The Writing Life

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Sunday, May 17, 2026

Fuel for Author Disappointment

Running on empty? Not selling as many books as you want to sell? Just like a car needs gas for fuel, authors need to take action to reach readers. Which actions are effective? I’m going to give you some answers below.

First, some background about some situations where I asked these questions. As an acquisitions editor at a New York publisher, Morgan James Publishing, often I speak with authors about their books. One our novelists with a trilogy of books, published his first novel with us about six months ago. Now he's speaking with me about getting a contract for books two and three in his series. Doing my due dilligence, I asked about the sales of his first novel. I learned this book has sold 40 copies in the bookstores. What disappointing news and shows this author did little (if anything) to promote those bookstore sales. The primary way our company makes money is selling books in the bookstores.

I’m speaking with another author who years ago published his first book with Morgan James. Now he is approaching me about publishing his second book. As a part of my preparation, I asked about his book sales for the first book. During the years his book has been in print, he has sold several hundred books inside the bookstore. Also this author has purchased a couple of hundred additional books. From a publisher viewpoint, these numbers are dismal. Often I tell my authors about the thousands of dollars Morgan James invests in the creation of their books and that to become profitable we need to sell about 4,000 copies.

Here’s the good news: despite those past sales numbers, we are working with these authors and all our other authors over the long haul. We don’t charge for our marketing training and are still helping authors who we published over 20 years ago. From my work in publishing, I know how different these actions are compared to other publishers. We do it because we understand that if the author takes steady and persistent effort, then the sales of their book can change. As a publisher, Morgan James is focused on the long haul and not a short period.

What to do with Author Disappointment

1. I encouraged both of these authors to get active and tell readers about the benefits of their book. It’s been proven that readers have to hear about the value of your book over and over before they take action (buy it). There are many different ways to show that activity such as blog posts, podcasts, radio, newspaper, live events, etc. Get a copy of John Kremer’s over 700 page book 1001 Ways to Market Your Book. Then read this book and try to execute as many of those ideas as you can.

2. As an acquisitions editor speaking with authors about their book, I’m searching for active authors who understand they have to take consistent action to reach readers and sell books. It is a constant area of my discussion with authors.

3. Another way I handle my author disappointment is to take action to get more of my work into the market. If you have heard any of my podcasts, I often talk about my own season of author disappointment when my books were not selling and how I turned that situation around through taking 100% responsibility for my own success. The process takes consistent and persistent work but is possible and every author can do it.

Finally I encourage you to watch this 55 second Facebook reel from “Starside” author Alex Aster on the impact that social media has had on her career. She tells Drew Barrymore about how she could not find a literary agent or a publisher for her novel. Alex believed in her story and created hundreds of videos on TikTok. Her readers watched and agreed. Now she is publishing her ninth novel. It’s a remarkable story about her determination, persistence and going directly to the readers with her books.

What fuel are you using for author disappointment? Let me know in the comments. Whatever you do, don’t quit and keep looking for the right place. I believe your persistence will pay off.

Tweetable:

When you experience author disappointment, what action do you take? This prolific author and editor suggests actions to fuel author disappointment. (ClickToTweet)

New Podcasts:

In these articles, I’ve encouraged you to use PodMatch or some similar tool to book and record podcasts. Last week another podcat recording launched:

Morgan McCarver (@GodTheArtistBk) and I spoke about publishing myths on God the Artist Podcast. Listen at: https://bit.ly/4ddVwQT

Currently I’m working with my third publisher as an acquisitions editor. During these years, I’ve spoken with many authors about their expectations, dreams and desires for their books. I find many unrealistic expectations. Many aspects of the publishing process are outside of anything an author can control. I wrote 10 PUBLISHING MYTHS to give authors practical help. You can get decades of insights in 10 PUBLISHING MYTHS for only $10, free shipping and over $200 of bonuses.

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Labels: author, book sales, consistency, determination, Fuel for Author Disappointment, marketing, Morgan James Publishing, success, Terry Whalin, The Writing Life

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Sunday, May 10, 2026

When You Hear Crickets

By Terry Whalin @terrywhalin

It happens to every writer. We pitch oaur books to editors and agents. We work for hours on creating a thorough and complete book proposal. We craft a query for a book publisher or a magazine editor. Select any of these active steps you are taking as a writer.

