In the past week I’ve read more than 650 pages of royalty statements for our clients from a variety of publishing houses. Such an activity gives me a bird’s eye view of how the industry is doing, as I’m looking …
Publishers
The Perfect Time to Submit
By Wendy Lawton
Ever since I became an agent, I’ve been trying to figure out the rhythm of this industry— the perfect time to submit proposals. Every industry has “seasons” and because we agents are always trying to second-guess things, …
Royalty Conundrums
By Wendy Lawton
A few conundrums in our industry have caused my brow to furrow a little more of late. No, I’m not worrying about them, but I am seeing some trends that bear watching. As you know, the author …
What to Ask Your Marketing Team
by Janet Kobobel Grant
Most authors–sometimes even established authors–don’t know what to ask their marketing team. We’re talking about the people who will promote your book.
One of my clients, Judy Douglass, is headed to a visit with her publishing …
I Don’t Need No Stinkin’ Platform
by Janet Kobobel Grant
“Badges? We don’t have no badges. We don’t need no badges. I don’t have to show you no stinkin’ badges!” is a portion of a bandito’s dialogue from the 1948 movie, “The Treasure of Sierra Madre.” …
Publishing Forecast–Part 2
Blogger: Janet Kobobel Grant
In my most recent blog post, I explored the double-digit growth of digital audiobooks and what that could mean for publishing’s future. Today I want to make another publishing forecast: the use of the subscription …
An Innovative Approach–Case Study
Blogger: Wendy Lawton
What do publishers and agents mean when they say they are looking for books that approach the subject in a new way or books that are innovative? We already know that books that are a rehash of …
Seven Deadly Sins and the Writer
Blogger: Michelle Ule
Sitting in for Wendy Lawton, whom I hope is no longer waiting for a plane in Duluth . . .
What are the seven deadly sins for a writer?
The usual ones:
- Lust
- Gluttony
- Greed
- Sloth
- Wrath
Are Publishers Too Cowardly to Take on Your Book?
Blogger: Janet Kobobel Grant
Do you think publishers are afraid to take on your book? Maybe you’ve decided, after much striving to find a publishing house, that your work is too (pick whichever apply):
- revolutionary
- daring
- explicit
- graphic
- esoteric
- honest
What Does a Book Sales Rep Really Do?
Blogger: Janet Kobobel Grant
Most publishers maintain a sales team (or hire a team other publishers are using as well), with each member responsible for calling on his or her accounts. “Calling on” can mean making phone calls or physically …