Jane Friedman's Blog: Jane Friedman, page 18

Book Industry Study Group launches Find a Rightsholder

The new tool at the BISG website helps locate contacts for rights and permissions. It is free for everyone.

This premium article is available to paid subscribers of Jane's newsletter. Login below, or learn more and subscribe.

Wondering why some content isn't free? Did something change? Here's an explanation.

Links of Interest: April 30, 2025

The latest in marketing & promotion, bookselling, culture & politics, AI, and more.

This premium article is available to paid subscribers of Jane's newsletter. Login below, or learn more and subscribe.

Wondering why some content isn't free? Did something change? Here's an explanation.

Amazon Advantage customers are being migrated to Amazon Vendor Central

Amazon is migrating all Advantage vendors to Amazon Vendor Central to manage their business, starting on May 12, 2025.

This premium article is available to paid subscribers of Jane's newsletter. Login below, or learn more and subscribe.

Wondering why some content isn't free? Did something change? Here's an explanation.

Username or E-mail Password * function mepr_base64_decode(encodedData) { var decodeUTF8string = function(str) { // Going backwards: from bytestream, to percent-encoding, to original string. return decodeURIComponent(str.split('').map(function(c) { return '%' + ('00' + c.charCodeAt(0).toString(16)).slice(-2) }).join('')) } if (typeof window !== 'undefined') { if (typeof window.atob !== 'undefined') { return decodeUTF8string(window.atob(encodedData)) } } else { return new Buffer(encodedData, 'base64').toString('utf-8') } var b64 = 'ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789+/=' var o1 var o2 var o3 var h1 var h2 var h3 var h4 var bits var i = 0 var ac = 0 var dec = '' var tmpArr = [] if (!encodedData) { return encodedData } encodedData += '' do { // unpack four hexets into three octets using index points in b64 h1 = b64.indexOf(encodedData.charAt(i++)) h2 = b64.indexOf(encodedData.charAt(i++)) h3 = b64.indexOf(encodedData.charAt(i++)) h4 = b64.indexOf(encodedData.charAt(i++)) bits = h1 << 18 | h2 << 12 | h3 << 6 | h4 o1 = bits >> 16 & 0xff o2 = bits >> 8 & 0xff o3 = bits & 0xff if (h3 === 64) { tmpArr[ac++] = String.fromCharCode(o1) } else if (h4 === 64) { tmpArr[ac++] = String.fromCharCode(o1, o2) } else { tmpArr[ac++] = String.fromCharCode(o1, o2, o3) } } while (i < encodedData.length) dec = tmpArr.join('') return decodeUTF8string(dec.replace(/\0+$/, '')) } jQuery(document).ready(function() { document.getElementById("meprmath_captcha-68131f9dbb9d2").innerHTML=mepr_base64_decode("MTMgKyAzIGVxdWFscz8="); }); Remember Me     Forgot Password

Reimagining Your Competitors as Collaborators

Photo by Fábio Varotti on Unsplash

Today’s post is by Hanna Kjeldbjerg, Vice President at Wise Ink Media.

As a writer in the age of capitalism, it can feel like your art, and your calling, become commodities—and that other books are your competition.

But most readers don’t buy just one book. So authors with similar books are not your competition—they’re your colleagues! And after almost fifteen years in publishing, I truly believe in the saying, “A rising tide lifts all boats.”

Engaging with authors whose books are similar to yours is a valuable opportunity for inspiration and collaboration. Here are a few ways to find, and lean into, your book community.

Identify comparative titles

There’s a reason that identifying comparative titles (or “comps”) is something agents look for in query letters. Compelling comps doesn’t mean that the “box has been checked” for your subject—it affirms that an audience exists for books like yours.

And a query letter isn’t the only place you can leverage comparative titles. Include them in your online sales and marketing descriptions: “Fans of Book Title will love [shared element.]” This is a win-win, because it aligns you with a book you admire and signal boosts their title.

Comparative titles can also be incorporated in your Amazon advertising strategy. One ad category is called “Sponsored Products,” where you can pay to be included on the “Products related to this item” section of a book’s Amazon listing.

