7 Writers, Agents and Industry Insiders Tell You Why You Should Publish a Book (plus some unusual industry tips)
Hello!
It’s a despairingly warm winter week here in Argentina, but I have a cozy Pendleton sweater on in protest. The kitchen renovation continues its dreary slog, and I’ve got a stack of reading to get through before heading up to various parts North America for a couple weeks.
For this week’s post, I’ve turned to some great tips about the business of writing. Think: agents, money, editors (not the craft itself).
If you like this post, give her a heart. She will swoon!
Why Bother Writing Books at All?
from , one of the most read Substack newsletters in the UK, has the answer!Her thoughts?
Recently, someone asked her why she bothers writing books if she can make more money on Substack.
Back in 2010, someone asked her something similar, “Why bother writing for glossy magazines when you reach more people and earn more money through your blog?” She’s been here before.
Emma loves a juicy question!
What to Ask Your Publisher When You Have a Book Coming Out
has more than 25 years in the industry and writes where she wrote the piece, 35 Questions Authors Need to Ask Publishers. Some good questions?
Will I receive ARCs to send out for blurbs? When?
Will you (the publisher/editor) assist with blurbs?
How much input will I have for the cover?
When does your sales department start selling my books to accounts?
Big Sales, Big Money
is a solopreneur and writer who writes . His post, This Self-Published Writer Sold 10 Million Books in the Last 10 Years, all about author LJ Ross, is an eye-opener.
Learnings?
LJ Ross spent 18 months writing her first book, and sent it to 12-14 agents before becoming disillusioned with the process.
Even though she did get an offer from a mid-sized house, she decided to self-publish to keep her intellectual property .
She makes money by selling A TON of books. One of her books has 48,000 reviews on Amazon! (And apparently, 20,000 - 30,000 seems to be her average?!)
Traditional Publishing is Great, Actually!
wrote a long piece about why he is a fan of traditional publishing and why he’s going that route for his next book. If you’re considering the choice, it’s pretty comprehensive. His thoughts?
Publishers (like his, Portfolio) do a lot of work. (He gives you the list.) If you self-publish, you’ve got to budget in for all of that.
They also have a lot of expertise. If you self-publish, where will you get knowledge? Or who will do that work?
You’re a writer, not a business person. Aren’t you?
Should you get a writing coach?
wrote a post about her journey from writing a book for a small publisher and a small advance to a big publisher and a big advance. She credits a lot of the journey to working with a writing coach! Her tips?
Don’t be afraid to write it wrong (think Anne Lamott and her shitty first drafts)
Finding psychic distance from your story can be so powerful.
Do an end of the month reflection. Did you get your writing done? Why or why not? How did you develop as a writer?
The Real (Funny) Truth About Publishing
is a writer, editor, professor, and literary critic living in Austin, TX. He is the author of ZERO SAINTS, COYOTE SONGS, and THE DEVIL TAKES YOU HOME. He has a funny post with a big name, The REAL Truth About Publishing.
(Don’t trust a word.) But read it! It’s funny!
How One Writer Spent Her Book Advance
is a journalist who wrote a fun post entitled How I Spent My Book Advance.Things she bought?
A new refrigerator to replace the old, falling apart, bottom of the barrel one that came with our house and had no working light
Little treats to bribe myself to finish my book chapters in a timely fashion: one pair of leather boots, a WILDFANG jumpsuit, one pair of Brooks trail running shoes, too many other little things I would buy and say were to celebrate the book but I probably would have bought anyway and have lost track of.
New Substack Arrivals
@sallyekus is a cookbook agent who just started writing a newsletter on Substack Not So Secret Agent
Her Tips?
Publishing is both an art and a science.
Success in the cookbook industry starts with doing your research. (go to her post for a bunch of great recommendations of other newsletters in the niche that you should follow if you’re interested in publishing in the space.)
Odds and Ends
I can confirm, this book is amazing.
Great piece. LJ Ross lives near me - I recently heard she has sold more books than JK Rowling.
Thank you for the mention! I’m glad you found it helpful!