A Semi-Serious Question
First of all, check out J.A. Konrath's excellent post titled "Confident or Delusional" here.
Now. Let's say I'm working on the second book of a series without having a contract yet on the first. Considering the current publishing climate, does that make me confident or delusional?
Now. Let's say I'm working on the second book of a series without having a contract yet on the first. Considering the current publishing climate, does that make me confident or delusional?
posted by Jude Hardin | 5:37 PM
8 Comments:
Delusional. I made this mistake. I don't recommend it. You might try a standalone. E-mail me if you want to know what happened to me. Really.
Delusional.
Unless you don't mind spending a year of your life on something with even less of a chance to sell than the first one.
I always think as a new writer (to selling, not a newbie AS a writer), you should finish one book, send it off, then immediately create a new character as a stand-alone if the first one doesn't sell. If you sell the first one, it won't be out for a year, maybe two, which gives you AMPLE time to write a second book for the publisher if they even WANT one . . .
Why spend your time when you could be writing something new as your "back up" if the first doesn't sell?
E
Good points, Erica. On a rational level, I agree with you wholeheartedly; but, my gut is telling me to go ahead with #2.
I really think #1 is going to sell.
The thing is, the second book is often better than the first.
I know people who haven't sold their first series book, but do sell the second because they finally came into their writing voice. Then the second becomes the actual first.
But your line "I really think #1 is going to sell" is delusional. You may be right; delusional people are sometimes right. But you can't bank on it.
Jude:
I agree with Konrath.
Also . . . I have to say, in addition, that I hear with Joe is saying--book #2 can solidify a voice. But if you have already shopped #1 WITH that voice to your fave editors . . . they are NOT going to look at #2 (same voice, new plot). Period. So you only option with book #2 is to sell it to whomever buys #1. And being "convinced" #1 will sell and that the publisher will buy #2 (which will not be able to be shopped elsewhere for the reason I state) falls into delusion.
E
Hi Joe:
I guess saying, "I really think #1 is going to sell" does sound delusional. What I mean is that I believe in the project and think it stands a decent chance. Of course, whether it gets picked up or not is largely beyond my control at this point. I'm just trying to put some positive thoughts out in the universe.
Great point about the second book sometimes being better than the first. I hope it is, and I hope the third is better than the second and so on.
Hi Erica:
I hear you. What you and Joe are saying is good solid business advice from a couple of industry pros I admire and respect.
My standard advice to fellow newbies, though, is to write whatever makes you happy, because the odds are way against it ever getting published anyway. In other words, you might as well write the book that's calling you rather than miserably trying to force something else.
This is just "ol me " amo again the non-spelling, can read, and love to do so chimming in
Jude I draw, paint,do tattoo work and am planning on taking up sculpture sandstone.
my only problem is what I believe you guys call writers block, I get in a slump or out of the mood at times and just can't get it going, so my advise with which (I know isn't worth two dead flies to people of your alls skill ) is, good lord if I get in a slump on one piece of (art) but the creative juices are flowing or I have/or feel I have on another one I personaly will start it! , and in many cases it has have helped me on the one I have put on hold, I don't know why maybe just taking a break from the other one of my works and when I get back to it I am not rusty so to speak.
anyway Jude I know this is a writers blog and I would imagion it makes people ill on my terible spelling and punctuation,
Everyone take care
Amoneymouse ~~(((($>
p,s, thats my new name I sign my work with ;)
p.s.s. the picture your son made is great, I made one also would you like to see it? if so please advise how to add a picture
Thanks
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