Become a fan

The best comparative titles are typically by authors who are contemporary (published in the last few years) and not celebrities (unless you are too!). This means that these writers are likely present online—and they aren’t too famous to truly appreciate another fan.

So read their work. Leave five-star reviews with genuine affirmations. Sign up for their newsletter. Follow them on social media and don’t just lurk, but make yourself known to them by commenting on their posts. Likewise, comment on their blog posts—it’s a common feature, but so few people take the time to comment. Celebrate their wins, knowing they’re a kindred spirit.

Invite collaboration

Find yourself measuring your success against theirs? Partner up instead. Know that success can be symbiotic, so reference their book as recommended reading on your website, socials, and even in your book’s back matter.

Keep in mind: this only works if your offer is bigger than your ask. Avoid anything that feels like asking for a favor. This means that their audience should be of comparable size to yours. (Don’t underestimate the power of a “micro-influencer”!) Come prepared—it is far easier to say “yes” when the work is complete, and the offer is clear.

Since this is a cold call, it’s crucial to personalize your message and make it clear it’s not an email blast. Do your research. Don’t ask to trade social media features if they sell paid promotional posts. Specifically reference why you’re a fan and let them know you’re already promoting them to your network. Bring a humble spirit to the outreach, and don’t take it personally if they’re too busy—know that the right opportunity will come.

Once you’ve connected, include them in your marketing strategy. If you’re both local, plan a shared bookstore event, where through the strength of your networks alone, you can double the attendance. Quote each other in articles and pitch yourselves for joint media interviews. Submit applications to conferences for panel discussions. It’s a lot harder to feel like you’re in a race when you’re standing beside each other.

Ask for endorsements

Especially when you share an audience, writing an endorsement is a win-win because it’s one more way for an author to get their name out there. Before and After the Book Deal by Courtney Maum says, “A good blurb is a testament to the quality of the book in question, but also an example of how well the endorser writes themselves.”

Don’t reinvent the wheel

In Steal Like an Artist, Austin Kleon says, “Nothing is original, so embrace influence, school yourself through the work of others, remix and reimagine to discover your own path.” With this wisdom in mind, becoming an intentional observer is one of the best things you can do for your publishing career.

A few places to look for inspiration are:

Social media. Which platforms are they most active on? That’s likely where your audience is congregated. The best writers are readers, and if your book is similar to theirs, remember that you likely are their target audience. So study their outreach, notice what style of content resonates with you, and emulate that in your strategy.Author website. Spend time with their website, noting the structure, content, and any noteworthy elements that could inspire yours. Do they offer resources or have an active blog? Visit their Events tab to see what industry events they’re attending, where they’re speaking, and which bookstores are hosting signings—consider if those are good opportunities for you too.Media features. Media that is interested in your comparative creators will likely be interested in you too. What press are they getting? This will help you build your own media list. Google their name. If there’s a lot of press, you can filter by clicking “Tools,” then move “Any time” to “Past year” to see recent coverage. You can also put a Google Alert on their names to review future coverage.Customer reviews. Reading customer reviews of your comps on Amazon, Goodreads, and StoryGraph is a good way to get in the head of your potential readers and understand what they like and don’t like in a book. This can especially be helpful in the writing and revision process, but also helps you understand how your book aligns with, and stands out from, other books in your genre.Join the conversation

Feel like it’s “already been done”? Join the conversation.

Consciously tune in to their media features. How does your perspective engage with theirs, or explore the topic from a different angle? The best media pitches often reference previous articles or episodes, because it doesn’t diminish your take, but affirms the shared audience. “The End” is for fairy tales, not cultural conversations.

In the book business, we call them “comparative titles.” Because they aren’t competition. They are good company. Here’s to lifting each other up.

Beyond the Accent: Writing Speech Patterns Authentically

Photo by fauxels

Today’s post is by author Elle Jauffret.

