Cally Taylor's Blog, page 4
March 11, 2013
What do you do when writing becomes a 'job' rather than a hobby?
Back before I had a novel published I considered writing my hobby. It was something I did for fun in the evenings or if I had a few hours spare at the weekend.
I wrote in a notebook - overheard conversations on the Tube, snippets of dialogue, diary entries, flash fiction (before I knew it was flash fiction) - and it was always for my eyes only. There was no pressure to write anything brilliant, no worries about reviewer and reader opinions, no consideration of sales figures, no nothing. It was a release after a hard day, a way to amuse myself on long journeys, a bit 'of fun'.
It wasn't until I got involved in the online writing community that I considered entering writing competitions or getting my work published. Of course I'd always dreamt of getting a novel published but, back in 2006, I hadn't even finished writing one, so I concentrated on short stories instead. I started entering competitions, just out of curiosity. I didn't place anywhere but I noticed that some of the same names were cropping up again and again so I did a bit of Googling and found that some of them were part of an online 'bootcamp'. Curious to know what their secret was I signed up. And found out. I learnt more about crafting short stories in six months than I had in the rest of my life. It was a fairly brutal learning experience and it nearly put me off writing all together but I learnt loads. I also starting placing in writing competitions. I even won a few.
Next I decided to have a go at getting some of my stories published. First I challenged myself to get some published in online ezines, then some literary journals and then, after I was placed runner up in the Woman's Own short story competition, I decided to have a go at getting published in 'womags'. I didn't meet all of the challenges I set myself (I still haven't managed to get a story into Woman's Weekly) but I met enough. And that's when I decided to try and write a novel - and then get it published.
Fast forward several years and I'm now writing my fourth novel. It's under contract so, officially, I HAVE to write it. I want to write it, I wouldn't continue writing if I didn't enjoy it, but it's not 'for fun' anymore. There are expectations now that didn't exist when I started off (externally and internally) and it's my second job rather than my hobby.
I used to consider kickboxing my hobby but then I got pregnant and I'm far too unfit to consider re-joining a class (though am trying to work on the unfit thing). I tried Zumba for a few months but, while I enjoyed it, it wasn't exactly a hobby. I even asked for a keyboard for Christmas thinking I might try getting into playing piano (previously abandoned aged 14) but it's still in its box (maybe the Spudling would like to learn to play one day?).
And then, last Christmas, I went along to a local Christmas craft fayre that one of the book club ladies told me about. You paid £5, got a free glass of mulled wine and a mince pie, and then sat yourself down at one of the crafty tables and got stuck in! And get stuck in I did - by an hour and a half later I'd made myself a felt bird and a little felt house that lit up when you put an electronic tea light under it. I thought that was it - an evening of crafting over - but I was bitten by the bug and the next day I found myself googling 'Christmas toy felt patterns' and buying material, buttons and thread on ebay.
By Christmas day I'd made:
SIX birds (one for each of the female members of my family)a Russian Babushka tree ornament (for a friend)a gnome (really should have been a Father Christmas) and a blue penguin (I didn't have any black)
I haven't made anything since (talk about crafting burn out!) but a new hobby has definitely been born. There's something very relaxing about hand stitching while you're watching TV or a film (and it helps my writerly arse by stopping me from snacking!).
One of the wonderful things about Facebook is all the great crafting businesses you can like, follow and buy from. I follow loads and I've always loved Cupcakes for Clara and her beautiful designs and 'make it' kits. Last week I entered a competition to win her animal kits:
And today I found out that I WON!!! I am ridiculously excited, not least because a lion ("Rawwr!") is the Spudling's favourite toy at the moment. I can see I'm going to be busy for a while...
What's your hobby? Has it changed over the years or is there one you always come back to?
I wrote in a notebook - overheard conversations on the Tube, snippets of dialogue, diary entries, flash fiction (before I knew it was flash fiction) - and it was always for my eyes only. There was no pressure to write anything brilliant, no worries about reviewer and reader opinions, no consideration of sales figures, no nothing. It was a release after a hard day, a way to amuse myself on long journeys, a bit 'of fun'.
It wasn't until I got involved in the online writing community that I considered entering writing competitions or getting my work published. Of course I'd always dreamt of getting a novel published but, back in 2006, I hadn't even finished writing one, so I concentrated on short stories instead. I started entering competitions, just out of curiosity. I didn't place anywhere but I noticed that some of the same names were cropping up again and again so I did a bit of Googling and found that some of them were part of an online 'bootcamp'. Curious to know what their secret was I signed up. And found out. I learnt more about crafting short stories in six months than I had in the rest of my life. It was a fairly brutal learning experience and it nearly put me off writing all together but I learnt loads. I also starting placing in writing competitions. I even won a few.
Next I decided to have a go at getting some of my stories published. First I challenged myself to get some published in online ezines, then some literary journals and then, after I was placed runner up in the Woman's Own short story competition, I decided to have a go at getting published in 'womags'. I didn't meet all of the challenges I set myself (I still haven't managed to get a story into Woman's Weekly) but I met enough. And that's when I decided to try and write a novel - and then get it published.
Fast forward several years and I'm now writing my fourth novel. It's under contract so, officially, I HAVE to write it. I want to write it, I wouldn't continue writing if I didn't enjoy it, but it's not 'for fun' anymore. There are expectations now that didn't exist when I started off (externally and internally) and it's my second job rather than my hobby.
