I appreciate this. I got an incredibly kind rejection recently to a full manuscript that essentially culminated in “we don’t know how to sell this.” It’s hard to know what to make of that as an author, because I have a pretty clear vision of how (in my completely unprofessional opinion) it could be sold. This video gave me some clarification.
I appreciate this info but know I will continue to write my stories, even if they’re not trendy or marketable. My gut tells me to keep writing contemporary YA and I have to trust my gut.
Subscriber here, could you guys do a video on “what makes a story/premise iconic?” in terms of why Harry Potter, Percy Jackson, twilight etc transcend trends and go viral. No ones done a video on the patterns (for example: one pattern is to create a fantastical society people feel like they can join). I think we all would watch a 20 video long series on this haha
Hi! Unfortunately, we really can't know what will make a book break out the way those modern classic did, so a video about that would be a lot of vagueness-if we did have the formula to successes like those, we'd definitely be using it! :) But we have done videos on how to know if your book is marketable, which is probably the closest we'll be able to come to broaching this topic! Sorry we can't promise something more helpful!
Excellent information, as always. Thank you. Question: roundabout, this does have to do with marketability. If in researching who (agent) is representing X (genre), and you find an agent in your category, and though they represent your genre, they state they are specifically wanting XYZ written by ABC writers, if you’re not in those specifically mentioned categories, should you not query those agents?
Hi! If they are looking for ABC writing XYZ and you are not ABC writing XYZ, it's quite possible and perhaps even probable that if you query them, you will get rejected. However, if you're uncertain of whether you fit the bill, or if you're not sure whether they're just saying that they are *prioritizing* ABC writing XYZ versus *exclusively looking for* ABC writing XYZ, you can always attempt to query anyhow. The worst thing they can do is say no. So it's up to you!
Do you know of a good way to find debut books within a certain genre? The NY Times list combines genres. The B&N best seller list often includes books that are several years old. I have tried to find trends with debut mystery/thriller authors, but I have yet to crack the system. Am I missing something obvious?
Appreciated your video on Query Tracker with its creator. What still baffles me that I hope you can help with is what is wanted in the bio and synopsis that wouldn't already be in a proper query letter?
Hi! A synopsis should not be part of your query letter. Blurbs go in the query letter. Blurbs and synopses are often confused, but a blurb is similar to cover copy (the description on the back of the book that introduces the characters and the conflict that gets the book going) while a synopsis is a full beat-by-beat summary of the major points of your book from beginning to end (INCLUDING spoilers for how the book ends). So, a query should include an intro to the book (title, genre, word count, comps), a blurb (cover copy that makes the agent want to pick up the book to find out what happens next), and a brief bio (a line or two about yourself and any writing-adjacent things you do/awards you've won/etc.). And the synopsis should be a separate thing fully summarizing the book's main events start to finish. Hope this helps!
I know this seems like a silly question. What about if you have a passion to write but, it is not what is in right now? If you know for a fact you would fail miserably if you just wrote to get published? Should you not submit to an an agent right now? Even if their wish list reflects what you write ? I am kind of nervous because I write what comes in my head at the time. I really am gaining from your vlogs. TY
You should definitely still submit your work, especially if you see your work reflected in agent wishlists! It's just important to be aware of what makes things marketable so that you can appropriately set expectations and keep working towards your goal!
I just watched a little more of your video once again (but will stop once again, for now, so I can better digest it), and once more it is an awesome, info-vid/tutorial that I am super glad I just watched from you 2. Oh, and by the way, Jessica, I, too, am a fellow, "donut-lover (particularly a good, classic, "Dunkin' Donuts," kind, especially with an equally good cup of Joe!), so I can totally relate to yor case. Take excellent care once again, Jessica and James, and I look forward to digging into this video in the near future--Good Lord be willing! 🙏❤️ Good day for now...
From the moment I have a seed for an idea, I begin to tailor my thoughts and words to my readers because that's the only way the idea might germinate into a manuscript that will become a marketable book! So, my marketing and writing always happen simultaneously!📚
I think you articulated Marketable clearly. Thank you. I would love to hear your views on the following topic: Using trademark names in publishing can create a different feel. “She threw the boul, Raisen Bran went everywhere” vs. “She threw the boul, cereal flakes went everywhere. ” 1. Despite having no willful intent or derogatory implication, does the use of trade names require approval of the trademark holder or risk a lawsuit? 2. Do agents and publishers pass on novels they would otherwise be interested in because they contain trademarked names-way too time-consuming and costly to acquire approvals? 3. Is it wise, in general, to incorporate when entering publishing? And how does this concern apply to public figures? “We just walked past Mayor LaGuardia!” vs. “We just walked past Mayor Lansfield!” Has the De Havilland vs FX lawsuit over the movie Fued affected publishing? I'd love to know. Thanks.