When developing memorable characters, few elements bring them to life as vividly as the way they speak. Speech patterns—whether accents or impediments—quickly establish background, personality, and history without exposition. However, as writers, we carry a significant responsibility: to represent diverse voices authentically rather than falling into the trap of stereotype or caricature.

The power and pitfalls of accented speech

In storytelling, accents serve as immediate shorthand. They can place a character geographically, hint at their cultural background, or suggest their social standing—all without explicit exposition. As our society becomes increasingly diverse and globally connected, representing this linguistic variety authentically becomes both more important and more challenging.

Research confirms the power of accents in shaping perception. Studies have demonstrated that listeners often make immediate judgments about a speaker’s intelligence, socioeconomic status, and trustworthiness based solely on their accent. A 2010 study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that participants “orientated themselves nearly exclusively on the spoken accent while categorizing people,” with accent perception affecting key cognitive processes including memory and social categorization. Other research shows that non-native accents can reduce “cognitive fluency”—the ease with which the brain processes stimuli—which can inadvertently affect credibility judgments.

However, accented speech in fiction has often devolved into shorthand stereotyping. Consider how many villains speak with vaguely Eastern European accents, or how Southern (American) accents frequently signal a character is either unsophisticated or prejudiced. These portrayals perpetuate harmful assumptions about intelligence, trustworthiness, and capability based solely on how someone speaks.

Speech impediments: beyond the stutter

Similarly, speech impediments in fiction have a checkered history. Too often, they’re either played for laughs or used as simplistic character traits rather than as one aspect of a fully-realized person. From the comedic lisp to the nervous stutter, these patterns have become tropes that rarely reflect the complex reality of living with a speech difference. Individuals with speech disorders face additional layers of judgment based on how they speak, with unfair assumptions made about their intelligence or capabilities. These aren’t characteristics one simply overcomes through determination—they’re intrinsic aspects of communication that deserve thoughtful representation.

Poor representation looks like:Phonetic spellings that clutter the page and make reading difficult: “Ze doctair vill see you now, ja?”Inconsistent accent application that appears and disappears when convenientUsing accents only for “exotic” or minor characters while protagonists speak in “standard” EnglishSpeech impediments that exist solely for comic relief or to indicate villainyStereotypical phrases repeated by characters from certain backgrounds (“Mamma mia!” for Italians)Good representation looks like:Stephen King’s Annie Wilkes from Misery uses distinctive speech patterns that reveal character rather than geography. Her peculiar euphemisms (“cockadoodie,” “dirty birdy”) and old-fashioned phrasing reveal her mental state and isolation without resorting to dialect spelling.Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s characters in Americanah navigate multiple linguistic worlds. Their code-switching between Nigerian English, American English, and British English reveals complex identities rather than serving as mere exotic flavor.Toni Morrison’s delicate handling of vernacular speech honors the linguistic traditions of African American communities without reducing characters to their dialect or making the text inaccessible.Craft tips for responsible representation1. Follow Stephen King’s rule of restraint

Stephen King, master of character-revealing dialogue, advises using the lightest possible touch with dialect. In On Writing, King suggests indicating accent or impediment once or twice, then letting readers carry that voice in their heads. This approach respects readers’ intelligence while avoiding the distraction of constant phonetic spelling.

2. Focus on cadence and word choice

Instead of phonetic spelling, capture speech patterns through syntax, unique vocabulary, and sentence structure. A character might reverse word order, use distinctive phrases, or favor certain expressions without requiring readers to decipher unusual spelling.

3. Study real speech patterns

If writing a character with a specific accent or impediment, research extensively. Listen to authentic speakers, consult linguistic resources, or interview people with similar backgrounds. Authenticity comes from understanding rather than assumption. Research published in the journal Personality and Social Psychology Review highlights that non-native accents can create communication barriers that affect both speaker and listener—knowledge that can inform more nuanced character development.

4. Ensure fully developed characters

Characters with distinctive speech should never be reduced to just that trait. They deserve the same depth, complexity, and agency as any other character. Their speech pattern should be one element of their characterization, not their defining feature.

5. Respect the reader

Heavily phonetic dialogue quickly becomes exhausting to read. Trust your audience to “hear” the accent without constant reminders, focusing instead on occasional distinctive words or phrases.