I used to consider kickboxing my hobby but then I got pregnant and I'm far too unfit to consider re-joining a class (though am trying to work on the unfit thing). I tried Zumba for a few months but, while I enjoyed it, it wasn't exactly a hobby. I even asked for a keyboard for Christmas thinking I might try getting into playing piano (previously abandoned aged 14) but it's still in its box (maybe the Spudling would like to learn to play one day?).
And then, last Christmas, I went along to a local Christmas craft fayre that one of the book club ladies told me about. You paid £5, got a free glass of mulled wine and a mince pie, and then sat yourself down at one of the crafty tables and got stuck in! And get stuck in I did - by an hour and a half later I'd made myself a felt bird and a little felt house that lit up when you put an electronic tea light under it. I thought that was it - an evening of crafting over - but I was bitten by the bug and the next day I found myself googling 'Christmas toy felt patterns' and buying material, buttons and thread on ebay.
By Christmas day I'd made:
SIX birds (one for each of the female members of my family)a Russian Babushka tree ornament (for a friend)a gnome (really should have been a Father Christmas) and a blue penguin (I didn't have any black)
I haven't made anything since (talk about crafting burn out!) but a new hobby has definitely been born. There's something very relaxing about hand stitching while you're watching TV or a film (and it helps my writerly arse by stopping me from snacking!).
One of the wonderful things about Facebook is all the great crafting businesses you can like, follow and buy from. I follow loads and I've always loved Cupcakes for Clara and her beautiful designs and 'make it' kits. Last week I entered a competition to win her animal kits:
And today I found out that I WON!!! I am ridiculously excited, not least because a lion ("Rawwr!") is the Spudling's favourite toy at the moment. I can see I'm going to be busy for a while...What's your hobby? Has it changed over the years or is there one you always come back to?
February 19, 2013
Me, on the telebox with Noel Edmonds!
What?! I never said I was actually ON Deal or No Deal!
Although I did get quite into being a 'pilgrim' in the audience. Check out my 'oh nooooooo, you just opened the wrong box' face!
Anyone else been in the audience (or a contestant) on TV? It's definitely worth doing once.
Although I did get quite into being a 'pilgrim' in the audience. Check out my 'oh nooooooo, you just opened the wrong box' face!
Anyone else been in the audience (or a contestant) on TV? It's definitely worth doing once.
January 22, 2013
Editors, subplots and monkeys with typewriters...
Just thought I'd share some websites I stumbled across this week and a book on writing I highly recommend. More on those in a bit.
I'm also pleased to report that Sally Quilford's '100,000 words in 100 days' challenge is a roaring success. There are over 300 of us in the Facebook group (the comraderie is wonderful) and the 103 writers who fill out the daily wordcount spreadsheet have now hit a million words (written since 1st January).
After a rocky start (I really should have done some more plotting beforehand!) I'm pretty much on target now - it's day 22 and I've written 21,500 words. 'Pantsing' this novel is scary but I'm enjoying the thrill of the characters leading the plot rather than the other way round. I'm going to have to do a hell of a rewrite afterwards but, considering I'll have written the first draft in just over 3 months if I complete the challenge, I think that was always going to be inevitable!
Anyway, here are the links I've found useful or interesting this week:
What UK fiction editors are looking for in 2013 - http://www.andrewlownie.co.uk/2013/01/12/what-fiction-editors-want
The anatomy of a Kindle bestseller - http://www.thecreativepenn.com/2013/01/21/self-publishing-success-kindle-bestseller/
Seven ways to add great subplots to your novels - http://www.writersdigest.com/online-editor/7-ways-to-add-great-subplots-to-your-novel
And the 'how to write' book I mentioned earlier?
Scarlett Thomas's 'Monkeys with Typewriters'.
I have DOZENS of how to write books on my shelves and I've learned something from all of them but this book is a cut above. If you've already read a gazillion basic chapters on plot, character and language and need something a bit more thought-provoking, something that goes a bit deeper and teaches you something you didn't know then this is the book for you. For instance, Scarlett talks about characters having 'super objectives'. These aren't the 'I want' desires that a character might share with friends or family, these are the subconscious desires that make someone act the way they act, make them choose A over B, that shape their lives, and when two characters have opposing super objectives meet you've got conflict just waiting to happen. It's fascinating stuff and has made me view the characters in the novel I'm writing in a whole new light. And that's just the chapter on character. I highly recommend this book.
I'm also pleased to report that Sally Quilford's '100,000 words in 100 days' challenge is a roaring success. There are over 300 of us in the Facebook group (the comraderie is wonderful) and the 103 writers who fill out the daily wordcount spreadsheet have now hit a million words (written since 1st January).
After a rocky start (I really should have done some more plotting beforehand!) I'm pretty much on target now - it's day 22 and I've written 21,500 words. 'Pantsing' this novel is scary but I'm enjoying the thrill of the characters leading the plot rather than the other way round. I'm going to have to do a hell of a rewrite afterwards but, considering I'll have written the first draft in just over 3 months if I complete the challenge, I think that was always going to be inevitable!
Anyway, here are the links I've found useful or interesting this week:
What UK fiction editors are looking for in 2013 - http://www.andrewlownie.co.uk/2013/01/12/what-fiction-editors-want
The anatomy of a Kindle bestseller - http://www.thecreativepenn.com/2013/01/21/self-publishing-success-kindle-bestseller/
Seven ways to add great subplots to your novels - http://www.writersdigest.com/online-editor/7-ways-to-add-great-subplots-to-your-novel
And the 'how to write' book I mentioned earlier?
Scarlett Thomas's 'Monkeys with Typewriters'.
