Blogger: Wendy Lawton
Location: Old New Castle, Delaware
No one doubts that the publishing world is experiencing a major sea change. Some have even compared it to the changes that took place during the industrial revolution. A blog post isn’t long enough to list all the changes but here are a few:
- I’m going to talk about e-books on Wednesday. Everyone is talking about e-books but that’s just one part of the change.
- Another important dynamic is that people are not reading as much as they used to. There’s far more competition for entertainment time.
- Because of the recession, readers are even more dollar-conscious. The price cutting on e-books is setting the stage for expectations of bargain basement prices on all books. Free is in.
- Also because of the recession many publishers are cutting staff–trying to do more with fewer professionals.
- It’s harder than ever for publishers to maintain a healthy bottom line. With gas prices going up, manufacturing of all kinds, including books, will be affected.
- Brick and mortar bookstores are struggling. This means high returns.
All of these changes impact the author. And those are only a fraction of the changes taking place in the book world.
Some of the questions I ask my clients in their intake data are, “What are your immediate goals?” and “What goals do you hope to have achieved in five years?” and “At the end of your career as a writer, what would you like to have accomplished?”
I need to know those things so that we can plan to make them happen if they are realistic goals. Career planning has always been one of the things we do best. We work hard to make sure that every decision takes the writer closer to his goals. Sometimes that means turning down a seemingly wonderful opportunity that will take a writer off course.
So, then, what is broken? We’re finding that as the market gets tighter and tighter and as things change, there are no guarantees. We’re not even seeing the same patterns we saw in the past. If we turn down an off-track opportunity there are no guarantees another will come. It’s crazymaking.
It used to be we could plot a writer’s potential career trajectory based on the number patterns of the first few books. We used to expect to up the advance on each subsequent book. Now? All kinds of strange patterns are emerging. We’re watching and keeping track of all the data.
So what does it come down to? The basic truth we all knew– it’s all in God’s hands. Miracles happen. And, on the other hand, the “sure thing” can fall flat with no explanation.
What can an author do? The author can work harder than ever at her craft. She can take care of her readers, collecting their names and keeping in touch with them. She can use social media skillfully and appropriately.
What can an agent do? We need to be reading everything, tracking everything, watching trends and keeping in touch with publishers and our fellow agents. We need to start identifying patterns and spotting new opportunities for our clients. We need to think out of the box.
We’re sensing fear and desperation on the part of many writers these days. Our job is to diffuse that. Just as smart investors get rich in tough times, change means new opportunities for writers. We need to grab hold of those opportunities on behalf of our clients.
It may not be as easy to chart a career these days, but these are exciting times. We stand at the portal of a new era. And, best of all, we know who’s in control.
Your turn: Where do you hope to be in five years? At the end of your career? Do any of the changes we’re observing threaten those goals? Do any offer new opportunities?
My 5 year goal is to see myself finally published. I am realizing that it is not an overnight feat but rather one that takes time and energy and a lot of dedication. At the end of my career I hope to have published the stories that I have in my head and hopefully to have touched people along the way. I am not out to get rich. The reward to me would be knowing that people enjoy what I write. There are a few books that I LOVE to the point of reading them over and over and over. Christy, Pride and Prejudice, Mrs Mike and The Believers. Four fantastic books that I just can’t get enough of no matter how many times I read them. To me, success would be having someone feel that way about something I wrote.
Within the next five yrs I would like to have published at least two of the books in my series and attend at least two major writing conferences. At the end of my career? To know that because of my books, readers came to know Christ as their personal Savior. Also, I have to be honest…while I realize it takes many yrs to obtain one’s financial dream when venturing down the publishing path, I’ve always had a certain financial goal in mind that I would be comfortable with. Realistically speaking, I think as authors, we would be remiss if we didn’t set such a goal. The actual WRITING needs to come first, but we must also consider that our work is like a “real” job, and in real jobs people do earn real salaries.
As for the challenging market today, as authors we must not be too quick to discount opportunities as they come our way. For me, that’s the frightening thing…stepping out of my comfort zone and thinking outside of the box.
A side note…I love what Selena said about “people feeling that way about my books.” We all associate warm feelings with those authors that have profoundly touched us. For authors, there’s no greater pleasure than knowing we’ve impacted someone in that way! (All because of the stories we love to write so much.)
Thank you, Wendy, for preparing us for the journey!
Five years: I hope to have a few published books under my belt with clear direction for the next five years. I’d love to be in the position where I can help other writers and give back.
End of career: I want to have written stories that readers still remember from twenty years before.
I don’t feel threatened by any of the trends. You stated it best, Wendy: “we know who’s in control.” I am sad, however, because I’m a traditionalist. I love the printed word, and I love brick and mortar bookstores.
I’m excited to see where the next five years takes the industry…and me! That said, I certainly have a few goals of my own — publication, consistent blogging and web presence, etc.
For me, it has always ultimately been about creating stories that touch reader’s hearts the way I was touched when I first discovered inspirational fiction.
I think this is one of the most exciting times to be a writer with so many different things unfurling at once. We’re all going to witness major changes in the world of publishing (as Wendy listed at the beginning of her post!) and those who are most able to change and adapt will survive.
