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.
