Murder Off the Books - Evelyn David
NewsletterFirst rule to writing a good mystery: Join Sisters in Crime. You don't have to be a woman or have been published to join. Certainly, the group is a powerful advocate for women writers, but it also serves all authors by providing smart, practical insight into the state of the industry. Check out the SinC blog, for a full report on the most recent Publisher Summit. It's no surprise that publishers are worried about the bottom line. Aren't we all? This is an industry that has been struggling for years with a steady decline in the book buying public. Now with our weakened economy, discretionary spending is at an all-time low. Buying gas v. buying a book. Our hearts might opt for the book, but that's not always possible. The end result is that editors are looking long and hard at new projects. You will need to convince not only the editor, but a committee of the sale-ability of your book. As one agent explained, "No editor, regardless of rank today, can make a deal without going through the editorial board of the publisher." When you read the SinC report, a couple of things leap out. First, at least some publishers are already mourning the demise of the mystery genre, especially the cozy/ But don't don your sackcloth and ashes quite yet. Good writing is good writing, whatever the genre. Julia Spencer-Fleming, the award-winning mystery author of All Mortal Flesh said it best: "Ultimately, what's important about the books I write and the books I read are that they create a recognizable, believable world with characters I want to spend time with." You can't change the industry gossip. Spend your time focusing on making your book the best it can be. It's important to know what editors are looking for, but remember that you can't write a book that you don't believe in. Believe in yourself - we believe in you! Evelyn David  |
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