Great series, Wendy!
When my youngest child was a senior in (home school) high school, I knew I needed a consuming goal to battle the “empty nest” that lay ahead. At that point, it was my five year goal to learn to write fiction. Four years later, it’s been a great adventure, but the whole publishing world has changed since I began. It’s an exciting time to be beginning. Since I wasn’t long invested in the dream of holding a book in my hands, it is perhaps easier for me to embrace the changes. What I love is to tell stories that glorify God and challenge believers to live for Him.
End of career goal? I don’t care so much about churning out a plethora of titles as about crafting stories that might change lives. Writing is a ministry, but as Cynthia said, it is also a “real” career. While I am not particularly motivated by money, I don’t think it’s unreasonable to expect a fair return on the investment of time and heart.
If e-publishing offers the opportunity to reach more people with our stories, provide them more economically to readers, and meet our families’ needs at the same time, I’m encouraged to consider the new possibilities. I’ll look forward to your post tomorrow!
p.s.–I usually read your blog on my feed. Didn’t see your new photo until today, but it’s very nice. Love the “library” background.
My goals are very similiar to the others. I’d love to see my inspirational historical trilogy contracted and in-print with one to two books contracted a year and delivered by me. 🙂
I’d like to be able to quit my day job in the next 5 years and serve God full time w/ my writing.
I’d like to develop my speaking platform for Women’s Retreats and conferences.
Basically, I want to be an inspiration to other women to follow Jesus and live in His promises. I know my writing is the vehicle to doing that.
Thanks for the insights here. I find this blog to be one of the most helpful to me.
In 5 years I hope my first 3 novels in a series will be published. I write stories to advocate for people with disabilities, the so-called least in our body. Actually, they are far from that – but don’t get me started. These stories are peppered with romance, action, and mystery.
In 20 years, I hope to have completed my series of 15. I’m blessed to have a thoughtful engineer for a husband. Anything I bring to the table is extra. The profits from my writing career wil be used to set up Uphill Ministries. Its purpose will be to mentor struggling disability ministries in the local church.
Thank you for sharing the truth of what is going on in the publishing industry. With the truth,at least, I can be prepared! Being blindsided means an enormous amount of energy and time must be spent re-grouping. Although, life on a ranch teaches you that no matter how well you plan, something unexpected always happens…and you have to punt!
Five year goals: See my writing projects published…and of course, a Hallmark movie made from at least one novel!
End of Career: Influencing lives with stories the way I have been touched and connecting with readers and other authors.
Changes that threaten those goals: I believe the Lord opens doors of opportunities and if we abide with Him, we’ll find the way.
Thanks again for posting relevant information that helps all of us plan our next steps.
The modern writing career has shifted from a one-way track to a convergence of many paths leading in a general direction. We can no longer be just the fabulous dancing elephants in the circus tent, but we must be PT Barnum as well. I suppose I have always enjoyed Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride so for me this is, strangely, something to embrace.
Another great post, Wendy. I must admit, the direction the industry is going is a bit disheartening. I appreciate that you focused on some of the positive changes. I’m hoping everything will shake down and be sorted out as it was in the music industry when the major shift to digital took place.
5 year goals: My hisfic novel would be published, with another contracted and on its way to print, if not more.
Career goals: Have many books published, become a public speaker in support of women’s issues/motivation, and also help other writers with their skills. The teacher in me never quits wanting to help others. 🙂
The changes in the industry certainly provide opportunities, as well. Social networking, which I happen to enjoy tremendously, is a great way to connect with a wide range of people that was never possible before. E-publishing seems to be accomplishing this goal, as well.
We’ll see what the future holds. I look forward to the rest of your list of broken things.
Wendy, thanks for an excellent blog.
I hope and pray that in five years we Christians are all with the Lord. This could be the day!
But if He tarries, I’ll let it in His hands to have my new fiction series, THE AMISH LOVES OF SNYDER COUNTY, published. It’s with an agent now for review. (I’ve got 13 books in print.)
The tech revolution which we are all experiencing is scary, yet exciting. Yes, we authors are all watching what’s happening in the publishing world. Will there even be “paper” books in five yrs?
I’m taking a social networking class right now to learn how to promote online. That seems to be the way the book world is going, whether we like it or not.
We must learn the “new” ways or be left behind in the dust of unsold books that lie on packed shelves at dying book stores.
Only God knows where we’re all heading before He comes to take us home.
Marsha Hubler
http://www.marshahubler.com
I’d be a fool to say that this change doesn’t worry me. Book should be important to society, but I believe technology has taken away much of our imagination and shortened our attention span. We’re more than likely to play a video game than to read a book and grow our mind. I do see a change in the wind, but it still worries me.
My five-year plan is to finish two novels and start a third; find an agent; find a publisher; and build my readership and ministry online. I’m not sure if that’s detailed enough, but that is where I am at right now.
Hi, Wendy,
I just tried to contact you via email from the emails listed on the site, but the email was returned.
