Talent and Timing Back to Blog
I think most writers agree that in order to sell your work, you’ve got to have talent. But, in addition to having the talent, I think timing plays a HUGE role.
There are thousands of writers out there, all fighting to break into the publishing world. And many, many of those writers are talented. So, I think the “break” comes with perfect timing.
Think about it: If a new line is opening somewhere (say, Harelquin and their Nocturne line or Avon Red), then those lines need writers…and it’s the perfect time to submit.
Or, if a line expands, say a category line goes from producing 4 books a month to 6….it’s definitely the perfect time to submit.
Yes, I think talent will push a writer’s work out of the slush pile, and timing, the perfect timing, will push you to a sale.
But if you submit at the wrong time…say you send in a western just as a publishing house has decided to end their western line, talent won’t be enough to save that story. Or, if you have a fresh, brilliant idea that you submit–and then you find out that the publishing house of your dreams just bought a nearly identical fresh, brilliant concept…the timing will just work against you.
So, the issue becomes when do you know the time is right?! Ah…that’s the trick. I read industry blogs, industry mags (Romantic Times), and I try to eagerly grab every bit of gossip that I can in order to seek out my perfect time. And here’s a bit of news that I’ve picked up recently:
Harlequin American is looking for new writers (per the July issue of the Romantic Times).
And, a few weeks ago, Anna Genoese of Tor posted on her blog that she was looking for paranormal romance novels and romantic suspense tales.
Yep, it’s about talent…and timing.
I bet Anna Genoese was bombarded with subs after that blog. I thought about sending but decided not to. Mine don’t have enough paranormal elements for her.
I so agree about the timing. Chick lit is a great example. One minute it was the hottest thing around, and the next… Pffft.
You’re so right on this, and when we are new to the biz we don’t realise the timing aspect. As you say, we can help ourselves, keep an eye on market trends. So much of it is down to luck and having a sub there when the editor is looking for one like it!
I at last have a book which seems to be on a subject that is hot and getting hotter. Now I just have to finish it and get it out. Hopefully by then, I won’t have missed the fickle boat of trends.
Good luck with your book, Michelle! I hope you have perfect timing.
Hi, Saskia! Oh, my dream is to one day write a story, hand it over to a fabulous publisher, and find out that it’s exactly the right time–that my story is just what they want!
And, Edie, I’m sure you’re right. I bet Anna Genoese was flooded with submissions.