Thursday, July 27, 2006
What do Editors Want?
What is it that publishers are looking for? Are they waiting for the next Dan Brown, the next Stephen King, the next Danielle Steel? Does the nonfiction proposal you craft have to be about whatever happens to be popular – next year? Or do you have a chance of getting out of the slush pile and published, even if your book doesn't fit into any of those stereotypes?
The answer is, yes. You have a chance. But you need to play by their rules in order to get there.
The first thing that agents, editors, and publishers are looking for, before any other consideration, is marketing. They want an author who can promote his or her book. Wait a minute - isn't that like putting the cart in front of the horse? Shouldn't the book, first and foremost, be brilliant and original before worrying about marketing?
You'd think so. But that would mean that you're not playing by the rules. And the first rule in publishing is Market Thyself.
Like it or not, a sale is much more likely if you are an expert writing about your subject of expertise, whether in fiction or nonfiction. Look at all of the novels about forensics experts written by forensics experts, the novels about lawyers written by lawyers. Editors and publishers want to know that you know what you're talking about. If you're an expert, then they assume you do, and can promote you that way. If you're not an expert, think about taking one on as co-author.
And that is just the beginning. You need to make it clear from the start that you will do what it takes to advertise your book. That you're ready and willing to construct and maintain a Web site, that you're ready for book tours, that you'll break down doors to get reviews and interviews. Show yourself to be creative, energetic, and perseverant, and you've come a long way toward winning your editor's heart.
The second thing that you need to project is professionalism. Take the time to learn what is expected of you, and do it. If the publication wants submissions between October and June only, submit between October and June only. Show in your query letters that you are not broadcasting them randomly (even if you are) but know something about the publishing house to which you're addressing yourself.
Don't call the editor unless she or he invites you to do so. Don't ever send anything that is hand-written. Don't ever mention that your mother likes your work.
If you want to be treated as a professional, act like one!
Finally, be able to encapsulate your concept or idea in as few words as possible. If you can't articulate it, no one will buy it. Try what is called an "elevator conversation" - describe your book in the time it would take you to tell someone about it on an elevator. Can't do it? Then you're not ready to try and get a publisher's attention.
If you don't know what you're doing, it will show. This is your job now, treat it the same way you'd treat any new job: by playing by the rules, being flexible and professional, and by using every opportunity to press your concept home.
For additional thoughts on what an editor wants -- and doesn't want -- check out Miss Snark and the Evil Editor (you'll find the links to their blogs on your right).
It can be done, but not unless you're willing to do your homework first! And then you'll be... beyond the elements of style!
Jeannette Cézanne
Customline Wordware: Custom Copy To Go!
www.customline.com
The answer is, yes. You have a chance. But you need to play by their rules in order to get there.
The first thing that agents, editors, and publishers are looking for, before any other consideration, is marketing. They want an author who can promote his or her book. Wait a minute - isn't that like putting the cart in front of the horse? Shouldn't the book, first and foremost, be brilliant and original before worrying about marketing?
You'd think so. But that would mean that you're not playing by the rules. And the first rule in publishing is Market Thyself.
Like it or not, a sale is much more likely if you are an expert writing about your subject of expertise, whether in fiction or nonfiction. Look at all of the novels about forensics experts written by forensics experts, the novels about lawyers written by lawyers. Editors and publishers want to know that you know what you're talking about. If you're an expert, then they assume you do, and can promote you that way. If you're not an expert, think about taking one on as co-author.
And that is just the beginning. You need to make it clear from the start that you will do what it takes to advertise your book. That you're ready and willing to construct and maintain a Web site, that you're ready for book tours, that you'll break down doors to get reviews and interviews. Show yourself to be creative, energetic, and perseverant, and you've come a long way toward winning your editor's heart.
The second thing that you need to project is professionalism. Take the time to learn what is expected of you, and do it. If the publication wants submissions between October and June only, submit between October and June only. Show in your query letters that you are not broadcasting them randomly (even if you are) but know something about the publishing house to which you're addressing yourself.
Don't call the editor unless she or he invites you to do so. Don't ever send anything that is hand-written. Don't ever mention that your mother likes your work.
If you want to be treated as a professional, act like one!
Finally, be able to encapsulate your concept or idea in as few words as possible. If you can't articulate it, no one will buy it. Try what is called an "elevator conversation" - describe your book in the time it would take you to tell someone about it on an elevator. Can't do it? Then you're not ready to try and get a publisher's attention.
If you don't know what you're doing, it will show. This is your job now, treat it the same way you'd treat any new job: by playing by the rules, being flexible and professional, and by using every opportunity to press your concept home.
For additional thoughts on what an editor wants -- and doesn't want -- check out Miss Snark and the Evil Editor (you'll find the links to their blogs on your right).
It can be done, but not unless you're willing to do your homework first! And then you'll be... beyond the elements of style!
Jeannette Cézanne
Customline Wordware: Custom Copy To Go!
www.customline.com
