I'm thrilled to announce that I just signed a contract (with my friend and co-author, Tina Samples) for a non-fiction book with Kregel. This will be my 6th book with a royalty publisher, and I couldn't be more grateful--especially in this economic climate. Our agent, Greg Johnson, of Wordserve Literary, negotiated a great contract for us. Stay tuned for more details...
I've had a passion for writing since I was a little girl, and after my first son was born, I began prayerfully crafting and submitting book proposals. I'd been a prolific freelance writer, but it took me five years and about fifty rejections before I got my first contract. Now, after ten-plus years as an author in the Christian book industry, I can look back and see how much I've grown as a writer and a person of faith.
By riding the roller-coaster of hopes deferred and dreams realized, I've learned a TON about how the book industry works...and about who God''s called me to be. I've also had to repeatedly surrender "my" talents, dreams, and expectations to Him. The ride has been exhilirating, nauseating, and--at times--downright scary. But I'm glad I got on.
Before I got published by a traditional publisher, I believed several myths, which are common to aspiring authors. I want to share, and debunk, them here. [Note: I don't write fiction, and I haven't tried self-publishng, so my statements will be coming from a traditionally-published non-fiction author's perspective.]
1. If I find an agent, I'll get a book deal. I've had several agents; and all of them had their strengths. However, in all but two of my contracts, I already had an offer when I approached the agent. Later, they shopped new proposals around to editors and got me in the door with publishers who wouldn't consider unagented authors. But I'm sorry to report than signing with an agent--though it's something to be celebrated--is not a golden ticket to Book Deal Land.
2. If I don't have an agent, I won't get a book deal. What leads to book deals? Great ideas, stellar proposals, strong platforms, and authentic relationships with editors. I know, I know--publishers are closing their doors to proposals from unsigned writers; but it's not impossible to get a book deal without an agent. Small and mid-size publishers are ALWAYS looking for new talent, so write like crazy; learn all you can; take advice from people you trust; meet editors at conferences; and speak or do other things to increase your visibility.
3. If I get a book deal, my publisher will pay for a book tour/publicity campaign/trip to a trade show. Online book tours are the norm now. I've been to one author dinner during the ICRS (International Christian Retail Show) in the years I've been published, and it was fabulous--but I paid my own way to the show. Publishers are feeling the economic strain as much as the rest of the the country. If you sign a contract, there are no guarantees.
4. If my book is good enough, I won't have to market it. Unless you name starts with "Bill" and ends with "raham," you'll need to participate in your publisher's marketing and publicity plan. You may be asked to guest-blog, send out review copies, write op-eds, speak, and/or appear as a guest on radio and television shows--in both traditional and online media. I like those tasks, but you may get sick just thinking about them. However, there are ways to market yourself without selling your soul--or up-chucking. (My advice? Pray; BE YOURSELF; find mentors in the industry; and talk to your editor, agent, or fellow authors about creative ways to fight stage-fright and shyness.)
5. If I follow a certain marketing plan, my book will be a bestseller. People make big money selling this lie, and creating plans you can follow in order to get your book on certain lists. But first--do you want to manipulate statistics? That seems a bit dishonest to me. And second--the plans are expensive, time-consuming, and not-at-all foolproof. To be honest, the book I did the least marketing on (because it was a work-for-hire) sold many, many times better than the books I did extensive marketing and promotion on. We must do our best, work hard, and rest in the fact that book sales don't define us--our relationship to Jesus does.
So what's true in this "house of mirrors" called publishing?
Great writers WILL get published--in some form. Readers want to buy amazing books, which they can read and tell their friends about. Publishers long to find one-of-a-kind ideas, brought to life by seasoned, unique and professional writers. And, most important of all, if the Creator has given you a talent for writing, He wants to use that gift to encourage others. There are so many ways to be published now. The whole world has changed over the last few years, and publishing is evolving at warp-speed. So hone your craft; seek His face; and ask Him what He wants to teach you on the journey.
It's sure to be the ride of your life!
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This post is part of a Wordserve Literary Parade of Blogs on Book Marketing. Read more entries at agent Rachelle Gardner's award-winning blog on August 2.
