Author Jail? It's a thing.
In this special Ask Beth & Lisa episode, co-hosts Beth McMullen and Lisa Schmid tackle two burning listener questions: the need for illustrations when querying a manuscript and navigating the fallout of poor book sales. They share candid insights, relatable stories, and actionable advice for writers facing publishing challenges.
Key Discussion Points:
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Do You Need Illustrations When Querying?
A listener asked whether authors need to include illustrations when submitting their manuscripts. Beth and Lisa clarified that unless you are an author-illustrator, there’s no need to hire or provide an illustrator; publishers typically handle this aspect post-acquisition. They discussed how artists often enrich books with details authors may overlook, sharing a humorous anecdote about a Foo Fighters Easter egg in Lisa's book, Hart & Souls. -
Dealing with Rejection After Poor Book Sales
One writer, whose second book option was dropped due to poor sales of their debut, asked if they were “hosed.” Beth and Lisa addressed the grim reality of publishing’s focus on initial sales and offered strategies to rebound, including:- Using a pseudonym to reintroduce yourself as a “debut” author.
- Genre hopping to find a fresh audience and editor pool.
- Building your own audience through social media and book marketing efforts.
- Exploring self-publishing or hybrid publishing models, particularly effective in certain genres like romance or fantasy.
They emphasized the importance of perseverance and pivoting, reminding listeners that while “author jail” can feel permanent, strategic changes can lead to a fresh start.
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Navigating the Emotional Toll of Publishing
Beth and Lisa also explored the emotional rollercoaster of publishing, likening the industry's fickleness to a fleeting romantic relationship. They advised writers to focus on their next project rather than fixating on marketing efforts that may not move the needle significantly.
Conclusion and Takeaways:
This episode was a reminder of the highs and lows of the writing life. Key takeaways for writers include:
- Don’t sweat the extras: Focus on your manuscript and let publishers handle illustrations.
- Rejection isn’t the end: Whether through pseudonyms, genre changes, or self-publishing, writers can overcome setbacks and redefine their careers.
- Stay adaptable and resilient: The publishing world may be unpredictable, but success often hinges on persistence and creative problem-solving.
Upcoming Events and Season 4 Preview:
Beth and Lisa are hosting their first live event, “Ask Beth and Lisa Live,” on December 10th at 6 PM PST (9 PM EST). Join them in their private Facebook group to ask your burning questions in real-time. Season 4 kicks off on January 6th with a highly anticipated agent interview. Stay tuned for more insights and advice from industry experts!
Support the Podcast:
Visit writerswithwrinkles.net to subscribe, follow, and recommend the show. Let’s make Season 4 the best yet!
Beth McMullen
Author
Beth McMullen is the author of the Mrs. Smith’s Spy School for Girls series , the Lola Benko, Treasure Hunter series, and The Secret of the Storm series (Aladdin/S&S).
She is also the author of the Spy Mom series (Hyperion).
Beth lives in Northern California with her husband, kids, and very grumpy cats. She's obsessed with podcasts and might give up writing in order to have more time to listen. Could happen.
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