(I’m the coordinator of the Susq. Valley Writers Workshop in October every year and wanted to connect with your agency about future speaking opportunities.)
Marsha
marshahubler@wildblue.net
Thanks for the glimmer of hope in the midst of uncertainty, Wendy. We do know Who is in control and we’d be wise never to forget it. Meanwhile, I’m trying to embrace these changes as best I can. I even CONSIDERED buying a Nook last week. That’s a big step for me. 😉
5-year goal: To have my current WIPs published (five books in the series) and be working on a new concept.
Ultimate career goal: To provide an alternative for Christian teens and young adults who are inclined to reach for secular literature whenever it’s time to read for pleasure. I want to write (and publish) spiritually redeeming stories that appeal to the Harry Potter and Twilight sets. Because this age demographic is my target audience, I need to be very receptive to the digital shift taking place in the market.
I find this to be both an exciting, yet, frightening time for authors. I know how hard our company works to promote books, but that doesn’t always translate into sales. There’s so much work involved to keep your name out there, and some authors don’t feel they have the time or the means to do it right.
My personal five-year goal is to work toward getting my next two children’s books published. One is under consideration and I’m working to complete the next one and get it ready for submission. I would also like to write an inspirational romance.
Since my current publisher releases in electronic and printed formats, I feel I’m in a good position, though the economy makes it tough for all of us.
I’m not certain what God plans for career, but hopefully by the end I’m writing full-time and still creating the types of books that honor Him.
The one thing I see as a slight advantage in price cutting is that when books are priced so low, a reader might take a chance on your book even if they don’t know you. Thanks to my Kindle, I’ve found several books of interest that I’ve picked up for under $3. I’m willing to risk $3 on an unknown author, realizing I might not like the book at all. I’m not willing to risk $10 for that.
Thanks for another insightful and engaging post.
I hear you on the Nook, Lindsay. I broke down last month and purchased a Kindle for my 13-year-old, and bought one for my 11-year-old a month later. My 15-year-old is like me and likes physical books.
Where I hope to be in regards to publishing doesn’t really count for a goal. I hope to be published, but that’s a little like hoping your children will be saved. There’s a lot you can to do to affect the outcome, but in the end you can’t MAKE it happen unless God wants it to happen.
So my goal is to be able to write one good book a year. I’m too slow. I can write a book in a couple of months once I get going. But it takes me two years or more to mull the stupid things over before I’m ready to write. I’d like to figure out how to shorten that time. Or I’d like to have several books in various stages so I’m completing one book a year.
At the end of my life, I’d like to have written several Newbery Award winners. But my goal is to have written several Newbery worthy books regardless of whether they’ve won any awards or not.
The changes in the publishing world don’t really affect my goals at all. I will keep on writing and trusting that stories will always be in demand. We have communicated in story since the dawn of time. I don’t see why we’d stop doing that now.
Everything is changing! My day job is in healthcare, a position that didn’t even exist when I was a young adult. I’ve heard healthcare leaders say that short-term used to be five years, and long-term was ten or more. Now short-term is measured in months, and long-term is less than five years. My short-term writing goal is to keep up with the changes! Long term? I hope that the next generation sees me as a link between the old wisdom and the new methods–which will mean that they’ve read what I’ve written.
Wendy, at first glance this looked discouraging. But then you gave us the bottom line: “The basic truth we all knew– it’s all in God’s hands. Miracles happen.”
No matter how things change in the publishing world, one thing never changes. HE is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. More than that we cannot ask.
Wendy, thank you for bringing focus back to God’s power and ability. He is in control and His plans will be fulfilled. We’re here to trust Him, praise Him, and share this truth. We writers are here to do that with the written word, too!
My 5 year plan includes relying stronger on Him, continuing to write articles, become agented, and keep producing proposal ideas – with hopefully at least one published or on its way.
My career goals include striving not to fail Christ and seeking His forgiveness and redemption when I do. I desire for my words to be to His glory. If they are, they will encourage, convict, and inspire others by sharing His love and truth. I want to stay teachable and grow.
Thanks for getting us to reflect, Wendy!
Been blessed by this post and the comments. My primary goal is let God guide my steps daily. And on my part to take the time and to make the effort to become the finest novelist that I can be with words that honor Him. In the years ahead I don’t want to give up in defeat when the road ahead becomes too difficult. Thanks, Wendy, for the reminder that God is in control.
In five years, I’d like to see my writing skills improve and, even more, my planning and marketing improve. I realize writers can’t just write anymore, but I’m kind of bewildered by all the other things authors “should” do. It’s overwhelming, and I don’t know how to best use my time.
I want to write better and better books, and that makes it hard to do everything else, too. But I’m certainly in this for the long haul.
Things are changing, and I want to take advantage of every opportunity God is gracious enough to bring my way.
Late to the party, but here I am,
“Where do you hope to be in five years?”
A. Multi-published, book length, by any means available: e-, paper, traditional publisher, self-published.
“At the end of your career?”
A. Dead.
“Do any of the changes we’re observing threaten those goals? Do any offer new opportunities?”
A. The ability to e-self-publish is a huge new opportunity.