I have DOZENS of how to write books on my shelves and I've learned something from all of them but this book is a cut above. If you've already read a gazillion basic chapters on plot, character and language and need something a bit more thought-provoking, something that goes a bit deeper and teaches you something you didn't know then this is the book for you. For instance, Scarlett talks about characters having 'super objectives'. These aren't the 'I want' desires that a character might share with friends or family, these are the subconscious desires that make someone act the way they act, make them choose A over B, that shape their lives, and when two characters have opposing super objectives meet you've got conflict just waiting to happen. It's fascinating stuff and has made me view the characters in the novel I'm writing in a whole new light. And that's just the chapter on character. I highly recommend this book.
January 18, 2013
Blog Tour – ‘Nowhere To Hide’ by Alex Walters
Today I'm delighted to host the 4th part of Alex Walter's blog tour for his new book 'Nowhere to Hide'. Unlike most blog tours where the author is interviewed, in this tour it's the characters. So here we go...
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Welcome to the ‘Nowhere To Hide’ blog tour, in which you’ll get to read exclusive interviews with the characters from the book. In this post we’re talking to Hugh Salter, the character everyone’s got their eye on.
Name: Hugh Salter
Rank/Job title/Occupation: Principal Officer, Investigations
Why are you so important to the story of ‘Nowhere To Hide’?
Because I’m the boss, I suppose. I’m where the buck stops. I have to make the tough decisions about how we prioritise the case-load, and which officers we assign to which missions. It doesn’t always make me popular, but then not everybody sees the big picture.
I have to watch my back. When you’re newly-promoted, you know some people will be out to get you. Tall poppy syndrome. And I’ve heard the tittle-tattle about me. Not that I pay it any attention. I risked my life to get where I am, with a bit of help from Marie Donovan, and I exposed my ex-boss, Keith Welsby, as the bent copper he always was. So I know how good I am.
And now I just have to keep things on the straight and narrow. Make sure I keep Donovan under control, and finish the job I started.
What qualities do you appreciate most in a work colleague?
Reliability. Loyalty. I want to know that, if I turn my back, it’s not going to end up with a knife in it, literally or metaphorically. I want people I can depend on. It’s all about teamwork. If the team’s working well, then it makes me look good. People think I just look out for Number One. I don’t deny that but if I can drag my way up the greasy pole, there’ll be plenty of people keen to scramble up there with me.
What’s your life/work balance like these days?
That’s a joke, obviously. I don’t have a life outside work. Not so’s you’d notice, anyway. That’s just the way it is if you want to get on. There’ll be plenty of time to enjoy myself once I’ve got the status and the money to make the most of it. In the meantime, I’m too busy keeping one step ahead of the rest.
Which other character from the book would you least want to be stuck in a lift with?
Oh, God. Keith bloody Welsby, obviously. Apart from the fact that the lift would stink of cigarettes and stale booze, I don’t want to have to spend any time with him ever again. It’s true what they say. There’s nothing worse than a bent copper, and Welsby’s the worst of the lot. Just an old school thug, without two brain-cells to rub together.
Who would you like to play you in the screen adaptation of ‘Nowhere To Hide’?
Hah. I’ve no idea. I don’t watch TV or films much. Someone told me I looked like that guy, Stephen Campbell Moore. Played the young teacher in The History Boys? Watched it on TV out of curiosity, but couldn’t see the likeness myself.
What music do you like to listen to when you’re not on duty/at work?
I don’t listen to music much, either. If I’m in the car I’m listening to the news, or I play audio-books. Management stuff mainly. They don’t teach you how to manage in this business. They just assume you can do it. So that’s another way I’m keeping one step ahead.
What is your favourite sport?
I’m a cricket man, if anything. Used to play till I got too busy. Decent bat, and a cunning leg-spinner. On a good day, batsmen couldn’t read me at all. Never knew what sort of ball was coming from me. Don’t have time for that these days. Try to play a bit of chess. Used to be good at that, too. But these days I can’t find anyone who’s willing to challenge me.
About the book:
‘On the North Wales coast two people traffickers are brutally murdered; a drug dealer is mown down in inner-city Stockport and in a remote Pennine cottage a police informant is shot dead. Seemingly random, these murders are the work of one professional hitman.
Reluctantly, Marie Donovan takes on another undercover role and finds herself working with DI Jack Brennan, a high-flying detective with a tarnished career. Soon, mistrustful of each other and their superiors, both begin to suspect that they are mere pawns in a complex game of criminal rivalry and police corruption.
As Marie struggles to uncover the truth, she realises that nothing is as it seems. With every move, she draws the threat ever closer until ultimately the killer is watching Marie herself. Out on her own, she finds herself with no friends, no-one to trust and nowhere to hide.’
‘Nowhere To Hide’ is published by Avon HarperCollins, and you can buy it here. http://www.amazon.co.uk/Nowhere-To-Hide-ebook/dp/B007UK9KPE
The first post in the blog tour, an interview with Marie Donovan, can be found here. http://leighrussell.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/nowhere-to-hide.html
The second post in the blog tour, an interview with Jack Brennan, can be found here. http://quillersplace.wordpress.com/2013/01/11/blog-tour-nowhere-to-hide-by-alex-walters/
The third post in the blog tour, an interview with Lizzie Carter, can be found here. http://womagwriter.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/nowhere-to-hide.html
January 15, 2013
Two writing competitions: pen a racy novel or a sun soaked story!
Your opportunity to write for Mills & Boon or feature in a travel-themed short story anthology of all your favourite chick lit writers.