After this action, what happens? No response or crickets. What do you do next? First, my encouragement for one action not to take: quit. Here’s a second one not to take: stall and work on your piece and not submit or do anything.

From my years in publishing, I understand the challenges in the work but also I understand the opportunities. There are abundant opportunities for your work to be published and your words to enter the marketplace. In this article I want to present some ideas and encourage you to move forward.

While your desire to write and tell stories is a good one, publishing is a business and each of us (including me) need the help of others to find the right fit. Are you connected to other writers? Do you belong to a local writer’s group? If so, when does it meet and are you making the time to attend these sessions? Every writer needs these connections. Read this article for more reasons.

Another important writer activity is to join a critique group. Whether you do it face to face (ideal) or online (also possible), these groups are a free method to get insight and help for your storytelling. Whether it is a writer's group or a writer’s critique group, it will take some effort on your part to find the right connection. Don’t be surprised if you have to try several groups before you make the right connection. This trial and error is part of the journey that each of us have to make as writers.

For example, I’ve been in some incredible critique groups which helped me month after month for years. I've also been in some critique groups that I attended a couple of times, then dropped out of them. The critical element is to find the right one for you and your writing journey. It is different for each of us.

If you are not getting responses to your writing, I encourage you to try a different type of writing. Read the first free chapter of Jumpstart Your Publishing Dreams (follow this link). Maybe you want to write a book which is a good goal in my view as a book editor. But your first step should be to write some magazine articles. The 2026 Christian Writers Market Guide includes over 150 magazines where your writing could be published. The information changes from year to year so make sure you are using the latest guide. Articles are shorter than a 50,000 to 80,000 word book. As a writer, when you craft these articles you are learning some important skills about headlines, beginning paragraphs, writing to a single takeaway point and many other details. Use these links to learn more about magazine writing.

Another wise action when you are not getting any response is to attend a writer’s conference. There are large and small writers conferences with a variety of emphasis, cost and connections. The majority of us as writers are introverts but during these events,we have to push ourselves to interact with others, ask good questions and make new connections. At these events, I’ve made life-long friends who I can call or email when I'm stuck or need help. You can attend these events and take in the information yet not make new friends or connections. Bring plenty of business cards during these conferences and exchange with everyone you meet.

Recently I called a local writer friend. We had not spoken in years but during our conversation, she recalled the details of a conversation from over 20 years ago. The event where we met no longer exists but the details from our conversation has stood the test of time for this writer. You can have the same sort of impact with your writing and your conversations. More than reading about writing or listening to teaching about writing or thinking about it, getting your writing into the world takes consistent action. Every writer needs to spend time sitting at their keyboard and writing. You can make it happen through your continued actions.

When you hear crickets for your writing, what actions do you take? I look forward to your comments.

Tweetable:

Sometimes when we submit our writing, the response is silence or crickets. This prolific author and editor encourages a series of actions in this article. (ClickToTweet)

Editor’s note. For some reason, I could not get ClickToTweet to work. I’m including it below so you can easily cut and paste it on to others with my gratitude:

Sometimes when we submit our writing, the response is silence or crickets. This prolific author and editor Terry Whalin (@terrywhalin) encourages a series of actions in this article: https://bit.ly/3QYoXze #writinglife #pubtip

New Podcasts:

In these articles, I’ve encouraged you to use PodMatch or some similar tool to book and record podcasts. Not every podcast host tells me about the launch of our recording. I found a couple more podcasts last week and here are those recordings:

Cameron Cowan (@cameroncowan) and I spoke about the publishing industry and much more on the Cameron Journal Podcast at: https://bit.ly/4uFDdLH

Christian Brim (@christian_brim) and I spoke about navigating the myths and realities of the publishing world on The Profitable Creative Podcast at: https://bit.ly/42VXW1R

As I’ve worked in the publishing world for years, I’ve spoken with many authors about their expectations and dreams for their books. I’ve found many of these authors have unrealistic expectations about what will happen with their published book. Many aspects of the publishing process are outside of anything an author can control. I wrote 10 PUBLISHING MYTHS to give authors practical help and take actions no matter what the publisher does for your book. You can get decades of insights in 10 PUBLISHING MYTHS for only $10, free shipping and over $200 of bonuses.

