First Novels–Myth Busting?
Writer Beware recently posted an intriguing line-up of links regarding First Novel Sales. The data -- however partial -- is being vigorously culled and interpreted. Are the publishing myths true? Can short fiction credits help? Can you land a book deal by sending directly to the publisher? Do you need contacts? What about small presses -- or POD?
Writer Beware focuses on the survey of author Jim C. Hines, who surveyed a wide range of first-time novelists. The results aren't frightening; they aren't happy-making either. Here's a taste:
Writers dreaming of overnight success should get set for a long haul. The time it took respondents to sell their first novels ranged from 0 to 41 (!) years, but the average was just over 11 years. (It took me 8).
The average is 11 years. I know a lot of writers who seem to believe that revising, pitching, and selling a book should take 2-4 years. When that doesn't happen, disappointment, resentment, and self-doubt set in.
Keep writing, keep pitching. And do research small presses.
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