Full details on my Facebook page (if you 'like' my page when you're there you should see any other competitions I post about in your Facebook news feed):
Http://www.facebook.com/CallyTaylorAuthor
Full details on my Facebook page (if you 'like' my page when you're there you should see any other competitions I post about in your Facebook news feed):
Http://www.facebook.com/CallyTaylorAuthor
January 2, 2013
New Year, New Novel!
Well, I've started it - the 100,000 words in 100 days challenge (see previous post for details) and, so far, two days in, I'm on track! Current word count for novel 4 is 2,300 words.
Unlike novel 3, which I outlined in detail before writing, I'm totally 'pantsing' this one. I know the structure I need to use and I know what happens in the end and a few twists and turns I need to include on the way but that's about it! It's scary and exciting at the same time (not least because the last novel I 'pantsed' was HEAVEN CAN WAIT') and each time I sit down to add another 1,000 words I think 'oh god, what am I going to write?' but then, after I've written my 1,000 words, I'm buzzing because the novel has revealed something new to me.
Only 98,000 words to go...
I should mention that it's relatively easy to find the time to write at the moment as I'm not back at work until next week (so I can write during the Spudling's two hour lunchtime nap) but it'll be decidedly more tricky from next Monday! As I mentioned in my last blog post I also want to find the time to exercise this year so I need to squeeze everything in. My great plan? I drop the Spudling at his childminder at 8am. I can get home by 8.10am if I don't fanny about having a chat which gives me 50 minutes to write before I need to start the day job (I'm lucky to work from home apart from Tuesday). I'll then work from 9am until 12, then do a Wii or DVD workout in the living room for half an hour and then have lunch. More work from 1pm until 5pm then I pick up the Spudling. And if I don't meet my 1,000 word quota in the morning I finish writing after Spudling's gone to bed and me and Mr Metal have had dinner. Easy! *cough* I think this might be one hell of a knackering year but I'm going to give it my best shot!
What have you got planned?
Unlike novel 3, which I outlined in detail before writing, I'm totally 'pantsing' this one. I know the structure I need to use and I know what happens in the end and a few twists and turns I need to include on the way but that's about it! It's scary and exciting at the same time (not least because the last novel I 'pantsed' was HEAVEN CAN WAIT') and each time I sit down to add another 1,000 words I think 'oh god, what am I going to write?' but then, after I've written my 1,000 words, I'm buzzing because the novel has revealed something new to me.
Only 98,000 words to go...
I should mention that it's relatively easy to find the time to write at the moment as I'm not back at work until next week (so I can write during the Spudling's two hour lunchtime nap) but it'll be decidedly more tricky from next Monday! As I mentioned in my last blog post I also want to find the time to exercise this year so I need to squeeze everything in. My great plan? I drop the Spudling at his childminder at 8am. I can get home by 8.10am if I don't fanny about having a chat which gives me 50 minutes to write before I need to start the day job (I'm lucky to work from home apart from Tuesday). I'll then work from 9am until 12, then do a Wii or DVD workout in the living room for half an hour and then have lunch. More work from 1pm until 5pm then I pick up the Spudling. And if I don't meet my 1,000 word quota in the morning I finish writing after Spudling's gone to bed and me and Mr Metal have had dinner. Easy! *cough* I think this might be one hell of a knackering year but I'm going to give it my best shot!
What have you got planned?
December 10, 2012
Could you write 100,000 words in 100 days?
I'm planning on giving it a go!
Author Sally Quilford has set up a Facebook page challenging fellow writers to join her in writing 100,000 words in 100 days. The start date is 1st January 2013 and the challenge ends on 10th April.
To find out more, and sign up, go here and ask to join the group:
100k in 100 days Facebook group
And for more details go here:
Sally's blog
Once I've finished editing novel 3 (I'm pruning it to get it down to 100,000 words) I'm going to spend the rest of December plotting novel 4 and drawing up some character profiles so I'm ready to go on 1st Jan.
I'm embarrassed to admit I haven't written anything new since my maternity leave ended at the beginning of September and, although I'm itching to start novel 4, I've found it impossible to find the time to write. We recently bought a house and organising that, working full time and looking after the Spudling (now 14 months old and toddling about like a drunken John Wayne!) only leaves a few hours a night to sleep and very little else. I also need to start exercising again and I'm determined to find a way to work out 3x a week AND write 1,000 words a day.
How?
I'll reveal all soon...
Author Sally Quilford has set up a Facebook page challenging fellow writers to join her in writing 100,000 words in 100 days. The start date is 1st January 2013 and the challenge ends on 10th April.
To find out more, and sign up, go here and ask to join the group:
100k in 100 days Facebook group
And for more details go here:
Sally's blog
Once I've finished editing novel 3 (I'm pruning it to get it down to 100,000 words) I'm going to spend the rest of December plotting novel 4 and drawing up some character profiles so I'm ready to go on 1st Jan.
I'm embarrassed to admit I haven't written anything new since my maternity leave ended at the beginning of September and, although I'm itching to start novel 4, I've found it impossible to find the time to write. We recently bought a house and organising that, working full time and looking after the Spudling (now 14 months old and toddling about like a drunken John Wayne!) only leaves a few hours a night to sleep and very little else. I also need to start exercising again and I'm determined to find a way to work out 3x a week AND write 1,000 words a day.
How?
I'll reveal all soon...
November 1, 2012
You asked my agent...and she's answered!
Back in August I invited questions for my agent Madeleine Milburn and you asked some brilliant ones. Here, a bit later than planned (Frankfurt Book Fair got in the way), are her answers - as well as a few questions of my own.
So, without further ado, here's Maddy...
