15 Gail Carriger: The Business of Writing

I have a friend at work who reads a lot of the same books I love. We're constantly trading book recommendations. One day, I stopped by her counter and she had this new book: SOULLESS by Gail Carriger. I read the back and couldn't wait to read the whole thing. It's an amazing comedic blend of Victorian steampunk and fantasy (think werewolves and vampires, out in society, winning wars for the crown and influencing fashion). I was hooked. I wasn't the only one: it was a NYT Bestseller, won an ALA award, and forced debut author Gail to learn a lot about the publishing industry, like NOW.

On this call, she shared her knowledge with us, for when it's our turn. Some (but not all, by a long shot) highlights:

• It is still possible to be plucked from a publishing house slush pile.
• Pick an agent who can help you negotiate a favorable contract, and who has time for you on her client list. (Gail's agent is Kristin Nelson of Nelson Literary Agency. Kristin also blogs at Pub Rants.)
• Pick a publishing house with an editor you can trust to be professional, and with whom you can relate (Gail's publisher for the SOULLESS series is Orbit Books).
• Your publisher's marketing efforts will likely correspond to the size of your advance.
• There are a lot of things an author can do to market her own books--calling in favors is often involved.
• Blending genres is cool, but can be confusing to marketing departments, bookstores, and other industry professionals. Be prepared to explain your book, but you might get to help design your cover. :) (Well, at least Gail did.)
• If you perform well in public, your publisher will give you more opportunities to do so.
• Publishing money comes in stages: upon signing, upon delivery, upon publication, upon winning of awards, hitting benchmarks, out-earning advance, etc. Don't expect a big fat check all at once.

Gail stayed extra long to answer caller questions and to make sure we knew everything she thought we should. Plus, she pointed us to this post on her blog, where she talks in detail about her post-sale events and marketing efforts. Be sure to check it out!

You can access the MP3 by clicking here, or you can listen to the call below.

13: Laura Anne Gilman: Professionalism and the Aspiring Writer

Tonight, we spoke with Laura Anne Gilman author of the Paranormal Scene Investigation series , The Vineart War novels and The Retrievers series. Although the writing in your work (s) must be as polished as it can be first, LAG shared:

• The best (and worst) novel pitches she's ever heard as a former editor.
• Whether or not you have a presence on Social Media (Twitter or Facebook etc) it shouldn't make or break your writing career.
• Ways you can properly "work" a Convention (be it a writing convention or a genre centric convention) as an aspiring author.

And much much more!

If you've ever wondered how "The System" works from an editor's standpoint and an author's standpoint, lend an ear and be informed!

Listen to it below or download the MP3.

10: David Farland- How to Sell Your Novel

Tonight, we took time for a word from our Sponsor, David Farland. Dave shared with us five key factors an aspiring author or newly published author must have for a novel that sells. Those five factors are:

1. Make sure your novel is as good as it can be stylistically and grammatically before you try selling it.
2. Research prospective agents and editors for your work.
3. Crafting well written query letters.
4. Where (and how) to best meet agents and editors who will properly market your work.
5. Personal persistance and tenacity, how much is too much?

Dave took ample time to field questions from our Forum members. If you desire to astound the world with the brilliance of your prose, amaze humanity with your heart-rending flights of literary fancy, why haven't you stopped reading and started listening to what Dave had to say?

You can listen to it here on our handy-dandy player:

Or, you can listen to it on your computer's Window's Media Player by clicking here.
(If it's not downloading, switch to Internet Explorer.)