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Labels: book, conferences, connection, consistency, magazine writing, persistence, submissions, Terry Whalin, The Writing Life, When You Hear Crickets

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Sunday, May 03, 2026

Avoid Something Terrible

By Terry Whalin @terrywhalin

Thoughout my years in publishing, I’ve learned a critical insight that I will capture in this article. The sky looks threatening and the bench holds three monkeys who silently declare, “See no evil. Speak no evil. Say no evil.” They know something terrible is coming. I want to help you know how to avoid this experience as a book author.

I’m talking about the experience of looking at the sales numbers on your book and seeing single digits or zeros. I’ve had this experience with some of my books and it is not one that I recommend. When this happens, I have to ask myself, what am I actively doing to tell others about my book?

Most writers (including me) would prefer to be writing than telling others about my book (marketing or promotion). There are several things going on which make marketing or promotion necessary for every author whether they want to do it or not.

--Thousands of new books enter the market every day.

--Surveys have proven that someone has to hear about your book at least seven or eight times and maybe as many as 20 times before they purchase a book.

--Your book needs to be available everywhere (not just on one or two websites like your own website and Amazon).

--The process of telling others about the benefits of your book is often repetative and boring.

--Every author has excuses like I want to write or I dislike/ hate promotion and talking about myself and my book or I want someone else to do it. I’ve made and heard many different excuses. Don’t use it to let yourself off from it.

If marketing is something many writers avoid or don’t do, why should you do it? As the circus promoter P.T. Barnum said, “Without promotion, something terrible happens. Nothing.”

The Good News

--It’s never too early or too late. Every author can start and take action to sell their book.

--You can’t depend on someone else to do it. You must take your own action and your responsibility.

--You can learn to market and promote

--There are tools to help you in this process

--There are many different ways

--It doesn’t have to consume your day or time (you can still write)

--It can be fun if you do it consistently and perservere

Author Resources

You have to learn from other successful authors and use the right tools. I’ve tried Facebook ads and wasted money with no results. Follow bestselling novelist Mark Dawson and his LaunchPad course. Open now and only available a few times each year. Explore it. Buy it over time (as I did and have lifetime access). Watch the videos then apply them to your promotion work.

Years ago, I met and interviewed marketing expert Raleigh Pinskey. She has promoted many people and books throughout her career. Follow this link to get some of her details and insight. Raleigh gave me a copy of her excellent book, 101 Ways to Promote Yourself. The book includes a wealth of practical and easy to accomplish ideas for every author.

You have to craft your words and explore different methods. This weekend I received this email. Harrison House sent it out because I am a subscribers to ShelfAwareness.

Intrigued with the book, I saw YouTube video of an interview on Fox News. I watched the eight minute interview then I noticed some other wise marketing details. The first comment was from the author and included a link to purchase the book on Barnes & Noble. The email gave information which led me to additional information which led me to a link to buy the book on Barnes & Noble. Some wise person created a series of steps to attract and inform readers.

While I appreciate you reading this article and even passing it on to others (use the ClickToTweet), what actions are you going to take for your books? Thinking about it does not do it. You have to take consistent actions. Let me know in the comments below. I’m cheering for your success.

Tweetable:

Every author needs to avoid something terrible. Read this article from this prolific author and editor to learn the specifics. (ClickToTweet)

New Podcasts:

In these articles, I’ve encouraged you to use PodMatch or some similar tool to book and record podcasts. Last week I had another podcast recording launch:

Danielle Hutchinson and I spoke on the Authority on Demand Podcast about 10 Publishing Myths and my 40+ years of experience as an author, ghostwriter, editor, and acquisitions editor. Watch our interview at:https://bit.ly/4tPFT9m

Publishing is a complex business and much of the process is outside of anything an author can control—no matter how they publish. I wrote 10 PUBLISHING MYTHS to give authors realistic expectations and practical help. You can get decades of insights in 10 PUBLISHING MYTHS for only $10, free shipping and over $200 of bonuses.

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Labels: Avoid Something Terrible, bookselling, marketing, passion, promotion, repetition, TErry, The Writing Life

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Sunday, April 26, 2026

Create a System for Consistency

By Terry Whalin @terrywhalin

One of the key habits every writer and communicator needs to develop is consistency. It’s a habit I learned years ago and continue to this day.