1. Most people I know, excluding writers, have ended up in their career by accident rather than design (when I left Uni in 1995 with a degree in Psychology I never imagined I'd end up as an E-Learning Manager, for example). Did you always plan to become a literary agent? What was it that drew you/continues to attract you to the job?
On graduating from St Andrews University, I went to Germany where I found work with a small independent publisher. Every evening I researched literary agents and what they did. The role of a literary agent combined my passion for books with my love of negotiating, so I knew it was for me. I actually got my first official job with the oldest literary agency in the UK, A P Watt, where I worked in the foreign rights department – this is what has given me an international outlook for the authors I represent today (for instance C.J. Daugherty of the NIGHT SCHOOL series, now sold to 20 foreign publishers). I love helping my authors become successful – this is what drives me each day.
2. What qualities do you think a literary agent should have?
A successful agent needs to be a good talent spotter, an excellent networker and an ambitious negotiator. Author care is also extremely important.
3. What should an author expect from his/her literary agent?
Someone who will handle the business side of their writing career and also guide them editorially – I explain exactly what I do as a literary agent on my Agency home page: www.madeleinemilburn.com
4. You recently ran a couple of competitions to attract authors to your agency. One was an open call for submissions (taking into account the preferences you state on your website) and the other was for crime/thriller writers. What genres are you looking for at the moment?
I launched a crime and thriller competition to show writers that I was expanding into crime, thrillers and psychological suspense. As I represent a lot of women’s fiction, I was only getting submissions in this genre. I look at every genre though. If I think I can sell something and I believe that it will be successful, I will offer representation.
5. Is there anything you're seeing too much of? Either a genre, a plot or certain type of character?
I see a huge mixture of genres now – I get about 50 submissions a day. I am getting a lot of erotica due to the current trend!
6. What makes your heart sink when you read a synopsis/first page?
A synopsis that is far too long and complicated, or a first page that doesn’t hook you in.
7. And what makes you sit up with excitement?
A fantastic title, a really strong pitch and an opening chapter that grabs you by the hand and won’t let you go!
7. I know it's impossible to predict trends in publishing (and whatever is hot now will probably be out of favour next year) but is there anything that editors are crying out for at moment? (and if you've got an inkling what the 'next big thing' is, do share!)
Editors are crying out for psychological suspense and crime. Books like INTO THE DARKEST CORNER by Elizabeth Haynes and BEFORE I GO TO SLEEP by S.J. Watson. The great thing about this genre is that it’s universal and usually sells all over the world. A lot of publishers are jumping on the erotica bandwagon simply because FIFTY SHADES OF GREY is the biggest selling book of all time. I’ve just had an erotic title published by Penguin, THE PLEASURES OF WINTER by Evie Hunter, but I also had huge success with two psychological suspense novels at the Frankfurt book fair this year, including your latest AN END TO SILENCE. The big high concept, accessible literary books are still selling really well, too.
8. Last year the media was full of stories about falling sales in women's fiction. Is chicklit dead?
Publishers rarely offer for new chicklit titles unless they have a fresh edge and a fantastic selling point. There is so much chicklit about so I find it very easy to spot chicklit that is fresh and original. I’m looking for more realistic books about women; something that would sit nicely next to the American sitcom GIRLS. Hodder is publishing the romantic comedy NEVER GOOGLE HEARTBREAK by my client Emma Garcia in March next year, and it’s going to be their biggest women’s fiction début of 2012, so women’s fiction is very much alive! MIRA (part of Harlequin) is also investing heavily in growing Victoria Fox, my fabulous author of bestselling bonkbusters.
9. How healthy is the publishing industry at the moment? We hear every year that it's getting harder and harder to a) get a publishing deal as a debut author and b) hang onto your career as a midlist author. Do you think that's true?
Yes, it is more challenging to sell a début author so I am much more selective when I offer representation. I look for authors who are going to work on an international level. A midlist author has to be driven and ambitious. There will always be hard times in a writing career but those who get to the top are able to ride the storms.
And now some questions from my blog readers:
10. From Sarah: What is the usual sequence of events from someone submitting a manuscript to it being published. Assuming of course it is good and warrants publication. How many people read it etc?
I will always work with a writer editorially before I submit their manuscript to publishers. I also get one of my Agency editors to offer feedback. There are not set rules when I submit. It depends whether I want to submit to UK or US publishers first, or to make a simultaneous submission. I usually target the top 10 UK publishers and the editors I believe would be the best match for my author and their work. I will pitch the book to them long before I submit to get them excited and prepare them for the submission. If I get more than one offer, I can take the book to auction. The most important thing is finding one editor who simply loves the book and will champion the author in-house year after year.
12. From Yasmin: As a literary agent, are you ever able to negotiate cover control on the writer's behalf as part of a publishing contract deal? Meaning the design is co-planned and they get final say in the process. It's something I feel really strongly about.
I do make sure that my authors have a say over their cover design. It is important that my authors feel ‘ownership’ of their novels. That being said, the publisher does know the market best, so it’s important to make the author aware of their vision too, and why they want to use a particular cover. They have to fight for retail space so their sales team needs to love the cover too.
13. From DJ: Maddy, if one of the authors on your list sent you a MS (of theirs) in a genre you didn't represent would you still read it with a view to passing it on to another agent / agency?
I receive some really good manuscripts and I sometimes make recommendations but, to be honest, I receive so many submissions that I can’t justify getting into correspondence with writers I am not going to represent as I need to give this attention to my own clients. I am open to all genres – even if I don’t represent a particular genre now, if something screams out at me as being a success, I will definitely consider representation.
