Over on C. J. Darlington’s blog (http://www.cjdarlington.blogspot.com/), she asked a number of authors, editors, and agents the following question: “If you could say one thing to aspiring novelists, what would you say?” I found the diverse answers quite interesting since the points of view were elicited from different facets of the industry.
How about this question: “As an aspiring novelist, what is the one thing you would like to say to the professionals?” If you have a specific question for an agent, another for an editor, and yet another for a favorite or a multi-published author, what would you ask?
There’s an admirable camaraderie in the Christian publishing industry. Granted, as in all businesses, some have a better fit with certain ones than others, but at least there seems to be a certain respect and even an inclination toward mentoring in some cases. So, naturally, aspiring novelists tend to take as “gospel” all the recommendations of the published authors, well-known agents, and respected editors. And why not? They hold the keys to the kingdom and in order to get that draw bridge to drop for them, they must meet the requirements set forth by the gatekeepers.
I think the term “aspiring” novelist is the focus. How long is a writer an “aspiring” novelist? How long before that writer graduates to “novelist”? When does that writer decide for him/herself to go ahead and accept a diploma for their work? Getting published is the defining point for most writers if you pin them down. Yes, publishing establishes credibility and bestows some form of worth to the writing. However, if the writer has minimal sales, well, that becomes a problem. Diminishing value.
John Robinson who has been interviewed here wrote three old-style hardboiled P.I. novels geared toward a male audience (Until the Last Dog Dies, When Skylarks Fall, To Skin A Cat). These are entertaining CBA novels with clever humor, a tough protagonist with a tender heart, good mysteries, and a manageable size—in other words, not long books. They went nowhere with next to no marketing, and certainly those men who would’ve enjoyed them had no idea they existed. There was some hope that they were going to be reproduced by another publisher, but I don’t know if that has yet to happen.
And you know what? When a publisher signs an author to a multi-book deal and the books don’t generate much interest, that author might as well consider himself as starting over from the beginning because it’s unlikely anyone will be knocking down his door to sign him up to a new book deal anytime soon.
I know two authors who each tackled a difficult subject in the three novels they produced. I believe both of them were honored by nominations for prestigious (and separate) writing awards for these novels. In other words it was agreed their writing was commendable, noticeable, noteworthy. Sales were not impressive. New novels were not requested. Both authors did their fair share of marketing and both received personal notes of appreciation for their work from respectful fans who benefited from reading their particular approaches to this tough topic in story form.
What can ya do? You set your priorities in order first. Don’t have to go back and do them as an afterthought. Ask yourself some tough questions. Why do I really write? What is the most important and defining element of putting together a novel? What does writing mean to me?
If you ask yourself the hard questions, you might be able to redefine the point of “graduation”, but then again you might remain “aspiring” for a little bit longer, too.
Father, your diploma is all I want, all I need. Help me to seek your approval above all others. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
*Please continue to pray for Kristy Dykes.*