"I've written a book--what do I do now?"

I can't tell you how many times I hear this question. I've even had folks e-mail me whole manuscripts without first asking me if I have the time or care to read it.

Please don't do this to me or any other published author.

It's not that we don't care, because we do. But I'm not a publisher. Yes I'm an editor, but I don't solicit new works for publishers. I'm hired by publishers to work on already contracted books. With five kids, a husband with his own hectic career, and my roles as editor and novelist, I simply don't have time to keep up with the dishes in my kitchen sink much less read a five hundred page Sci-Fi novel. Don't get me wrong--your novel could be the next breakout book, the next NYT #1 bestseller.

But I will hand out free advice, so here goes:

First, you need to determine the saleability of your story. Be honest with yourself. What is the draw that will make someone who doesn't know you from Adam pick up the book and devour it? Your life story may be interesting, but what makes it different from everyone else's interesting life story? This needs to be key in your proposal. It's your "hook." Find someone who is brutally honest who can read and give feedback on your book. This won't be your best friend who's concerned about your feelings--this person tells the truth even if it means alienating you. They will be your best ally to determining whether others will want to read your story.

How broad is your market? I had a friend approach me about a book she'd written for children of police officers who'd died on the job. It was a wonderfully written and illustrated story. But the truth was that this market is very small; hers is the only family in town I know of in this situation. One publisher who'd rejected her book suggested she approach the Christian market--my response was "NO WAY!" Obviously this publisher wasn't thinking about her target market, but about saving her own face by sending my friend along to another publisher, who would also reject her book. Being published by a Christian publisher would only further narrow an already narrow market. My suggestion to her--find a way to market the book directly through police and fire departments, surely these groups have grief counseling for such situations.

This is about more bang for your buck--go to where your audience is. In situations where the market is narrowly defined I recommend self publishing. Those who self publish don't need to sell nearly the volume of books to make the same amount of money they'd make through a traditional publisher. Generally speaking, someone who's published through a traditional publisher makes between $.50 to $1.00 per book sold(on a $12.99 retail title); a self published author (with the same price book) will make approximately 80% of the sale because the middle man is gone. That's over $10 per book in profit. The factor here is your ability to sell--for my friend, if she has a direct path to national police and fire department's grief counselors she may be able to do pretty well for herself. If your market is mainly family and friends, I suggest either self publishing, or simply print it and have it bound at Kinkos.

So, you think your book has broad appeal? I'll post more later in the week about what the next step is... Stay tuned.

Traci

500 Signers!

Today marks a monumental day--500 people have signed my guestbook! Who knew that many folks out there would actually take the time to stop by much less say hello. Thank you to all of you. Your words of encouragement are often the fuel I need to keep chugging along at this craft, and for that I am truly grateful.

I do want to mention that I've decided to discontinue sending periodic newsletters. So that feature is no longer on guestbook. It seemed redundant to be writing two blogs and sending out newsletters. So, come here for a more regular installment of news. If you haven't signed up for a service like blogger--it's a great way to have your favorite blogs sent your way whenever a new post is put on the web. I use mine all the time to keep updated on what's going on outside my four walls.

If you have questions you'd like me to blog about please feel free to post a comment or email me directly at traci@tracidepree.com.

Coming soon, "I've written a book--what do I do now?"

Happy Monday,

Traci DePree

Ted Dekker and the Box We're In

If you're looking for a great blog with reviews of Christian books and culture, this is a keeper. David Long at Faith in Fiction recommended it and I agree. Insightful, not always complimentary, but definitely challenging. We need more of that in Christian publishing. Most of us can't even begin to think outside the box--we can't see past the walls surrounding us as it is! So it's refreshing when there's someone out there who can at least give us glimpses to how it can be done. But the possibilities are so much greater.

Other outside-the-box thinkers? Ted Dekker, always a favorite of mine. Maybe it's because I consider him a friend (I've edited a couple of his books), but it's also that this guy was so nervy. He came into Christian publishing having never been published before, never worked for a publisher, had no inside track. Just a missionary kid. Yet he hooked himself up with Jan Dennis--the former publisher at Crossway and now literary agent--and somehow managed to get an endorsement from Frank Peretti. He knew what the potential of his writing was and asked for the money to back it up. And it's all paid off in publicity, sales, movie deals.... Some call that nerve. I think it's just smart.

If you don't believe what you're doing is great how can you expect others to? Salesmanship is a huge part of writing; don't forget that. First you sell the idea to yourself, then to your agent, your publisher (every department of the publishing house, too, BTW) and finally to the public. There are plenty of amazing writers who don't sell big--perhaps if they believed in themselves and their work half as much as Ted Dekker did they would've gone somewhere. It's a lesson for me as well.

I'm back so check often for new blogs.
Warmly,
Traci DePree