14. From Karen: How long have you been a literary agent and what is your favourite genre?
I have been working in publishing for over eight years now. I have been a Literary Agent for the last five and a half. Before that I was the Head of Rights and the Deputy MD of Children’s books at a leading literary agency. I don’t have a favourite genre – I fall in love with a voice or a character.
15. From Helen: Agent Kristin on the PubRants blog recently admitted that she is far more likely to take on a new author during the winter months.
And I imagine agents have far less time to look at new submissions whenever there's a big book fair on. So is there a 'best time' to submit to the Madeleine Milburn agency?
I look at submissions on my Blackberry so if something instantly catches my attention, whatever time of year, I will request the full manuscript. It does get extremely busy around book fairs though, and that is why my responses can be slower, but I am always looking and reading at the start and end of each day.
16. From MamaJ: The covering letter is the first thing an agent sees from a submission. What is the most important element you're looking for and what would make a covering letter stand out?
My advice is to be as clear as possible in your covering letter. When writing this letter, imagine you are talking to the literary agent in person about your book. Pitch your book in one line that will make people want to read it immediately and tell the reader a little bit about yourself and why you write. Do tell us why you have chosen us. Keep your synopsis under a page in length – this is good practice to make it as concise as possible and as interesting as possible. I think titles are really important too as a strong one will grab a reader’s attention.
17. From Captain Black: When seeking representation, new writers are advised to consider only literary agents with proven track records. How does a relatively inexperienced agent go about improving themselves and gaining their track record?
By selling lots of books! You can find out if an agent is active by researching online. It is important to find an agent who has the time and energy to make you a success.
18. From Susanna: Would it put you off from representing an author if his/her work was good enough but too similar (or on a similar theme eg supernatural romantic comedy) to another writer you already represent?
Even if the genre is similar, the voice is usually completely different so it wouldn’t put me off. There are lots of publishers who are looking to publish similar genres to another publisher, especially if a particular genre has been a hit.
That's the end of the questions! Thanks so much for taking the time to answer them Maddy.
Huge congrats to Sarah who wins the signed copy of HOME FOR CHRISTMAS, the tote bag and the bookmark for her question. Let me know your address and I'll get them in the post to you ASAP.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
So, without further ado, here's Maddy...
1. Most people I know, excluding writers, have ended up in their career by accident rather than design (when I left Uni in 1995 with a degree in Psychology I never imagined I'd end up as an E-Learning Manager, for example). Did you always plan to become a literary agent? What was it that drew you/continues to attract you to the job?
On graduating from St Andrews University, I went to Germany where I found work with a small independent publisher. Every evening I researched literary agents and what they did. The role of a literary agent combined my passion for books with my love of negotiating, so I knew it was for me. I actually got my first official job with the oldest literary agency in the UK, A P Watt, where I worked in the foreign rights department – this is what has given me an international outlook for the authors I represent today (for instance C.J. Daugherty of the NIGHT SCHOOL series, now sold to 20 foreign publishers). I love helping my authors become successful – this is what drives me each day.
2. What qualities do you think a literary agent should have?
A successful agent needs to be a good talent spotter, an excellent networker and an ambitious negotiator. Author care is also extremely important.
3. What should an author expect from his/her literary agent?
Someone who will handle the business side of their writing career and also guide them editorially – I explain exactly what I do as a literary agent on my Agency home page: www.madeleinemilburn.com
4. You recently ran a couple of competitions to attract authors to your agency. One was an open call for submissions (taking into account the preferences you state on your website) and the other was for crime/thriller writers. What genres are you looking for at the moment?
I launched a crime and thriller competition to show writers that I was expanding into crime, thrillers and psychological suspense. As I represent a lot of women’s fiction, I was only getting submissions in this genre. I look at every genre though. If I think I can sell something and I believe that it will be successful, I will offer representation.
5. Is there anything you're seeing too much of? Either a genre, a plot or certain type of character?
I see a huge mixture of genres now – I get about 50 submissions a day. I am getting a lot of erotica due to the current trend!
6. What makes your heart sink when you read a synopsis/first page?
A synopsis that is far too long and complicated, or a first page that doesn’t hook you in.
7. And what makes you sit up with excitement?
A fantastic title, a really strong pitch and an opening chapter that grabs you by the hand and won’t let you go!
7. I know it's impossible to predict trends in publishing (and whatever is hot now will probably be out of favour next year) but is there anything that editors are crying out for at moment? (and if you've got an inkling what the 'next big thing' is, do share!)
Editors are crying out for psychological suspense and crime. Books like INTO THE DARKEST CORNER by Elizabeth Haynes and BEFORE I GO TO SLEEP by S.J. Watson. The great thing about this genre is that it’s universal and usually sells all over the world. A lot of publishers are jumping on the erotica bandwagon simply because FIFTY SHADES OF GREY is the biggest selling book of all time. I’ve just had an erotic title published by Penguin, THE PLEASURES OF WINTER by Evie Hunter, but I also had huge success with two psychological suspense novels at the Frankfurt book fair this year, including your latest AN END TO SILENCE. The big high concept, accessible literary books are still selling really well, too.
8. Last year the media was full of stories about falling sales in women's fiction. Is chicklit dead?
Publishers rarely offer for new chicklit titles unless they have a fresh edge and a fantastic selling point. There is so much chicklit about so I find it very easy to spot chicklit that is fresh and original. I’m looking for more realistic books about women; something that would sit nicely next to the American sitcom GIRLS. Hodder is publishing the romantic comedy NEVER GOOGLE HEARTBREAK by my client Emma Garcia in March next year, and it’s going to be their biggest women’s fiction début of 2012, so women’s fiction is very much alive! MIRA (part of Harlequin) is also investing heavily in growing Victoria Fox, my fabulous author of bestselling bonkbusters.
