Last night I went to a meeting where Sherrilyn Kenyon was speaking.
Let me preface this blog by saying that I’m a big Sherrilyn/Kinley MacGregor fan. I love her historicals and her paranormal books.
Anyway, she had a lot of really good advice that I thought I’d share with you all.
She said instead of tracking publishing houses and trends that it’s better to track editors. By that she meant to find out what the editors are reading for pleasure, what book is on their bedside table, what was the last book they purchased, etc. She said you’ll find out more about what an editor really likes that way than by looking at what they’re purchasing for the publishing house. She said a lot of editors buy work that they know will make the publisher money, but they aren’t particularly into personally. She mentioned that having an editor that loves your work is the biggest career boost you can get. She suggested that you ask these questions after you get done pitching to an editor at a conference, if you have time left over.
She also said if you want to ‘eat’ aka make a living, then you’re going to have to figure out a way of making yourself more productive. Sherrilyn said at the bare minimum you have to be able to write two single titles a year. Never make promises you can’t keep. It’s a career killer. She also said to write for more than one publisher if possible, but always let your original publisher have first shot at any new work. You don’t want to burn bridges.
She said to go through the drugstores, airports, and grocery stores to see what publishers and authors are getting distributed. She said that distribution is the single most important thing for a new author to have. It’s worth a lower advance, if you can get in these high volume distribution areas.
I know she said more, but I’m spacing at the moment. I could’ve listened to her for hours. She has a lot of wisdom stored up from her rocky road to success. I hope this little bit helps.
On a personal note, I’d like to congratulate Sylvia Day for winning the Lori Foster/Kensington Brava Reader’s Choice. Way to go, Sylvia! I’m so happy for you.
December 1st, 2004
Thanks for sharing that Jordan. I love the Dark-Hunter series and think that alot of that advice is very sound.
by Sasha December 1st, 2004 at 3:18 pmTwo single title’s per year? I’m screwed. 
by Jaq December 1st, 2004 at 4:20 pmSasha, I thought so too. She’s been through a tremendous amount of ups and downs in her career. The woman definitely knows a thing or two. She says the only thing you shouldn’t pay any attention to is when someone tells you HOW to write your book. LOL!
by Jordan December 1st, 2004 at 4:48 pmI hear you, Jaq. Sherrilyn said it’s mandatory if you want to eat.
I figure two will be about the best I can do until I get the hang of the length.
by Jordan December 1st, 2004 at 5:34 pmThank you for the congratulations, Jordan! I’m so happy that people liked the excerpt. (I admit to having a crush on the hero.)
I was shaking and my heart was racing until the wee hours of the morning, I was so jazzed. You know the feeling…
by Sylvia Day December 1st, 2004 at 5:43 pmSherilynn is so awesome. I had the pleasure of meeting her at the Moonlight and Magnolias conference and taking her workshop, what a great speaker and wonderful advice.
I just need to figure out a way to write more, because I love to eat.
by Teresa December 4th, 2004 at 12:58 pmTeresa, Me too and it shows! LOL!
by Jordan December 4th, 2004 at 6:49 pmI also met Sherri at the Moonlight and Magnolias conference, and she mentioned the same thing about tracking editors. Actually, I think she mentioned something about interviewing them while you’re pitching. And yes, I’m another Kenyon/MacGregor fan. Even told her I wanted to be her when I grew up.
I think she thought I was nuts.
by Lynn December 6th, 2004 at 8:26 pmHi, Jordan–thanks for the info! Always good to hear advice from the pros. (Two single titles a year??!! Ok, if I give up eating, sleeping…
by vanessa December 10th, 2004 at 12:52 amI’ve actually found an editor who says she likes my writing. Now If I could just get her to buy it…sigh…