Hi! The usage of trademark names should not be a deterrent to the agent at the querying stage if they like your story, because that is something that they can easily point out to have you revise or discuss with you about whether or not you would need permissions to go forward and whether the impact is worth it, versus just taking the names out. So, feel free to keep them in when querying, but be aware that there's a chance you would have to remove them when editing with an agent or with a publisher if they indicate that you would need permissions and that those permissions may not be worth it.
When querying nonfiction do we put the entire text or the first five pages? Of book I just need clarification before submitting. Great advice about marketing!
Hi! For all nonfiction (except memoirs or biographies) you should put together a nonfiction proposal, which includes a query letter, and overview of the book, your platform, an outline, chapter summaries, and a sample chapter or two. We have some videos on nonfiction proposals you might find helpful!
Thanks for making these videos! I have a question. I published a series through a small publisher (not a traditional house and without an agent). I want to write in a different genre and try the traditional route. I understand my series with my small publisher can't be republish. I get that. Im curious if an agent will accept a new story from an author, or did I ruin my chances of getting angent by going with a small publisher?
Hi! This should be no problem. It's not uncommon for people to get agents part way through deals with small publishers, or bring them on in between books. So, especially if you plan to move publishers, adding an agent to your team should not be a problem. The only thing you might need to consider is, if your small publisher had any option clauses in their contract that you signed (also known as the right of first refusal) you and your new agent might have to determine and coordinate whether you are under legal obligation to submit your new materials to the small publisher first before you start submitting to traditional publishers.
Hello. My editor suggested I rewrite the ending of my book, so I did. I think it's good. I'm almost finished with my line edit rewrites, and I will submit my manuscript. My editor describes my book as an urban fantasy Greek mythology retelling. There is romance, action, suspense, drama, and all the good stuff. It's going to soar like the eagles or flop like a dead fish. I'm hoping for the eagles. Can we list comparable authors instead of books? Describing your work is a subjective concept. Kind regards, Corey😊
I can’t bring myself to write romantasy - huge right now because its YA but I am seeing how my writing is leaning now in that direction. The worse part about it is that it could sell but it would devastate me too. So hard to decide on this.
My gut reaction is write what is authentic to you, it takes a certain skill and mind set to write to a prescription/recipe and that is good if you find that easy, and useful from a financial point of view, but maybe write it under a different name so it doesn't distract from your writing from passion.
Is it okay to write unusual but interesting lines scattered throughout a novel? I write lyrics and poems and have woven a few of my original lines through one of my main characters into my novel?
Thanks Jessica. Yes, one of my mc personality is a fun, humorous, but also quite a deep thinker at times, so some of his lines are quite philosophical. This is where I use a line from one of my poems or lyrics, and they do fit in. 😊
Random question that I can't seem to find much input on anywhere else, would it be appropriate to query your work as "transgressive" fiction, or is that something that ends up being culturally tagged onto the work over time?
If you feel like that's the best descriptor for your work, you can certainly tag it as such. It certainly has a certain connotation that may be appealing for some readers/agents/editors and not others, so it's best to be up front about it so that you can find the best match(es) sooner
I appreciate this. I got an incredibly kind rejection recently to a full manuscript that essentially culminated in “we don’t know how to sell this.” It’s hard to know what to make of that as an author, because I have a pretty clear vision of how (in my completely unprofessional opinion) it could be sold. This video gave me some clarification.
Thank you for confirming that we don't necessarily have to follow the current trends. Your info vids are such a great value to me. Much appreciated!
Great point about these long-established authors becoming their own genre (I think of Mary Higgins Clark). Thanks for sharing these insights.
I appreciate this info but know I will continue to write my stories, even if they’re not trendy or marketable. My gut tells me to keep writing contemporary YA and I have to trust my gut.
Subscriber here, could you guys do a video on “what makes a story/premise iconic?” in terms of why Harry Potter, Percy Jackson, twilight etc transcend trends and go viral. No ones done a video on the patterns (for example: one pattern is to create a fantastical society people feel like they can join). I think we all would watch a 20 video long series on this haha
Hi! Unfortunately, we really can't know what will make a book break out the way those modern classic did, so a video about that would be a lot of vagueness-if we did have the formula to successes like those, we'd definitely be using it! :) But we have done videos on how to know if your book is marketable, which is probably the closest we'll be able to come to broaching this topic! Sorry we can't promise something more helpful!
