Books | Publishing | Self-Publishing | Indie Authors
Authors: Are You a One-Trick Pony?
If you’re writing a book, don’t be a one-trick pony.
Early in my writing career, when I was freelancing for magazines and before I had the opportunity to write my first book, I was at a writers conference where I heard an editor with a major New York publishing house say this:
We don’t want one-book authors. We don’t make money on your first book — we’re happy if we break even on that book. Authors typically don’t get profitable for publishers until their second or third book, after they’ve established a following. So when you send us a book proposal, be sure it includes your plans for at least two more books.
I’m paraphrasing, of course, but that was the gist of his message.
A woman in the back of the room raised her hand and said:
I’m 85 years old. It took me ten years to write my book. I don’t have time to write two more. What am I supposed to do?
The room full of younger, eager authors erupted in laughter, but she had a serious, valid question. Though the editor was sympathetic, he reminded us that publishers are businesses and they have to make a profit to stay in business.
