A few months have passed
since I attended a so-called “closed” webinar with a senior editor in one of
the big-five publishing houses, and so I feel no shame in sharing the main
takeaways for all who are knocking on publishers’ doors.
This sort of insider’s
view should not be a secret. There are many misconceptions floating on the
interwebs, and writers (who the editor remined us— are the bedrock of
publishing) have it hard enough already.
Takeaway #1
For the big-five and
their imprints, you need an agent. We knew this, but it was emphasized as in no
real exceptions, period. Forget about special openings or contests.
This ties to the last takeaway,
but bear with me.
Takeaway #2
For debut fiction*,
whether kidlit or adult, your web-presence is not a consideration for acquisitions.
Someone asked about the number of Facebook friends and the editor said that “Facebook
isn’t a thing anymore.” Nor are any of the other digital town squares. Just
make sure you haven’t made hordes of zany cuckoo comments, which if you’re
agented is likely not an issue. (Agents weed for this before taking writers
on.)
*Non-fiction is a different story
Takeaway #3
Yes, it is harder now to
get traditionally published. It was never easy and it’s been hard forever. But
since the pandemic closures it’s harder, as in much harder. If you had
the fortitude to plow forward before, you must double down now. It’s the same
trek only steeper.
Takeaway #4
The theme, plot, pace---
all must quicken the reading editor’s heart. But none of those matter as much
as the quality of the prose. If the writing voice doesn’t “pop,” the big-five
editor just moves on to the next submission to be rejected.
Takeaway #5
Who your agent is matters
a whole lot. Editors remember agents who have sent them “yawners” and “un-sparkling”
submissions before. They remember agents they didn’t like dealing with. Worse,
they are aware of the bestselling writers the agent also represents or if they
don’t have any A-list writers as clients. There is a definite hierarchy in
consideration of submissions depending on the agent’s standing.
This last takeaway may be
the hardest insider’s view to hear.
All that said, I will
focus on the only thing in my control: write better.
8 comments:
Probably every generation of writers has it found it difficult to get a contract, but some things are definitely different now. I never had an agent but got three nonfiction books published, one with Bantam, now part of Random House, a big-five. I guess I was lucky because the editor, beloved by many, was familiar with my articles in magazines and journals. So when I approached her, she remembered me. I don’t know how I would fare today. Yes, your takeaways give one pause, but better to be informed than naive. I wish everyone good fortune in getting published with a reputable house, but I have also heard that some writers who self-published and did well later got picked up by a big house.
Thank you, Mirka. These are excellent reminders to do what's in our control--the writing. I recently read a memoir that will remain unnamed because the writing was so pedestrian. I only read the whole thing because it's a gift from a friend who wants to talk about it. Still, I recognize the courage it takes to write a memoir and I'm grateful the author is in a better place.
Excellent post, Mirka. I believe every word of it. Even a small publisher will remember who is difficult to work with and pass. It makes sense that any editor will do the same regardless of how big their employer is. And not all agents are equal either. I feel like some authors set themselves up for failure when they keep banging at those same doors. Clearly they are more tightly shut than ever, except for those who might hit on a lucky combination of events.
These takeaways are right on target. Getting an agent to try to reach the big-five is no easy thing, either!
Love this blog post!
It's good to know the realities of what we're facing. Best wishes to all who are striving to get their writing published.
I attended a retreat in February where I have one chance to submit to an editor at a big five publishing house.
A great post, depressingly honest. But it's good information, the kind we all need to face. Write better – best advice ever.
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