Poets & Writers Jan/Feb 2007
Trends: Writers, Editors Say Adios to SASEs Neil Baker
UK IMPRINT ATTRACTS DEBUT AUTHORS
www.macmillannewwriting.com
No advance, No agent, non-negotiable terms from major publisher
First-time writer
Accepts only complete, word-perfect novels (edited and proof-read).
e.g Michael Stephen Fuchs, The Manuscript, positive review in UK April 2007
It is not vanity publishing. Only way for debut writer to get into print.
Writers do get higher-than-normal royalty: 20% of net receipts.
Publisher gets global rihts with proceeds from any rights sale shared 50:50 with the author
An option to buy the author's next novel on the same terms.
the manuscript must be finished. Macmillan will assign an editor. First novel. Submit by e-mail. Non negotiable , no need agent. Majority likes the deal.
21 debut writers have signed. Ranges across genres. UK, INdia, African mid 20s to over 60 years old.
e.g. Roger Moriss, Taking Comfort, first 3 months Morris sold 1,804 copies, earning US$4,000 in royalties, according to hisblog. Authors Guild in UK, average is US$9,500 annually.
Lack of an advance NOT a significant issue to debut authors.
The standard royalty rate for a book bought by a major publisher is 10% of the retail price of the book on first 5,000 copies sold, 12.5% on next 5,000 sold and 15% for all copies.
Sunday, September 9, 2007
4. Literary Journalists: How to Get On Their Radar
Poets & Writers Jan/Feb 2007
Jen A Miller
1/3 of 320,000 editors & writers working in the US are freelancers searching for the next great story. Writes about an author more than once. e.g. author profile for a large newspaper, a trend piece aabout the book for a regional magazine and Q&A with the writer for a lifestyle Web site - during the week of a book's publication.
author-freelancer connection fruitful for both parties. Who we are, what we do, what we're looking for, and when
UNDERSTAND WHAT WE DO
a review, an author profile and a trend piece.
KNOW WHERE TO FIND US
Read bylines. Skim back issues of magazines.
Freelancer not listed on masthead, staff writers,
local library, read blogs and Web sites for names of freelancers. 2 popular sites are Bookslut.com - book related stories and reviews
and online Salon - publishes a handful of book stories every week.
MBToolBox, a resource page for freelancers operated bby Mediabistro.com --- Claire Zulkey blogs there. Will oblige as long as they can share a tale about their book that will help others.
Enter a name into search engine...
Send a note to editor for freelancer's contact info.
KNOW HOW TO APPROACH US
Send a professional pitch and make it personal and simple.
Answer questions in a timely manner.
DON'T ALWAYS RELY ON YOUR PUBLICIST.
Authors do need to follow up. photocopy a sample from your advance copy and mail it to the writer.
KNOW WHAT WE WRITE.
Do your homework.
Electronic databases such as LexisNexis most helpful. Buy articles about freelancer's writings.
KNOW OUR CALENDARS
Give time to read (about 4 months before publication).
KNOW WE'RE NOT PERFECT
We work with you, not for you. Keep that in mind when dealing with us.
BUILD A RELATIONSHIP
Author collegial, makes our jobs easier. Let me know about 2nd book and in good time.
Time and energy in writing a book, finding a publisher, you need somebody to read it. Freelance writers can be key players in finding the audience.
Jen A Miller
1/3 of 320,000 editors & writers working in the US are freelancers searching for the next great story. Writes about an author more than once. e.g. author profile for a large newspaper, a trend piece aabout the book for a regional magazine and Q&A with the writer for a lifestyle Web site - during the week of a book's publication.
author-freelancer connection fruitful for both parties. Who we are, what we do, what we're looking for, and when
UNDERSTAND WHAT WE DO
a review, an author profile and a trend piece.
KNOW WHERE TO FIND US
Read bylines. Skim back issues of magazines.
Freelancer not listed on masthead, staff writers,
local library, read blogs and Web sites for names of freelancers. 2 popular sites are Bookslut.com - book related stories and reviews
and online Salon - publishes a handful of book stories every week.
MBToolBox, a resource page for freelancers operated bby Mediabistro.com --- Claire Zulkey blogs there. Will oblige as long as they can share a tale about their book that will help others.
Enter a name into search engine...
Send a note to editor for freelancer's contact info.
KNOW HOW TO APPROACH US
Send a professional pitch and make it personal and simple.
Answer questions in a timely manner.
DON'T ALWAYS RELY ON YOUR PUBLICIST.
Authors do need to follow up. photocopy a sample from your advance copy and mail it to the writer.
KNOW WHAT WE WRITE.
Do your homework.
Electronic databases such as LexisNexis most helpful. Buy articles about freelancer's writings.
KNOW OUR CALENDARS
Give time to read (about 4 months before publication).
KNOW WE'RE NOT PERFECT
We work with you, not for you. Keep that in mind when dealing with us.
BUILD A RELATIONSHIP
Author collegial, makes our jobs easier. Let me know about 2nd book and in good time.
Time and energy in writing a book, finding a publisher, you need somebody to read it. Freelance writers can be key players in finding the audience.
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