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One of the many concerns novelists have is that, in addition to being great on the page, we have to somehow be media superstars, too. However, Jane Friedman recently posted an analysis of debut novelist deals from April to August 2024 that may lift your novelist spirits.
Source: Jane Friedman
Do you see what I see? Online creators/influencers made up the tiniest wedge of all! You truly do not need to be an internet star in order to get a publishing deal.
βIn a subsequent post, Jane further explains what "no obvious connections" means: "I used 'no obvious connections' as shorthand for 'I would not have guessed this person would have landed a book deal' based on *outside* appearances. In all other categories, professional/published writing is a clear goal."
Does this ease your concern about the publishing landscape or add to it?
It occurs to me as I write this that sometimes, just maybe, it is convenient to use a lack of literary connections, MFA degree, or media stardom as a reason for why our work hasn't yet found a publishing home. If so, the data above may rankle. (This does not apply to you, I am sure of it!)
Whatever your connections or media experience, whatever your publishing success, ultimately what matters is the story you've excavated and laid out on the page.
There are no guarantees in writing and publishing, but I encourage you to continue. Your story matters. For an extra boost, check out this piece from the archive on why I believe this to be true.
π For those of you writing memoir or non-fiction, platform is a whole different ballgame, as I'm sure you know. If you haven't done so already, I recommend exploring Jane Friedman's website for tools and objective advice on platform, no matter your genre.
Worth a Click
Speaking of platform and online presence, literary agent Kate McKean wrote about this as she gets ready to publish her own book. Her advice on where to start: 1. Talk about what you like 2. Talk about other people 3. Make friends so you can influence people.
On the kerfuffle over NaNoWriMo's statements regarding the use of AI. (For what it's worth, I want to read work and enjoy art that is created by humans.)
I've said this in interviews etc. & even so I often don't believe myself, but given the latest round of AI bullshit I'll say it again: if you're a writer, there's no external validation nor outcome that can mean as much as working with the language, getting to be rapt with effort
Wishing you an excellent writing week ahead. β¨ Remember: You can write your book by devoting just a few minutes to it every day.
Rachelle Newbold
Writer, Editor, Creative Mentor
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PS--I have openings starting in November for manuscript audits and coaching. You can find out more on my website or reply to this email and we'll get the conversation started!