In the early days of social media, in my mind, I built a grid for my posts. I decided to begin with an inspirational quotation. Then I launch into several posts about my own writing. Each post includes a photo, a benefit and focus on the reader. After those few posts, I created another pattern to promote and teach from others. At the end of my day, I return to my writing and resources and end with one of my online articles. I use a scheduling tool called Hootsuite. There are others like Buffer. I spend about 30 focused minutes every day on this effort. You should create whatever will work for you. Make sure you create something you can do over and over without quiting.

You begin the system creation process with a focus on the end goal: to create something with a limit that is focused on your readers (audience). Also whatever you create has to be something you feel comfortable doing repeatedly and consistently.

For example, my audience for The Writing Life and my newsletter (follow these links to subscribe and get on your email) is people interested in publishing and writing. I use these two words in the broadest sense to give me lots of flexibility and options. Write down several words which capture your audience (or do it in your mind).

There are dozens of social media platforms. I do not own these platforms and my involvement is as a guest or rented. I'm aware that I’m a guest and could unknowningly violate their terms and be banned or kicked off. I encourage you to choose carefully. Early in the process, I chose three social media platforms: X/Twitter, LinkedIN and Facebook. Notice some of what is missing here (also a choice). I do not have a presence on Pinterest or Instagram or YouTube or many other places. These choices are important and something you do in the beginning to narrow your focus. You want to start something that you can consistently continue.

When I set up my system, I decided to post 12 to 15 times every day. I use a grid or pattern for this process. For years, I’ve been creating and posting in this pattern. My personal system is not time consuming but something I do in about 30 minutes every day.

I wrote these details for the simple reason to encourage you to create your system or habit to become consistent. You may post less times a day or a week but do it over and over. Your consistency will pay off for you.

In addition, I’ve gathered content and resources for others in my particular audience. These people interested in writing and publishing can learn a great deal just following me and reading the various posts. In my own writing life, I have learned a tremendous amount of information reading these articles.

After Creating Your System

When I have created a system, I consistently use it. The response varies. Sometimes others comment about the posts. Other times I hear nothing. The point is consistent effort and in the creation process, set up somthing you can accomplish over and over.

Once your system is working, you can add elements to this process. For example, my additional elements include a weekly newsletter, a presence and consistent use of Goodreads, my use of PodMatch for guest podcasting, my consistent creation of new content for my blog and guest blogging in several places.

Beyond this system for my social media, for the last 14 years, I’ve got fulltime work as an acquisitions editor at Morgan James Publishing. Throughout my day, I’m regularly working with authors on the details of their books.

No one can do everything. Where will you get the greatest reach and be able to build an audience that you can continue? Are you creating a system for consistency? Let me know in the comments.

Tweetable:

As a writer, can you create a system for consistency? Read this article to discover how this prolific author and editor is consistent. (ClickToTweet)

Every type of publishing has its own complexity, and many parts of the process are outside of anything that an author can control. In addition, from speaking with authors, I find many of them have unrealistic expectations about publishing. I wrote 10 PUBLISHING MYTHS to give authors practical help. Get my decades of insights in 10 PUBLISHING MYTHS for only $10, free shipping and over $200 of bonuses.

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Labels: audience, consistence, Create a System for Consistency, newsletter, persistence, readers, social media, Terry Whalin, The Writing Life

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Sunday, April 19, 2026

Learn The Hard Way

By Terry Whalin @terrywhalin

Often on my social media feed I will see some news about an author that turned down our Morgan James Publishing contract offer. It happened again today. This author decided to go with another company that I also know very well.

When I saw this news, I “almost” picked up the phone to call the author and tell her what I know about her choice. In the early days of my writing life, I may have completed that call and likely disrupted my relationship with this author. I would have said some things about that other publishing house which I would later regret.

Because I paused before I acted, I went another route. My call wouldn’t change this author’s choice. She had signed a publishing contract and was committed to this direction. Like many of our choices, she was going to have to learn the hard way. Whether they know it or not, this particular publisher has a reputation for charging their authors for every large or small service. Some people would call these actions “nickel and dime.” These authors can spend spend a great deal of money on such services (with little return from my experience). I could not teach this author those publishing lessons. They were going to learn them the hard way.

