The Easiest Way . . .

The “easiest” way to get published isn’t superb writing, nor is it not. I’m convinced the easiest way to get published is to write shorter novels in most genres topping out at around 80-85,000 words. Then if you can somehow imitate or capture the sterility of Ernest Hemingway, you have an excellent chance of gaining favor with the current publishing trends. Keep the characters basic—and even only moderately likable—with limited background information and make them barely three dimensional, often just two.

You might wonder why I would even suggest such dismal explanations for getting published. Mostly because after reading some fabulous novels this spring and summer, I’ve read a few of late that meet those standards I just described. And, in fact, this is what is being advised, albeit in more attractive terms by professionals, but, pared down, the first paragraph sums up the claims of what they’re looking for.

Once you’ve accomplished this task, go to a writers’ conference—and the bigger the better. Mt. Hermon, ACFW, Glorieta, or a couple of other ones usually draw the elite in publishing. Hone your platform before you go. And your marketing skills. Writing is now only a percentage of the process.

If there’s any way to establish which agent or house might possibly mesh with your style and stories, find out which conferences they’ll be attending and sign up for your 15 minute appointment, maybe sending them a brief heads up in an email.

Granted, there is no “easy” way to get published. All of us have read published novels we’ve loved and those we’ve hated. Predicting the success or failure of a novel can be like playing the lottery.

Seriously, in case you thought I was being totally flippant, if you write short and lean, you increase the odds of being published in today’s CBA. In certain genres a writer with a sound platform will be given latitude in word count, but even certain well known writers are being asked to reduce word counts. What a shame . . .

Father, I’m thankful that I can write for you, to you, with you, in you. I’m thankful that you give me inspiration. I’m thankful for your encouragement. I’m thankful. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

Comments

[Mark H.]

Actually, the easiest way to get published is to become world-famous in another field first!

[Nicole]

Definitely helps, Mark. :)

[Kay Day]

I'm somewhere in the middle in my tastes. I want people to say what they mean in as few words as possible. But use the best words. Make every word choice count. Use beautiful language. Write with depth and meaning and beauty but don't give me superfluous details. That's because I personally am not a detail person. But I want depth.

So, yes, I find few books that I LOVE. I expect that. Those that use brevity are often shallow and dull, as you said.

I write short, too. I have to struggle with getting enough words to fill in rather than being one of those who struggles with too many words. I'm a big picture person and I have to work on filling in the smaller stuff. But I want my words to count. I don't just want word-count.

I still haven't read yours, Nicole. I admit I am intimidated by the size :) but I will!! I will!!

[Nicole]

I definitely appreciate a writer who can write short/lean but who does so as you described, Kay. Meaningfully. However, many seem to think a basic "short story" extended into a novel is good. I simply don't. Perhaps the short story version would be better in fact. And I've never ever been a fan of short stories--at least for as far back as I can remember.
The size? That is too funny, Kay. It's one of my shorter ones! :) Actually, I've written one that's 115,000+, and my shortest one is around 86,000 which is a record for this writer. :)
Just one more thing: I hated Ernest Hemingway's writing, but I thought he was a great storyteller. I'm more of a Dostoevsky type reader and writer (no raised eyebrows, folks: I'm not comparing myself in quality to him).