Q&A

One of my favorite authors, Ilona Andrews, is doing a Q&A on her blog right now.  I caught the link on twitter.  This time, two writers sent in questions and I thought she gave great answers.  One of the writers asked whether it’s better to try to sell some short stories before you try to sell a novel.

I’ve had some experience with that.  I started out writing and selling short stories.  When I finally decided to submit a book, I’d had short stories in 10 Alfred Hitchcock mystery magazines, 2 Ellery Queen mystery magazines, 3 Barnes & Noble anthologies, and 2 WomenSleuth anthologies, among others.  It helped to get editors to look at my submission, since I looked like a serious writer, but it didn’t help sell my books.  Editors only take what they’re sure they can sell.  If you send them a book that they think readers will buy, you’re in.  If you send them books that they think are in a market they consider glutted or “dead,” (like cozy mysteries were then), you’re pretty much doomed.  But Ilona Andrews gives the best answer.  You can see for yourself: https://www.ilona-andrews.com/dreams-and-short-stories/

Which leads me to say, Do any of you have questions for me?  If you ever do, just ask.