9. How healthy is the publishing industry at the moment? We hear every year that it's getting harder and harder to a) get a publishing deal as a debut author and b) hang onto your career as a midlist author. Do you think that's true?
Yes, it is more challenging to sell a début author so I am much more selective when I offer representation. I look for authors who are going to work on an international level. A midlist author has to be driven and ambitious. There will always be hard times in a writing career but those who get to the top are able to ride the storms.
And now some questions from my blog readers:
10. From Sarah: What is the usual sequence of events from someone submitting a manuscript to it being published. Assuming of course it is good and warrants publication. How many people read it etc?
I will always work with a writer editorially before I submit their manuscript to publishers. I also get one of my Agency editors to offer feedback. There are not set rules when I submit. It depends whether I want to submit to UK or US publishers first, or to make a simultaneous submission. I usually target the top 10 UK publishers and the editors I believe would be the best match for my author and their work. I will pitch the book to them long before I submit to get them excited and prepare them for the submission. If I get more than one offer, I can take the book to auction. The most important thing is finding one editor who simply loves the book and will champion the author in-house year after year.
12. From Yasmin: As a literary agent, are you ever able to negotiate cover control on the writer's behalf as part of a publishing contract deal? Meaning the design is co-planned and they get final say in the process. It's something I feel really strongly about.
I do make sure that my authors have a say over their cover design. It is important that my authors feel ‘ownership’ of their novels. That being said, the publisher does know the market best, so it’s important to make the author aware of their vision too, and why they want to use a particular cover. They have to fight for retail space so their sales team needs to love the cover too.
13. From DJ: Maddy, if one of the authors on your list sent you a MS (of theirs) in a genre you didn't represent would you still read it with a view to passing it on to another agent / agency?
I receive some really good manuscripts and I sometimes make recommendations but, to be honest, I receive so many submissions that I can’t justify getting into correspondence with writers I am not going to represent as I need to give this attention to my own clients. I am open to all genres – even if I don’t represent a particular genre now, if something screams out at me as being a success, I will definitely consider representation.
14. From Karen: How long have you been a literary agent and what is your favourite genre?
I have been working in publishing for over eight years now. I have been a Literary Agent for the last five and a half. Before that I was the Head of Rights and the Deputy MD of Children’s books at a leading literary agency. I don’t have a favourite genre – I fall in love with a voice or a character.
15. From Helen: Agent Kristin on the PubRants blog recently admitted that she is far more likely to take on a new author during the winter months.
And I imagine agents have far less time to look at new submissions whenever there's a big book fair on. So is there a 'best time' to submit to the Madeleine Milburn agency?
I look at submissions on my Blackberry so if something instantly catches my attention, whatever time of year, I will request the full manuscript. It does get extremely busy around book fairs though, and that is why my responses can be slower, but I am always looking and reading at the start and end of each day.
16. From MamaJ: The covering letter is the first thing an agent sees from a submission. What is the most important element you're looking for and what would make a covering letter stand out?
My advice is to be as clear as possible in your covering letter. When writing this letter, imagine you are talking to the literary agent in person about your book. Pitch your book in one line that will make people want to read it immediately and tell the reader a little bit about yourself and why you write. Do tell us why you have chosen us. Keep your synopsis under a page in length – this is good practice to make it as concise as possible and as interesting as possible. I think titles are really important too as a strong one will grab a reader’s attention.
17. From Captain Black: When seeking representation, new writers are advised to consider only literary agents with proven track records. How does a relatively inexperienced agent go about improving themselves and gaining their track record?
By selling lots of books! You can find out if an agent is active by researching online. It is important to find an agent who has the time and energy to make you a success.
18. From Susanna: Would it put you off from representing an author if his/her work was good enough but too similar (or on a similar theme eg supernatural romantic comedy) to another writer you already represent?
Even if the genre is similar, the voice is usually completely different so it wouldn’t put me off. There are lots of publishers who are looking to publish similar genres to another publisher, especially if a particular genre has been a hit.
That's the end of the questions! Thanks so much for taking the time to answer them Maddy.
Huge congrats to Sarah who wins the signed copy of HOME FOR CHRISTMAS, the tote bag and the bookmark for her question. Let me know your address and I'll get them in the post to you ASAP.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
October 31, 2012
The Next Big Thing
Thanks to Clodagh Murphy for tagging me with this meme about my most recent book. It's been a while since I blogged so it's a good excuse to put fingers to keyboard!
What is the working title of your next book?
I'm actually planning book 4 at the moment but it's at such an early stage I'm going to talk about book 3 instead (working title AN END TO SILENCE).
Where did the idea come from for the book?
In 2011 the Romantic Novelists Association (RNA) ran a competition (the Elizabeth Goudge award) to write a 1,000 word novel opening on the theme of 'keeping a secret'. I had no idea what I was going to write about but then a couple of lines popped into my head (spoken by a very softly spoken woman) when I was walking back from the supermarket one day and they were so intriguing I scribbled them down as soon as I got home. By the end of the day I had my 1,000 words down and a couple of months later I was handed the trophy and told I'd won the competition!
That was in the summer of 2011 but the story, and the woman - Susan - who'd whispered those first few lines wouldn't leave me alone so in March this year I started writing. I was on maternity leave with my son at the time and, although severely sleep deprived, the creative urge was too great and I'd write during his 1.5 hour lunchtime naps and whatever time I could grab at the weekend.
