Oh, this is cute. I’m supposed to ignore all of the professional publishing lists that I’m on in favor of your little Science Fiction business mailing bulletin that has all the answers. Well, ain’t you just the thang?
And in answer to your little “I am a professional, how bout you?” jab … I’ve been writing almost 18 years, and only in the last 2 have I really bothered to submit and have works published. I’ve got numerous contacts and business associates in both the writing and publishing fields for books and magazines, including serveral technical writers that devote themselves exclusively to writing mechanics … so just give it a rest. The “I’m professional, so I’m better than you,” attitude just won’t cut it.
As I said before, we could play quote war, and not only would there be no winner, but we’d pretty much bore the hell out of everyone that’s still paying attention to this thread. If you’ll check, some people actually wanted to go back to the original topic … the answer to which is, still, not much. Don’t quit your day job.
Since the SFWA Bulletin is a professional magazine, written by professional writers, considered one of the top magazines in the field – so much so that quite a few of our subscribers are university libraries – yes. Since I’ve been quoting pro writers and editors and you have not, yes. Since your knowledge is so limited, yes. Since you continue to quote urban myths, yes.
So you have two years of experience as a professional writer. That’s awfully limited. When I was at that point, I had a bunch of misconceptions, too. You’ll learn.
While it is true the market is contracting, the scenario you continue to promote is pure balderdash. Most publishers will happily publish a first novelist – as long as the book is good enough. The myth that they aren’t interested in first novelists is concocted for two reasons:
It’s easier to think the world is against you than your work isn’t up to snuff.
It lets scammers work their scams.
What you assume is going on is prepostorous. According to you, when John Grisham’s first novel came over the transom, it would never have been published because he was a first-time author. Hundreds of first novels are published each year, most of which by authors who have no name or connection, nothing but pure ability. (And, believe me, it takes talent even to write the books you scorn so heavily.)
And one day, John Grisham will die. Stephen King will become unpopular. Your big name author will get a better deal from another publisher. When that day comes, you’ll need someone to replace him. And that someone will be one of the first novelists you decided to take a chance on. If a book publisher wants to stay in business, they better work on developing new talent.
Have you ever discussed these matters with an actual editor? Or just your mailing list buddies?
It’s amazing that such a “professional” can have such an enormous problem with reading comprehension. You’re funny. I like funny. Too bad yours isn’t intentional.
Your list is the only one that is run by professionals. Got it. I’m sure the professionals I work with will be as entertained as I was.
Is there anyone actually at home in your head, or are you just renting it out to your ego? Nowhere did I say it was impossible. It’s just very difficult, and if you have a flash of amazing talent and one person that sees that, poof, you’re in. I think you’re having too much fun playing God to actually read the story here, fella.
There you go being funny again. Damn, you should write comedy. Work on your reading comprehension, sweetheart. You’re missing a really big picture trying to be so self-righteous.
I guess I’ll just go ahead and put this at the end of my post, AGAIN, since apparently Mr Thang would rather stroke his, ah, ego.
As I said before, we could play quote war, and not only would there be no winner, but we’d pretty much bore the hell out of everyone that’s still paying attention to this thread. If you’ll check, some people actually wanted to go back to the original topic … the answer to which is, still, not much. Don’t quit your day job.
How about some cold, hard facts to maybe get closer to answer?
Me: Writing for 13 years, making a good living in a relatively obscure specialty form of journalism.
Book: Spent about two years writing a nonfiction, dramatic narrative. My first book.
The sale: Sold it to a medium size publisher, with the help of an agent.
The advance: $4,000. (Can be much larger, even six figures, if you get snapped up by Random House or some other huge publisher. I came soooooo close.)
Potential earnings: 10% on each $22 book (12% overseas). Pretty much standard no matter who signs you.
No telling yet how many books will be sold. Book comes out in September.
First time I’ll get a check (other than the advance): Six to 9 months after publishing, 9-12 months after the sale.