During my last exchange with this author, I wished her well and hope we can work together in the future. Sometimes years later, these authors do return to me. Why? They return bccause they have learned the hard way.

Here’s a different situation. At a conference, I find a solid author with a growing market presence. Instead of taking the Morgan James Publishing contract offer, they sign with a literary agent and move toward the traditional route. When you make this choice, the author gives up their rights and control. Also they don’t understand agents do not sell all of their submissions. I hear their stories about the higher standards (platform and reader connections) of traditional publishers and the poor marketing efforts from these publishers. To successfully publish a book involves a lot of details which can go off the rails and produce little for the author or that publisher. The risks are there. This author will have to learn the hard way.

It is not my responsibility to fix every publishing situation. Instead I have to let this author and situation go and realize that person will have to learn it through their own hard earned experience. I’ll admit I have to hold back my opinion and let go of the book and the author. Throughout the publishing process, each of us are making dozens of critical choices. Do we self-publish? Do we find an agent and go the traditional route? Will that choice work out for our goals for the book? There are no simple answers.

Often I return to a principle that I’ve learned in my years in pubishing. I am 100% responsible for my own success and others have to take responsibility for their own success. Everyone of us has blindspots. Some people have to try the other flawed system and learn the hard way.

How can you avoid learning the hard way?

1. Understand the various options and explore each of them.

2. Use your network to ask questions and talk with various authors about their experiences.

3. Read how-to books and understand your choices.

4. Go to conferences and ask questions and listen for options and choices.

5. Build and maintain your relationships with publishing professionals.

Before you sign a publishing contract or an agency agreement, ask detailed questions, speak with their authors and ask more questions. Take a hard look, then sign and move forward with that person and company.

As I’ve mentioned in these articles, publishing is not easy and selling books and reaching readers has many different paths. New books are streaming into the marketplace every day. If you take 100% responsibility for your own success, you can find your right path and have to learn the hard way.

In the comments below, let me know how you have made good choices or learned the hard way. If I can help you not learn the hard way, don’t hesitate to reach out to me.

Tweetable:

Publishing is filled with good and bad choices. In this article, prolific author and editor writes about how sometimes authors have to learn the hard way. (ClickToTweet)

Create A Better Submission

Do you need a better submission? I’m teaching a free Live Webinar on Tuesday, April 21st at 6 pm Eastern. I'm an acquisitions editor at my third publisher and have reviewed thousands of submissions. Register and details at: https://bit.ly/4lIx91y

Throughout my many years in publishing, I’ve co-authored over a dozen books and reviewed thousands of submissions (no exaggeration). As a part of the process of working with these authors, I speak with them about their dreams and plans. Many of these authors have unrealistic expectations about what will happen with their published book. Many aspects of the details of publishing are outside of anything an author can control. I wrote 10 PUBLISHING MYTHS to give authors practical help. You can get decades of insights in 10 PUBLISHING MYTHS for only $10, free shipping and over $200 of bonuses.

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Labels: actions, authors, choices, conferences, Learn The Hard Way, literary agents, Morgan James Publishing, readers, Terry Whalin, The Writing Life

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Sunday, April 12, 2026

Two Critical Author Actions

By Terry Whalin @terrywhalin

Every day thousands of new books pour into the market. How can you standout and sell books? Are you depending on someone else to sell your books? Maybe you have a traditional publisher or have hired a publicist or marketing person. As the author, you have the greatest passion and investment in your book. I continue to encourage you to take 100% responsibility for your own success and selling your book. If you aren’t taking consistent action, then you aren't reaching new readers and telling them about the benefits of your book. It’s why last week I recorded another podcast about publishing expectations and told listeners about 10 Publishing Myths. Follow the link to get it, read it and take action.

Today, I’m giving you the stories about two critical actions that every author needs to take to sell books: positioning and follow-up.

First, position your book for readers to know about it and easily purchase your book. Several years ago right before the pandemic, I made a large investment in 10 Publishing Myths. With eight other authors I took three days away from home to attend a book funnel book bootcamp. The hours and work at this camp were long and intense. We brainstormed about each other’s work, learned how to use new tools and launched this effort. In the years since, several of my fellow participants have removed their book funnel and given up on these tools. I have continued to promote it and use it which is one of the keys for me. If you give up and quit, the effort stops.