What genre does your book fall under?
It's psychological suspense. I know, not what you'd expect from a chick lit author but there have always been two sides to my writing personality - the light fluffy side (HEAVEN CAN WAIT, HOME FOR CHRISTMAS and my womag stories) and the dark side (AN END TO SILENCE and pretty much all the short stories I've had published in literary magazines) and I loved this idea so much I just had to write it. And I had so much fun that book 4 is going to be psychological suspense too! That doesn't mean I'll never write another chick lit book of course...
What actors would you choose to play the part of your characters in a movie rendition?
I don't really have any in mind if but I'd love to see it come to life. To be honest I see it more of a 3 part TV serial than a film. Susan's 43 so it would be great to see one of our really talented British character actresses step into her shoes.
What is the one sentence synopsis of your book?
Can Susan discover the dark secret that caused her 15 year old daughter to deliberately step in front of a bus before it destroys both their lives?
Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency?
My agent Madeleine Milburn has already sold the rights to Germany and Italy at the Frankfurt Book Fair and it's being read by British editors we speak... *crosses fingers*
How long did it take you to write the first draft of the manuscript?
Six months.
What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?
'Before I Go to Sleep', 'Into the Darkest Corner' and 'Cuckoo'.
Who or what inspired you to write this book?
I wanted to explore the legacy of abusive relationships, the secrets that exist within families and the lengths mothers will go to to protect their children.
What else about your book might pique the reader's interest?
It's a mystery - why did Charlotte write 'keeping this secret is killing me?' in her diary? - a thriller - who is sending Susan disturbing parcels? - a relationship tale - is Brian the loving husband Sue thinks he is? - and, hopefully, one hell of a page turner!
My five writers for next Wednesday are:
Anyone who volunteers! I'd love to read your responses.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
What is the working title of your next book?
I'm actually planning book 4 at the moment but it's at such an early stage I'm going to talk about book 3 instead (working title AN END TO SILENCE).
Where did the idea come from for the book?
In 2011 the Romantic Novelists Association (RNA) ran a competition (the Elizabeth Goudge award) to write a 1,000 word novel opening on the theme of 'keeping a secret'. I had no idea what I was going to write about but then a couple of lines popped into my head (spoken by a very softly spoken woman) when I was walking back from the supermarket one day and they were so intriguing I scribbled them down as soon as I got home. By the end of the day I had my 1,000 words down and a couple of months later I was handed the trophy and told I'd won the competition!
That was in the summer of 2011 but the story, and the woman - Susan - who'd whispered those first few lines wouldn't leave me alone so in March this year I started writing. I was on maternity leave with my son at the time and, although severely sleep deprived, the creative urge was too great and I'd write during his 1.5 hour lunchtime naps and whatever time I could grab at the weekend.
What genre does your book fall under?
It's psychological suspense. I know, not what you'd expect from a chick lit author but there have always been two sides to my writing personality - the light fluffy side (HEAVEN CAN WAIT, HOME FOR CHRISTMAS and my womag stories) and the dark side (AN END TO SILENCE and pretty much all the short stories I've had published in literary magazines) and I loved this idea so much I just had to write it. And I had so much fun that book 4 is going to be psychological suspense too! That doesn't mean I'll never write another chick lit book of course...
What actors would you choose to play the part of your characters in a movie rendition?
I don't really have any in mind if but I'd love to see it come to life. To be honest I see it more of a 3 part TV serial than a film. Susan's 43 so it would be great to see one of our really talented British character actresses step into her shoes.
What is the one sentence synopsis of your book?
Can Susan discover the dark secret that caused her 15 year old daughter to deliberately step in front of a bus before it destroys both their lives?
Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency?
My agent Madeleine Milburn has already sold the rights to Germany and Italy at the Frankfurt Book Fair and it's being read by British editors we speak... *crosses fingers*
How long did it take you to write the first draft of the manuscript?
Six months.
What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?
'Before I Go to Sleep', 'Into the Darkest Corner' and 'Cuckoo'.
Who or what inspired you to write this book?
I wanted to explore the legacy of abusive relationships, the secrets that exist within families and the lengths mothers will go to to protect their children.
What else about your book might pique the reader's interest?
It's a mystery - why did Charlotte write 'keeping this secret is killing me?' in her diary? - a thriller - who is sending Susan disturbing parcels? - a relationship tale - is Brian the loving husband Sue thinks he is? - and, hopefully, one hell of a page turner!
My five writers for next Wednesday are:
Anyone who volunteers! I'd love to read your responses.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
October 2, 2012
Just when I thought it was safe to put my feet up...
...and have a nice little relax from writing, my agent asks me if I can put together a blurb for book 4.
Book 4? I've only just finished with book 3.
Hmmm...but hang on, there's a itch of an idea at the back of my brain. I might as well tell Maddy about it.
She thinks it's 'gripping and original' does she?
Maybe I like the idea more than I thought.
So maybe I'll think about it a little bit more.
Oh! What was that? A plot twist I didn't see coming?
Getting exciting now... *scribble, scribble*
Book 4? I've only just finished with book 3.
Hmmm...but hang on, there's a itch of an idea at the back of my brain. I might as well tell Maddy about it.
She thinks it's 'gripping and original' does she?
Maybe I like the idea more than I thought.
So maybe I'll think about it a little bit more.
Oh! What was that? A plot twist I didn't see coming?
Getting exciting now... *scribble, scribble*
