Romina Russell
1. Write all the time.
You never know what's going to get picked up. Zodiac sold, but I have a book I've been working on for 8 years that has yet to sell, and every year I continue revising it. I also have a list of ideas for new stories that I'm constantly reviewing and developing. The more content you put out there, the better your odds of selling.
2. Rejection does not mean your book isn't good.
Think of it this way: When you walk into a bookstore (or click into an online marketplace), you often peruse dozens of titles but only leave with one or two (or a handful of) purchases. Even though you may not think of it this way, you've effectively "rejected" hundreds of thousands of books -- most you never even looked at, some you read parts of and didn't love.
The titles you checked out but didn't purchase aren't bad books -- they're just not right for you, or maybe they're not right for you right now, or maybe you just don't have the time to read everything you want and had to be a tough judge. The point is that art is subjective.
Think of all the books you had to get through to find the ones you love. Now think of how many agents/editors you've queried -- probably nowhere near as many books as you looked at -- and realize how rare it is to find your perfect reader in that small group. So keep trying!!!
3. Read HARRY POTTER.
I re-read the series every year, and each time is like coming home.
Even if HARRY isn't your thing, find a book (or series) you love and explore what makes it so special. Knowing that can help you figure out what draws you to writing for a particular demo and will bring you closer to discovering what truths you hope to impart to your readers.
You never know what's going to get picked up. Zodiac sold, but I have a book I've been working on for 8 years that has yet to sell, and every year I continue revising it. I also have a list of ideas for new stories that I'm constantly reviewing and developing. The more content you put out there, the better your odds of selling.
2. Rejection does not mean your book isn't good.
Think of it this way: When you walk into a bookstore (or click into an online marketplace), you often peruse dozens of titles but only leave with one or two (or a handful of) purchases. Even though you may not think of it this way, you've effectively "rejected" hundreds of thousands of books -- most you never even looked at, some you read parts of and didn't love.
The titles you checked out but didn't purchase aren't bad books -- they're just not right for you, or maybe they're not right for you right now, or maybe you just don't have the time to read everything you want and had to be a tough judge. The point is that art is subjective.
Think of all the books you had to get through to find the ones you love. Now think of how many agents/editors you've queried -- probably nowhere near as many books as you looked at -- and realize how rare it is to find your perfect reader in that small group. So keep trying!!!
3. Read HARRY POTTER.
I re-read the series every year, and each time is like coming home.
Even if HARRY isn't your thing, find a book (or series) you love and explore what makes it so special. Knowing that can help you figure out what draws you to writing for a particular demo and will bring you closer to discovering what truths you hope to impart to your readers.
More Answered Questions
Saryna Smith
asked
Romina Russell:
Hi Romina (again!) I just checked out your Zodiac website, and was wondering if there are any plans to maybe make a sort of "Save the Zodiac" game or what not on there? I think that would be super fun! Also, I'm currently reading Thirteen Rising, and I'm really excited for it. Although, I am very very sad that it's the last book in the Zodiac series (but that's what re-reading is all about!) Thank you!
Andrew Jason
asked
Romina Russell:
If it has been officially confirmed for a fourth book, are the future Zodiac books going to be much longer? Diving into these worlds and getting lost in the story of everything is something I want to do more in this series! But longer length = more time = can't have the patience, hahaha.
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