In addition to this website, I have continued promotion and used PodMatch to book or record over 70 podcasts. I do not have a podcast but have been guesting and promoting the podcasts of others. Before each podcast (whether it is live or recorded), I review my talking points or stories that I want to make sure I tell during these sessions. I can only control my part of the process but I can thoughtfully take that control. I purchased a website Publishing Offer.com. On this website, I forward to my book funnel site. The words are clear and easy for every listener to recall and use. People listen to podcasts when exercising or driving in their car or any number of other places away from a computer. I consider my listeners and want to make it easy for them to get to my website.

I’m telling you these specific actions so you can apply them to your own books and your readers. How you position your book and continue to promote it is an important aspect of this work.

Last Saturday, I spent three hours listening to about 15 pitches online from different writers. Over the last several years, as an acquisitions editor, I’ve participated in this conference. I have a track record of results from these pitches because Morgan James Publishing has published several books from these authors.

The leaders of this conference understand that I’m eager to get the email addresses and contact information from these various authors who pitched their books. During a five or ten minute author pitch, I did not gather or exchange any contact information with these authors. It is the second action, I want to write about in this article: followup. Without follow-up the chain of commuication is broken. Unless I communicate, they don't how how to reach me and likely will not submit their manuscript to me. This communication gap is necessary to fill or I will miss an opportunity. I emailed the leaders and requested the information (even though they told me orally that they were going to send it). When I received the information, I carefully entered their names, emails and phone numbers into my address book. Then early last week or a few days after our meeting, I sent each one an email asking for their submission. This follow-up step is critical for every author. These authors may send their submission in months or even next year. The timing is unimportant but the followup is critical.

For a moment, let’s return to book positioning. In my email signature, I include several links and the first one says:

Get 10 Publishing Myths for only $10 at:

http://publishingoffer.com/

One of those authors who pitched bought my book. When I mailed the printed book, I made a point to personalize the book (sign and date it on the title page) and include my business cards which have additional links and information.

I’m writing about these details because every author (including you) can take these types of actions. It involves thoughtful preparation, continued effort and action. It is through these actions you seize opportunities for your book.

One final idea for you: below this article, each week I create a ClickToTweet. I take this simple action to encourage you to easily pass this information to others. Can you please pass on this information?

What actions are you taking to reach new readers? How are you positioning your book? What followup steps are you taking to knock on doors and open opportunity? Let me know in the comments below.

Tweetable:

This prolific author and editor details two critical actions that every author can take. Read the stories here. (ClickToTweet)

For many years, I have spoken with individuals who want to publish a book. I’ve listened to their plans and found many of them have an unrealistic idea about the details of publishing. To sell books and succeed, these details are important. 10 PUBLISHING MYTHS is a practical easy reading book to help you. Get my decades of insights in 10 PUBLISHING MYTHS for only $10, free shipping and over $200 of

bonuses.

Every author needs a better submission for editors or literary agents. I’m teaching a free Live Webinar on Tuesday, April 21st at 6 pm Eastern. Register and details at: https://bit.ly/4lIx91y

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Labels: 10 Publishing Myths, action, book funnel bootcamp, email signature, marketing, readers, Terry Whalin, The Writing Life, Two Critical Author Actions

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Sunday, April 05, 2026

Editor, Do Your Work!

By Terry Whalin @terrywhalin

Editors have a critical responsibility in the process of producing excellent books. They are working on the foundation of the book. Every editor is charged to provide storytelling strength to the manuscript, feedback about the meaning and validation of the story and the information in the manuscript. For example, are they choosing the right words? In a novel, does the plot work? Does the author keep the reader turning the pages? Each of these questions have techniques and details the editor helps evaluate and improve the manuscript.

In addition, this editor guides the author about the realities of today's publishing marketplace. They give honest feedback about how this manuscript will fit into the bookstores. Through the years, I’ve worked with many different types of editors. Some editors are more skilled in one area of editing than another. If you are going the self-publishing or independent (hybrid) route with your book, then as the author you will get to select your editor. Even if you go the traditional route, you may hire an editor to help you shape an excellent submission.

