Where Has Scott Been? And Why You Might Want To Hold Off Submitting To Editors And Agents

So, where have I been? 

Honestly, knee-deep in prepping UCLA classes. We have a Marketing class and a Developmental Editing class coming up in January. We also have a 4 week Synopsis Writing Class coming up (working on that one as we speak). 

On top of all of that, I had to get my family off on their annual Disney Cruise Christmas trip (which of course gives me the time where it is just me and the puppies to get some work done). 

But here is the thing. This is sort of what every editor and agent is in the middle of doing right now. We are looking at the calendar and madly rushing to get as many things cleared off our desks before the holidays. 

Editors are trying to get contracts wrapped up, edits to their writers, proposals finished and as many of those requested projects read. 

And let me tell you, it isn't easy. In fact, let me give you a little run down with one of my clients. We have been trying to push a contract through but that process is always a slow one. We had to review a deal memo and then we had to go back and re-tweak some things due to international payments (that slowed things a bit), once that was signed and off and running, it was off to contracts, but then get this... the editor who signed the author was then shifted to another department! That's right, the poor author has already shifted editors and we aren't even through the contract part yet. But wait, it gets better. Now the contract shows up but the person in charge of signing it is now going to retire so it was an issue of seeing who was now going to sign it. 

And all before the holidays.

ARRRGGGGHHHHH!!!!!!!!

Good news? Chris Green is now an new Harlequin Author!!!! Congratulations!

The point of this is simple. Take some time to prep those manuscripts. Get everything ready. And then, when the holidays are over, toward the end of the year, go ahead and fire off those projects. Many of use will be heading back to work and be ready to look at things at the start of the New Year. 

 

Why Did Their Story Work And Mine Didn't????

Book envy, right? I am sure all authors have it. You have this great idea for a book. You know you are going to write it. The idea might even be in note form on your desk and then darn it, some other author has gone out and written the book. Ugh.

Worse yet, you have submitted your book to numerous editors and have been turned down with that storyline only to find out that your book idea just comes out by that favorite author of yours. Even worse, right?

Now, of course the first thing that runs through your mind is that either Alexa and your smart device was listening in on your story idea, or that A.I. was copying your thoughts, or even worse, that NY Times Best Selling Author wouldn't have gotten their career without taking your idea which, you are certain they got after the editor you sent it to shared it with them, and said, "Hey, this is a great idea!" 

And then you realize that is a bit extreme.

There are actually a couple of reasons for this. I'm going to give you the hard pill to swallow first and then give you the one that will make you feel better last. OK, are you sitting? Here we go.

That other story, written by that other author was probably better written. OK, I know you can find a lot of flaws in it, but it had already been vetted by a lot of people. This author, probably was established and had the backing of others. Remember also, when you saw that book show up on the book shelf or on Amazon, it was written and started the editing process easily 12-24 months ago. If you are a new author, you might still be learning the process. And when I say new, it doesn't mean this is your first book you have written. I mean new to having a book traditionally published. As I always say, it takes. time. 

You got this. 

Now, here is the better side of the equation. That author may have just been in the right place at the right time. Publishing is really about timing. I hate to say it, but there are may book deals that just happen because that author happens to be sitting at a table with an editor at a conference, or an agent happens to be hanging out with an editor at some random event and a discussion breaks out in a casual conversation. It might even be a contest when your book just happens to land on the desk of the editor who happens to be looking for that type of book right at that time. 

And yes, that happens. 

So, just keep trying. Quit blaming the gods. The world is not out to get you. I promise you!

Holiday Time Is Not The Time To Write A Holiday Story

I know you love these stories. We all do. Secretly, some people binge watch those shows on tv during the summer with hot chocolate and a blanket and pretend it's winter. But then, the holiday season rolls around and now you think, it is time for you to write that story. Heck, every publisher must need a new story each year, so why not you?

Well my friends, especially you new authors, I would suggest you avoid taking that route. Stick to what you are doing. I know, you really want to write it, but this is going to be a lot of wasted time on your part and the odds are going to be against you.

First of all, remember that this IS a limited market. There is not a whole lot of flexibility for the editors which, of course means, limited "shelf space." They will only be putting out so many books each year. You are also limiting yourself because there are only a few publishers who take this sub-genre of book so now you are even making your search even harder. For agents, if you are to pitch this to me, I am potentially looking at a "one-hit-wonder." Remember, I am looking for you to be in this for the long-haul and not just for one book. Even if I did sell that single book and we got an advance on it, the odds are, you would not sell through that advance and the time I spent (and you) would not be worth the income we receive.

Now, here comes the bigger issue. Remember I said that there is limited shelf space? The publishers want to make sure these books sell so they will be giving those coveted slots to the writers who have been selling and they know WILL bring in the sales. I remember being at a conference a while back right as the holiday books were coming out and I overheard one author complaining that she was not getting a holiday book that year and she had a really good story. She was not happy when she was told that they wanted to build up her sales more and create a stronger following. What this author was complaining about was that she had sold before (NOTE: self-pub and only digital and her numbers were not there... I looked up the information later). She believed that those numbers should count.  In the end, this is still about the selling of a product.

Truthfully, stick to what you are doing. Keep those holiday stories on the back burner. There may be a chance later on to write on!

Transitions from Thanksgiving To Christmas - Cleaning House

Yes, it is that time when I get to bring in all of the boxes and we transition between two holidays. 

It is cleaning time as well.

I wanted to give you your writing task for today. Yes, this is one of those that will not require writing, but please, do not stop me if you have a really good idea. 

Clean up your work space. Spruce it up. Make it a great place to write. This way, when you sit down next, you will be ready to really craft the best story of your life!