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Monday, August 15, 2005NY Publishing: A Universe All Its OwnI am not exaggerating. I think one of the things that pre-published authors (note the optimistic tone there) tend to obsess about is the how does it all work, anyway? of the Publishing World. Things that keep the rabid wannabe's awake at night are: What do agents do, anyway? Is anyone actually going to read my query letter? Why do all the "rules" seem to contradict themselves? If my manuscript is anything but a poorly written, sex-laden beach read, will it sell? Why did I ever, ever, ever, ever decide to be a writer in the first place? On it goes. And that only scratches the surface. I know, because I fit the profile; and because I interface with other writers on a regular basis -- some published, some agented, some fresh from the typewriter and wondering what to do next. Of those on the "outside" looking in: OH! The value of a tiny glimpse of the "inner sanctum." That's why bloggers like Miss Snark and Agent 007 have become so popular. Between the two of them (and, I might add, in vastly different styles), they satiate the aspiring author's thirst for knowledge, and offer a peek at the day-to-day "stuff" in the life of an agent. Crumbs to the hungry dogs, really. Well-meant crumbs, though, and certainly well-received by most of their faithful readers. I confess: I check their blogs daily. (Miss Snark is on vacation for the rest of August -- what will I do?) It's not like I have nothing better to do; I am, after all, in the midst of my second novel while simultaneously dealing with the "business end" of my writing career. Yet there is something undeniably irresistable about reading the words of "those on the inside." Take a peek if you'd like. I've added them to my list of links. (Be warned: Miss Snark's language is a bit -- um -- raw at times.) Now it's back to other things. Have a great Monday! Labels: writing |
About Me
I am: Mother to five stunningly individualistic children... Writer of young adult fantasy... Passionate advocate for Women At Home... Madly in love with my husband... In need of Organic Gourmet Chocolate on a regular basis. I've got a Paypal account if you'd like to contribute to the cause....
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6of my readers are feeling chatty:
I understand as an artist but not a writer. I keep thinking who is going to want my pictures? there are so many Great ones out there! Every time I do any research for anything relating to Photography I see these pictures and think OH MY Goodness mine are not that good! why would someone want my as apposed to theirs.
I questioning things I part of the job. Not that i have the same questions you do, but i spend as much time on them as you do :-)
Some day we both will be world famous and we will laugh at our selves for thinking all these things LOL
Wow, you read my mind. I finally secured an agent and am waiting for her revision notes...I run countless possibilities for changes through my mind--everything from congratulations, I decided it should stay as is to add another character and three more subplots! I'm thrilled to have made this much progress but it sure is hard to wait and be seemingly out of control of my life.
kathie
Congratulations on the agent, Kathie! That is the first big hurdle crossed. I am happy to walk with you through the "writer angst" -- it is, unfortunately, a big part of what we do!
Thanks for your supportive words. I am compelled to write, my father has written every day of his life without seeking publication. I, however, feel the need to be published. Have you always been a writer?
Kathie
Hi Kathie,
I guess you might say I've "always" been a writer but haven't always pursued it. I began writing when I was very young (six!), but lost my way, so to speak, and ended up pursuing a music degree (I am also a pianist). I rediscovered writing several years ago when I began publishing articles on a pay-per-click web site that is now defunct. Not only did I make several hundred dollars for Christmas that year, but I was inspired to write my first book and to pursue writing as a career.
What do you write?
Hi Jill,
I write women's lit. It falls somewhere between chick lit and literary works. I don't have a beautiful flowery style, but I don't write about clothes, hair and men (unless they say something important about the women characters) either. My agent has indicated she thinks the book is commercial--some quirky happenings around real life characters and problems. It's funny you said you earned a few hundred dollars for Christmas, that's the way I view my essay writing--a few dollars to sock away for something special.
Kathie
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