My tip to unpublished authors: Instead of setting the goal to get published next year, set the goal to read more books. Even better, take a break from writing (or partial break) to read 20-50 books. Then go back to your MS. You'll have a clearer picture of what you're doing wrong and how to rewrite to be as good as your favorite author.
So, writers have approximately between 0.05% - 0.1% chance to be picked AND publishers want them to do all the legwork to create a social media presence?
I kind of knew it, and, being as impatient as I am, I've just gone straight to self-publishing. Reading it confirmed candidly by an industry professional, I don't regret my choice to skip querying.
This is one particular agent's take on what they look for and what their querying statistics look like — it doesn't speak to ALL agents' experiences.
I'm so glad you found the right publishing path for you!
I joined Substack and Chapter break to get your offer of an Assessment Questionnaire. May I please clarify if I need to be a paying subscriber before I can receive it? Please let me know. Many thanks.
It is really disheartening to read an agent tell you that only 5 out of 5-10k queries get their attention, and on top of that, now social media plays a role. So, this century's Magnum Opus could be out there, but since the writer invested their time in their craft, instead of playing the social media game, we'll never get to read it. That's why Literature (not book writing. One is art, the other is business) is dying. Is not about having something to say, it's about how loud you say it.
Serious question: If I have a large social media following, what do I need an agent for? From what I've gathered, most books sell less than 1000 copies. A large social media following should get me there without the publishing house middle man.
This sort of goes against previous data you've shared about the number of authors published who are complete unknowns and who don't have big followings. Delia Owens doesn't have a giant following.
On an related note, most of the social media action is on Facebook, Instagram, and Tiktok. The number of lawsuits on the way against these companies is staggering. I'm wondering if trying to build a following on these sites is going to pass by the Overton Window. But we're supposed to be where the readers are. It's a conundrum!
You can absolutely successfully publish fiction without a giant social media following. This was just one particular agent's take on how the market has shifted in recent years and what can move the needle in sales.
Are true readers really still out there on social media? Maybe a few years ago, that was the case. But lately, with the over-saturation of AI-generated reels, influencers that all look the same, and book-tok that rarely even mention literary fiction, is there even a point to appear on social media? (Just a genuine question, because I deleted my social media last summer, and I don't regret it. Got more time on my hands to read and write. However, based on interviews like this one, I do sometimes wonder if I should pour some energy into building an audience on FB/Instagram.)
My tip to unpublished authors: Instead of setting the goal to get published next year, set the goal to read more books. Even better, take a break from writing (or partial break) to read 20-50 books. Then go back to your MS. You'll have a clearer picture of what you're doing wrong and how to rewrite to be as good as your favorite author.
I love this advice! Reading more ALWAYS makes you a better writer.
So, writers have approximately between 0.05% - 0.1% chance to be picked AND publishers want them to do all the legwork to create a social media presence?
I kind of knew it, and, being as impatient as I am, I've just gone straight to self-publishing. Reading it confirmed candidly by an industry professional, I don't regret my choice to skip querying.
This is one particular agent's take on what they look for and what their querying statistics look like — it doesn't speak to ALL agents' experiences.
I'm so glad you found the right publishing path for you!
I joined Substack and Chapter break to get your offer of an Assessment Questionnaire. May I please clarify if I need to be a paying subscriber before I can receive it? Please let me know. Many thanks.
It is really disheartening to read an agent tell you that only 5 out of 5-10k queries get their attention, and on top of that, now social media plays a role. So, this century's Magnum Opus could be out there, but since the writer invested their time in their craft, instead of playing the social media game, we'll never get to read it. That's why Literature (not book writing. One is art, the other is business) is dying. Is not about having something to say, it's about how loud you say it.
Serious question: If I have a large social media following, what do I need an agent for? From what I've gathered, most books sell less than 1000 copies. A large social media following should get me there without the publishing house middle man.
This sort of goes against previous data you've shared about the number of authors published who are complete unknowns and who don't have big followings. Delia Owens doesn't have a giant following.
On an related note, most of the social media action is on Facebook, Instagram, and Tiktok. The number of lawsuits on the way against these companies is staggering. I'm wondering if trying to build a following on these sites is going to pass by the Overton Window. But we're supposed to be where the readers are. It's a conundrum!
You can absolutely successfully publish fiction without a giant social media following. This was just one particular agent's take on how the market has shifted in recent years and what can move the needle in sales.
Are true readers really still out there on social media? Maybe a few years ago, that was the case. But lately, with the over-saturation of AI-generated reels, influencers that all look the same, and book-tok that rarely even mention literary fiction, is there even a point to appear on social media? (Just a genuine question, because I deleted my social media last summer, and I don't regret it. Got more time on my hands to read and write. However, based on interviews like this one, I do sometimes wonder if I should pour some energy into building an audience on FB/Instagram.)