Love that you guys share your tribal knowledge about this industry! Thanks for letting us know what's in your head!
Oh, and P.S.: I hope you both enjoyed this year's Super Bowl Sunday!! Hope it was delightful for you as well
This was SUPER helpful!! I love how James mentions marketability as a ‘living, breathing thing.’ Thank you James and Jessica!!
This was enlightening! I especially enjoyed Jessica’s definition of “marketable”
Thanks so much!
Excellent information, as always. Thank you.
Question: roundabout, this does have to do with marketability. If in researching who (agent) is representing X (genre), and you find an agent in your category, and though they represent your genre, they state they are specifically wanting XYZ written by ABC writers, if you’re not in those specifically mentioned categories, should you not query those agents?
Hi! If they are looking for ABC writing XYZ and you are not ABC writing XYZ, it's quite possible and perhaps even probable that if you query them, you will get rejected. However, if you're uncertain of whether you fit the bill, or if you're not sure whether they're just saying that they are *prioritizing* ABC writing XYZ versus *exclusively looking for* ABC writing XYZ, you can always attempt to query anyhow. The worst thing they can do is say no. So it's up to you!
Do you know of a good way to find debut books within a certain genre? The NY Times list combines genres. The B&N best seller list often includes books that are several years old. I have tried to find trends with debut mystery/thriller authors, but I have yet to crack the system. Am I missing something obvious?
A lot of different blogs and magazines have "best new/debut [genre] releases of 2023" lists that you can find if you Google them!
Appreciated your video on Query Tracker with its creator. What still baffles me that I hope you can help with is what is wanted in the bio and synopsis that wouldn't already be in a proper query letter?
Hi! A synopsis should not be part of your query letter. Blurbs go in the query letter. Blurbs and synopses are often confused, but a blurb is similar to cover copy (the description on the back of the book that introduces the characters and the conflict that gets the book going) while a synopsis is a full beat-by-beat summary of the major points of your book from beginning to end (INCLUDING spoilers for how the book ends). So, a query should include an intro to the book (title, genre, word count, comps), a blurb (cover copy that makes the agent want to pick up the book to find out what happens next), and a brief bio (a line or two about yourself and any writing-adjacent things you do/awards you've won/etc.). And the synopsis should be a separate thing fully summarizing the book's main events start to finish.
Hope this helps!
I know this seems like a silly question. What about if you have a passion to write but, it is not what is in right now? If you know for a fact you would fail miserably if you just wrote to get published? Should you not submit to an an agent right now? Even if their wish list reflects what you write ? I am kind of nervous because I write what comes in my head at the time. I really am gaining from your vlogs. TY
You should definitely still submit your work, especially if you see your work reflected in agent wishlists! It's just important to be aware of what makes things marketable so that you can appropriately set expectations and keep working towards your goal!
Your videos disappeared from my feed a year ago, and this just came up out of nowhere when I was thinking to query👍
If you subscribe and hit the notification bell, you'll be notified whenever a new video comes up.
I just watched a little more of your video once again (but will stop once again, for now, so I can better digest it), and once more it is an awesome, info-vid/tutorial that I am super glad I just watched from you 2.
Oh, and by the way, Jessica, I, too, am a fellow, "donut-lover (particularly a good, classic, "Dunkin' Donuts," kind, especially with an equally good cup of Joe!), so I can totally relate to yor case. Take excellent care once again, Jessica and James, and I look forward to digging into this video in the near future--Good Lord be willing! 🙏❤️
Good day for now...
Thank you. I can't get enough of your informational videos, and wish I'd found them years earlier. Carry on, you two!
So helpful! Thank you!🎉❤ (You won’t get any virtual tomatoes from me.😊)
I’ve never even heard of a cronut! Trend never made it to the U.K.
Not just me then.
Hi guys!! Love your channel!!❤ Really would love to see a video on how come you guys don’t accept poetry submissions?? Just curious!