I’m going to tell you about a recent editorial situation. I admit this article is a bit of a rant but I’m doing it because of the lessons that I can pass on to you.

As an acquisitions editor, I’m on the front lines of receiving submissions from authors and literary agents. Frequently I’m the first one to receive a submission. We make many different types of books at Morgan James Publishing. If it is a novel, I need the complete manuscript and synopsis in the submission.

This type of request is standard within the publishing community. There are basically two different types of novelists: plotters and panters. The plotters have laid out exactly where their novel is going while the pantsers don’t know their ending and write by the seat of their pants. Publishers have contracted novels which have great beginning chapters then later the novelist will reveal they are a pantser and stuck on how to complete the novel. This situation puts the publisher in a difficult position because they have spent money and effort but do not have a novel to publish.

I received a submision from an author which was 240,000 words. I requested and received the full manuscript. In case you don't see an issue, a 240,000 novel will be 850 pages when poured into pages. This first-time novelist was headed for repeated rejection for this large book. As the acquisitions editor, I told this author and suggested he break the story into four novels. When I made the suggestion, I knew it would involve editorial work to create a new “ending” which leaves the reader looking for the next book. Each of these four reworked novels could be 60,000 words or about 200 pages. This smaller page count allows for a reasonable (and saleable) retail price and repositions this novelist to be shopping a book which could sell in the bookstores--making the author and the publisher money. Many people never think about the commercial or business aspects of the book but they are a critical element in the decision-making process.

Before I championed this long novel to my colleagues and they possibly gave a contract offer, I needed reassurances from this author that he was willing to make these changes and deliver a manuscript with a commercially viable length.

The author was reluctant to divide the story. He said he could send a 120,000 word submission. I asked for a maximum 90,000 word novel and said my collegues would like it better if it was 80,000 words. The author balked and could not agree. Our negotiation broke down. This author had hired a freelance editor who worked through the entire story and been paid $3,000 for such work.

When I learned this information about the editor, I understood this editor got caught up in developing the story and took her eye off her main job: delivering a manuscript which would sell to a publisher. The editor did not do his work on this important detail of advising the author and providing a reality check of the fiction marketplace.

Each of us can easily name bestselling novelists who have written large works like James A. Michener. But a first time novelist? This large manuscript is facing multiple rejections searching for the right fit with a publisher. Novels are getting shorter in the marketplace for multiple reasons.

People are reading shorter novels (50,000 to 80,000 words). Also since 2020, the price of paper has increased 70% to 80% which compels publishers to look for shorter novels with a reasonable and saleable retail price. This editor neglected to teach his author about this important publishing detail.

The editorial process is subjective. One editor wants to overhaul your work for a high pricetag and many changes. A different editor will love your storytelling and make only a few critical modifications at a much lower cost. The selection of your editor is a critical decision.

Last week an author reached out to me. It had been almost two years since we had spoken. Her unedited novel was huge and I recommended an editor. It was another large novel and the author worked with her editor to split the novel. Through the editing process one novel is going to ultimately become a trilogy of novels. Each one is the right length to be published and sell into the bookstore.

Lessons From These Stories

1. Choose your editor carefully. Ask other authors that you respect for their recommendation. Ask the editor for their evaluation and a sample edit. From this sample, you can see the level of editing and it will help you make a decision if it is the right editor for you and your work.

2. Continually learn about the marketplace. As an author, it is your responsibility to understand the length of your book is an important issue. It could be preventing you from finding the right literary agent or the right publisher.

What lessons did you learn from my stories in this article? What am I missing that you can add? I look forward to your comments.

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Every submission is different. This prolific author and acquisitions editor highlights the importance of an editor’s work. Read the stories here. (ClickToTweet)

As I’ve worked in the publishing world for years, I’ve spoken with many authors about their expectations and dreams for their books. I’ve found many of these authors have unrealistic expectations about what will happen with their published book. Many aspects of the publishing process are outside of anything an author can control. I wrote 10 PUBLISHING MYTHS to give authors practical help and take actions no matter what the publisher does for your book. You can get decades of insights in 10 PUBLISHING MYTHS for only $10, free shipping and over $200 of bonuses.

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Labels: book publishing, bookstores, choices, Do Your Work!, editor, guidance, marketplace, Morgan James Publishing, Terry Whalin, The Writing Life, word count