice. There's a reader for every genre. Or I'm just optimistic
what if you don’t know how market your book
like after writing because of the environment you’re in
I guess it's hard to advise unless I know the environment. Do you mean self-marketing? That's difficult but I saw a substack floating about that might help with that. I wish I could remember who she is. Anyway, I think there are a few substacks that advise on self-publishing.
self publishing like
sorry ma am confused