From the moment I have a seed for an idea, I begin to tailor my thoughts and words to my readers because that's the only way the idea might germinate into a manuscript that will become a marketable book! So, my marketing and writing always happen simultaneously!📚
I think you articulated Marketable clearly. Thank you. I would love to hear your views on the following topic: Using trademark names in publishing can create a different feel. “She threw the boul, Raisen Bran went everywhere” vs. “She threw the boul, cereal flakes went everywhere. ” 1. Despite having no willful intent or derogatory implication, does the use of trade names require approval of the trademark holder or risk a lawsuit? 2. Do agents and publishers pass on novels they would otherwise be interested in because they contain trademarked names-way too time-consuming and costly to acquire approvals? 3. Is it wise, in general, to incorporate when entering publishing? And how does this concern apply to public figures? “We just walked past Mayor LaGuardia!” vs. “We just walked past Mayor Lansfield!” Has the De Havilland vs FX lawsuit over the movie Fued affected publishing? I'd love to know. Thanks.
Hi! The usage of trademark names should not be a deterrent to the agent at the querying stage if they like your story, because that is something that they can easily point out to have you revise or discuss with you about whether or not you would need permissions to go forward and whether the impact is worth it, versus just taking the names out. So, feel free to keep them in when querying, but be aware that there's a chance you would have to remove them when editing with an agent or with a publisher if they indicate that you would need permissions and that those permissions may not be worth it.
Thank you for your advice.
I always enjoy your discussions. 🙂
"Virtual tomatoes" 😂😂
When querying nonfiction do we put the entire text or the first five pages? Of book I just need clarification before submitting. Great advice about marketing!
Hi! For all nonfiction (except memoirs or biographies) you should put together a nonfiction proposal, which includes a query letter, and overview of the book, your platform, an outline, chapter summaries, and a sample chapter or two. We have some videos on nonfiction proposals you might find helpful!
@@BookEndsLiterary thanks and I will watch your videos about it.
Thanks for making these videos! I have a question. I published a series through a small publisher (not a traditional house and without an agent). I want to write in a different genre and try the traditional route. I understand my series with my small publisher can't be republish. I get that. Im curious if an agent will accept a new story from an author, or did I ruin my chances of getting angent by going with a small publisher?
Hi! This should be no problem. It's not uncommon for people to get agents part way through deals with small publishers, or bring them on in between books. So, especially if you plan to move publishers, adding an agent to your team should not be a problem. The only thing you might need to consider is, if your small publisher had any option clauses in their contract that you signed (also known as the right of first refusal) you and your new agent might have to determine and coordinate whether you are under legal obligation to submit your new materials to the small publisher first before you start submitting to traditional publishers.
@@BookEndsLiterary Thank you!
Hello. My editor suggested I rewrite the ending of my book, so I did. I think it's good. I'm almost finished with my line edit rewrites, and I will submit my manuscript. My editor describes my book as an urban fantasy Greek mythology retelling. There is romance, action, suspense, drama, and all the good stuff. It's going to soar like the eagles or flop like a dead fish. I'm hoping for the eagles. Can we list comparable authors instead of books? Describing your work is a subjective concept. Kind regards, Corey😊
Hi! Yes you can comp authors if you feel their general vibe is similar to yours!
Thank you
Hello James and Jessica I would like to know who to get the age category right for picture books?
Hi! Picture books are typically marketed for kids between the ages of 4 and 8 years old!
@@BookEndsLiterary Thanks!!
I can’t bring myself to write romantasy - huge right now because its YA but I am seeing how my writing is leaning now in that direction. The worse part about it is that it could sell but it would devastate me too. So hard to decide on this.
My gut reaction is write what is authentic to you, it takes a certain skill and mind set to write to a prescription/recipe and that is good if you find that easy, and useful from a financial point of view, but maybe write it under a different name so it doesn't distract from your writing from passion.
@@indiannajames8428 Well put. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Is it okay to write unusual but interesting lines scattered throughout a novel? I write lyrics and poems and have woven a few of my original lines through one of my main characters into my novel?
Sure, if it makes sense in the context of the novel!
Thanks Jessica. Yes, one of my mc personality is a fun, humorous, but also quite a deep thinker at times, so some of his lines are quite philosophical. This is where I use a line from one of my poems or lyrics, and they do fit in. 😊
❤❤❤
Random question that I can't seem to find much input on anywhere else, would it be appropriate to query your work as "transgressive" fiction, or is that something that ends up being culturally tagged onto the work over time?
If you feel like that's the best descriptor for your work, you can certainly tag it as such. It certainly has a certain connotation that may be appealing for some readers/agents/editors and not others, so it's best to be up front about it so that you can find the best match(es) sooner
@@BookEndsLiterary thank you, very much appreciate your feedback.