Published Authors: Does it get any easier?

[kymbrunner]

I think we'd all agree that getting that first book off your laptop and into bookstores is a major accomplishment. But does it ever get any easier once the first one is under your belt

Comments

[christinenorris]

Depends. On the writer, the agent, the publisher. My previous editor, who had to leave the publisher for health reasons, was itching for the book I'm working on now. I THINK my new editor is too...she reads my blog so I know she's following my progress.

Overall, you just gotta write the book, and let the rest take care of itself.

[kymbrunner]

I was afraid you were going to say that, lol. It does seem that the publishing world is pretty fickle when it comes to (well, everything) staff changes. Every month it seems an editor leaves one slot and takes off for greener? pastures elsewhere.

But the part I love best about writing is the writing, so I'll stick to what I know. Thanks! KYM

[dorichaconas]

Yes, in many ways it does get easier if you're willing to do the work and continue to improve your writing. Once you're published, editors seem to give your work a closer look, so being published does open a few doors. And if you've found an editor who really likes your work, she'll encourage you to send her more. You'll also be invited to submit directly to her through email rather than through regular mail. As to whether or not the story has to go through the acquisition process depends upon the publishing house and their protocol and how high up your editor happens to be in the chain of command.

As to whether or not an agent or editor will squash an idea before you spend the time to write it, I doubt that happens because even a half-baked idea can turn into a wonderful story, depending up the execution.

On the other hand, the process can become more daunting for the writer in that once you've sold a successful story, the pressure is on to write another, and another.

JMHO

[kymbrunner]

Wow - you've given me lots of things to reflect on. I'm glad to hear you might have a bit of an advantage on round two. But it sounds as if the fact remains that you have to keep coming up with great ideas and seamless execution or, as Heidi Klum would say, "you're out." :) Thanks for your words of wisdom! KYM

[brendaferber]

Hey Kym, great question! I think it is easier to sell your second manuscript, especially if the first one did relatively well. Your editor is more willing to bet on you, so she might buy something in a rougher stage.

But it is not any easier to write the second manuscript, or the third, or the fourth...

Each manuscript has its own lessons to teach you. That's what keeps it interesting! (At least that's what I keep telling myself so I don't lose my mind.)

[kymbrunner]

I love that phrase, "each manuscript has its own lessons to teach you!" How wonderfully prophetic. Like each story is one of those colorful salt water taffy candies that are wrapped in wax paper, where the outside doesn't reveal the richness of what flavors you'll be encountering. I'll definitely keep your advice in mind. KYM

[dlgarfinkle]

And you can often sell by proposal instead of having to write the entire book first!

[kymbrunner]

That's definitely a plus ~ as long as you can get the thing written by the proposed deadline, I bet! :) KYM