The publishing world may be changing with technology, ebooks, iphones, Kindle, DRM, and self publishing all looking to be important factors for this year. However, the bedrock for any writer remains the same, and that is that content, narrative and networking remain king.
So here’s six great tips to help writers hoping to get published in 2010:
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Be differently different
It might be 2010 but any book you are writing will not hit the book shelves (or download button!) until at least 2011, but probably 2012. This means that trends that sell books today (e.g. vampires) may not sell books when your manuscript goes to print. This means publishers are looking to jump ahead of current trends and predict the ‘next big thing’. This means that your book has to be different enough from the current crop to attract attention. But not so different that a publisher is unsure how to package, market and sell your concept (and it is a concept they are selling – not a book). So, is your book differently different enough to get a publisher excited? Try to define the concept’s Unique Selling Point. What sets your book aside from the competition?
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Know your market
A good idea is a good idea and a good , well written book is a good well written book. However, the question that counts is whether there is a market big enough to support the book and the investment a publisher will need to make to bring it to print. Publishers can put lots of money into editing, printing and marketing a book and they need to be pretty sure that they will sell enough ‘units’ to at least make this initial investment back. This means that they need to be pretty sure a market exists. The reason why Harry Potter and Twilight clones, where snapped up (see the above point to why this is no longer the case) is that publishers have a good indication that they will sell x number of books. This means that as a writer you need to be aware of the market in which your book fits and its relative size. A solid romantic novel may have an established audience that is easily accessible to the publisher. This means that if your book fits into this genre then great. However, this will bring more competition from other writers. However, the sub-genre of Steam Punk may have a considerably smaller market and therefore sell fewer copies. This is fine if you understand the finances and approach the correct publisher (try Angry Robot in the UK). So, do you know to which genre your book fits? Can you name three publishers and two agents who are interested in that genre? Do you REALLY understand the market for YOUR genre?
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Be excellent
You might think that trash sells. People are quick to look at Dan Brown and criticise. However, Dan Brown is in fact an excellent writer. His technique is amazing as he drags a reader from page to page. In a world where competition is rife, writers need to be simply excellent. They need to have immaculate technique, great ideas and flawlessly structured narratives. There are just too many other writers fighting for the limited publishing places, for you to be second best. Only once all this pieces are in place will an agent/publisher think about publishing your book. So how do you know if you are really excellent? Tough question! Forget about asking close friends and family, they will just say you are great (think bad x-factor audition). Instead, try and get feedback from people with no vested interest. Try distant friends, a creative writing course/group or perhaps even a literary consultancy such as BubbleCow!
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Have a great book proposal
Writers spend months or even years writing their book, and then are happy to knock up a book proposal in a matter of hours. I have published (or have contracts to publish) close to twenty books. I put my success down to two things. The first is persistence with a good idea. The second is effective proposals pitched to the correct people. A good book proposal is essential for success and many great books never see the light of day simply because a writer is unable to build a good query letter and synopsis. To see a detailed outline of the way I have written dozens of successful book proposals, sign up for our FREE five day guide to writing a great book proposal (look to your right).
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Know your goal
Why do you want to be published? Is it to make money? Or to see you book in print? Or to spread an idea? Or to enhance your career? Or is it some other reason I can’t think of? Whatever your reason for being published you need to define it before you start. Depending on your goals, your route and final destination will be different. If you want money, then an agent and big publisher are the way forward. If you just want to see your book in print, then self publishing may be the solution. Define your goal and then pick the fastest route to success. Simply ask yourself ‘why do I want to be published?’
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Be a Proactive Writer
I have written a lot about being a Proactive Writer (you can find the posts here). In essence I am suggesting that a new generation of successful writers are beginning to emerge. These are writers that understand that they themselves, as well as their work, is the product that is being sold. Proactive Writers embrace technology, working hard to build an online presence. They are aware that marketing of a book is as much their responsibility as any publishing house. A Proactive Writer is also aware that the publishing world is fickle and only by developing their own fan base can they ensure long term success. So are you a Proactive Writer?
What’s your tip for writers in 2010?