In conjunction with yesterday's blog about writing myths, I've been reading on the Novelist Inc loop (Novelist Inc is a group for writers of all genre's who have more than two books on shelves) so many stories from wonderful, mid-list authors about books that editors loved but marketing didn't buy. I'm reading the same stories over and over by multiple authors of series that were dropped and books that never panned out. So it is hugely naive to think that the reason a writer gets rejected is because they are not good enough at the craft- or the book wasn't well written. I learned long ago it was wrong thinking to believe that this kind of constant auditioning wasn't part of the life once you got published.
The good news about this for unpubs is that you are indeed living the author life by writing books on spec and "auditioning" them to agents and editors. Welcome to the writer's life.
(Now I know that some people never have to write on spec- but for most genre fiction in today's market, auditioning is typical. So do not despair! And most importantly do not disparage yourself or your talent. Remember it's the journey not the destination.) Cheers!
Thank you for the inspiration. I'd been beginning to despair because book sale number two has not been coming... and not been coming some more.
ReplyDeleteThen I just read another blog this morning that auditioning is getting even tougher because there are more writers competing in the industry. But the good news was, there are more readers everyday too.
Most writers are rejected due to the initial contact - poor query letter, wrong materials sent, etc.
ReplyDeleteBut you're right - it's all about the marketing. If the publisher can't effectively market a book, no matter how good, that company will not recoup its investment.
WELL SAID! Thanks for saying it!
ReplyDeleteYes, learning this lesson has been part of my writer's journey. And I'm thankful to say that, having finally learnt it, my writing has improved and I'm having more fun. Because I've stopped worrying about the "why?" behind the rejections and now just focus on writing true to my voice rather than to what I think the fickle, everchanging market wants.
ReplyDeleteThanks everyone!
ReplyDeleteYay Ann! Good for you. It is such a relief when you realize this truth... wish someone had told me that early on.
Cheers!