 | 24 Aug 09 |
Presently, many of my writer friends are in a state of flux. All of them have been at this professional author gig for a while. Most of them have over a dozen books behind them. Some have many more than that. Others are pretty darn close. Regardless, they’re all in a similar place — they’re in the process of (or seriously contemplating) starting over.
The reasons why they’re turning over a new leaf are varied: a series didn’t do as well as the author (or their publisher) hoped, a series ended and the new direction the publisher wanted doesn’t suit the author, the author is pursuing a new direction that doesn’t suit the publisher, the author wants more money, the publisher wants to pay less money, the publisher isn’t satisfying the author with the level of support being offered, the author wants to take their career to the next level and the publisher isn’t making happen, the publisher is disappointed with the author and thinks it’s time to cut their losses…
Whatever the reason, it’s not easy for a writer to decide to throw out what they’ve accomplished so far and start from scratch. Sometimes it’s with a new genre. Sometimes it’s with a new name. Sometimes it’s with a new publisher, where a change in editorial direction and packaging can turn something old new again. For the writer it can feel like they’re slipping down a few rungs on a ladder they’ve climbed a long time. They wonder if their existing audience will follow them, or if they’ll start at Square One.
It’s a gamble and if it doesn’t work out well, a once promising career can stall. I have a few friends who’ve stalled a few times. I have others who are facing that situation for the first time. But the way they’re tackling their futures, with determination and willingness to reinvent, is the reason why they’ve sold so many stories in the past and why they’re certain to sell more stories in the future whatever the name or genre. In a business reliant on public opinion and popularity, it’s inevitable that adjustments must be made. Some big. Some small. Being fluid and adaptable is a requirement.
The sheer number of authors recently announcing new series, new genres, new names, and/or new publishers has been extraordinary. A sluggish economy and slow-to-adapt industry contribute greatly to the need for change, without a doubt. Yet how amazing it is that so many talented people are hanging in for the long haul. How wonderful are some of the stories of editors fighting for those talents, and publishers renewing their commitments to authors who are struggling through reinventions. The reasons why starting over is necessary may be unfortunate, but the way in which those new beginnings are being forged is really motivating.
I admire the resilience of my friends. I look forward to their new ventures. I applaud their can-do attitudes. And I’m sure as hell looking forward to the books they’re going to be writing. They can’t help but be fabulous with such strong creators at the helm!
© 2009 Sylvia Day. All rights reserved.
Sylvia Day is the national bestselling, award-winning author of seventeen novels. A wife and mother of two, she is a former Russian linguist for the U.S. Army Military Intelligence. In addition to her novels, she’s written numerous novellas and short stories for both print and electronic-original release. Sylvia’s work has been called “wonderful and passionate” by WNBC.com and “wickedly entertaining” by Booklist. Her stories have been translated into Russian, Japanese, Portuguese, German, Czech, and Thai. She’s been honored with the Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice Award, the EPPIE award, the National Readers' Choice Award, and multiple finalist nominations for Romance Writers of America’s prestigious RITA® Award of Excellence.
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Great timing on this post – it seems directed straight at me. Things are changing so rapidly, it’s hard to know what to do. Stick things out? Change and move on? Worry about whether the choice is the right one? Or move forward without looking back? Sometimes it feels like for every step forward, there are three steps back. But, as hubby told me the other day: “You can’t quit. You have too much fun writing.”
by Terry Odell August 24th, 2009 at 4:01 amSyl, this was dead on this morning! Not for me personally but I know so many authors who are in the exact flux you described. Then again, in many ways, it’s the same for those of us just starting out and establishing our “brand” and our names.
Perseverance. We have it!
by Silver James August 24th, 2009 at 7:40 amI’m teling, ya. something is in the air.
by Karin Tabke August 24th, 2009 at 10:44 amRotten eggs?
Publishing: the latest version of “Survivor.”
by J. JCarson Black August 24th, 2009 at 3:04 pmI admire anyone who sticks it out and keeps writing! Change is part of the game, but I wonder about our readers. They get so frustrated and I don’t blame them!
Write on, ladies and gents, it’s the only thing we can control!
by Jen Lyon August 24th, 2009 at 4:45 pmThe public often forgets or doesn’t realize how difficult it is for a writer. You have to struggle to get published and then fight to stay in the game. It is a shame that talented people sometimes don’t survive the ups and downs of the publishing world.
by Patricia Barraclough August 24th, 2009 at 6:58 pmGood luck to all of you hanging in there either in your present “form” or your reinvented one.
i rea all 3 EVE S
by tami August 28th, 2009 at 5:10 pmlovedddddddddddddd it , all 3 was so wonerful storys