Final thoughts

Before implementing any accent or speech impediment, ask yourself: Why am I including this? What does it add to the story and character? If the answer involves shorthand characterization, creating humor at someone’s expense, or adding “exotic flavor,” reconsider your approach. But if the speech pattern genuinely reflects the character’s lived experience and contributes meaningfully to their development, proceed with careful research and nuanced execution.

As writers, our words shape perceptions. When we represent diverse speech patterns authentically and respectfully, we not only create richer stories but also contribute to a more inclusive literary landscape that values all voices—regardless of how they sound.

On the List: The Win-Win Workplace by Angela Jackson

In The Win-Win Workplace, the key to driving equity and skyrocketing profits is simple: hand over control to your workers.

This premium article is available to paid subscribers of Jane's newsletter. Login below, or learn more and subscribe.

Wondering why some content isn't free? Did something change? Here's an explanation.

New agent at Unter Agency

Middle-grade novelist Krista Van Dolzer has joined the Unter Agency and is accepting queries for middle grade, YA, and adult nonfiction.

This premium article is available to paid subscribers of Jane's newsletter. Login below, or learn more and subscribe.

Wondering why some content isn't free? Did something change? Here's an explanation.

New online marketplace for comics distribution

Austin-based startup PanelFly allows comics publishers to handle their own shipping through third-party providers or in-house fulfillment.

This premium article is available to paid subscribers of Jane's newsletter. Login below, or learn more and subscribe.

Wondering why some content isn't free? Did something change? Here's an explanation.

Christian writers conference expands to Southern California

The West Coast Christian Writers conference will take place in Fullerton, California later this year.

This premium article is available to paid subscribers of Jane's newsletter. Login below, or learn more and subscribe.

Wondering why some content isn't free? Did something change? Here's an explanation.

Links of Interest: April 23, 2025

The latest in traditional publishing, bookselling & distribution, legal issues, culture & politics, and AI.

This premium article is available to paid subscribers of Jane's newsletter. Login below, or learn more and subscribe.

Wondering why some content isn't free? Did something change? Here's an explanation.

Username or E-mail Password * function mepr_base64_decode(encodedData) { var decodeUTF8string = function(str) { // Going backwards: from bytestream, to percent-encoding, to original string. return decodeURIComponent(str.split('').map(function(c) { return '%' + ('00' + c.charCodeAt(0).toString(16)).slice(-2) }).join('')) } if (typeof window !== 'undefined') { if (typeof window.atob !== 'undefined') { return decodeUTF8string(window.atob(encodedData)) } } else { return new Buffer(encodedData, 'base64').toString('utf-8') } var b64 = 'ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789+/=' var o1 var o2 var o3 var h1 var h2 var h3 var h4 var bits var i = 0 var ac = 0 var dec = '' var tmpArr = [] if (!encodedData) { return encodedData } encodedData += '' do { // unpack four hexets into three octets using index points in b64 h1 = b64.indexOf(encodedData.charAt(i++)) h2 = b64.indexOf(encodedData.charAt(i++)) h3 = b64.indexOf(encodedData.charAt(i++)) h4 = b64.indexOf(encodedData.charAt(i++)) bits = h1 << 18 | h2 << 12 | h3 << 6 | h4 o1 = bits >> 16 & 0xff o2 = bits >> 8 & 0xff o3 = bits & 0xff if (h3 === 64) { tmpArr[ac++] = String.fromCharCode(o1) } else if (h4 === 64) { tmpArr[ac++] = String.fromCharCode(o1, o2) } else { tmpArr[ac++] = String.fromCharCode(o1, o2, o3) } } while (i < encodedData.length) dec = tmpArr.join('') return decodeUTF8string(dec.replace(/\0+$/, '')) } jQuery(document).ready(function() { document.getElementById("meprmath_captcha-6809e5c7a1e1b").innerHTML=mepr_base64_decode("OCArIDUgZXF1YWxzPw=="); }); Remember Me     Forgot Password