DEAR SHELLEY ©
 MYTH # 3  

by Shelley Bradley 

 

 

You've heard lots of information, clichés, rumors and advice about the things you need to know once you're published. Published authors often find out this information from hard experience. After being in the publishing business for nearly eight years, Shelley Bradley has picked up a thing or two along the way. In this series of articles, she'll discuss the information she wish she'd known before she sold a book. She'll touch on what it really takes to get that first book bought--as well as the second and beyond, the realities of contract negotiation, royalties, distribution, editor relations and your career. Print publication primarily addressed, but electronic publishing also discussed.

 

Here's the third of our myths...

 

ONCE YOU'RE PUBLISHED, IT'S ALWAYS EASIER TO SELL AGAIN

 

Uhm...no. A survey done by RWA® about 5 years ago indicated 52% of those who sell a first book never sell a second. The odds are probably just as bad for every type of fiction. This means you always have to be working hard. Period.

 

What's more, in some cases you get LESS latitude as a previously published author than a brand new debut author. Why? Publishers assume that there's some reason readers didn't take to you the first time. Otherwise, you wouldn't be starting over. Debut authors are blank slates with no track record with chain stores and book distributors. Based on your genre and publisher, etc., they can make nice, safe estimates about how you'll perform. When you're previous track record is old or isn't glowing, your sales results may be poor or unpredictable--and number crunchers don't like either.

 

What does this mean for you? Try to have more than one book stacked in your closet before you sell. A multi-book contract out the door gives you a little more time to build a readership, particularly if your publisher will schedule those releases close together. But being published doesn't mean you can start phoning in your books. Just the opposite. Each one has to be at least as good as the last. And the ending of your current book sells your next book to that reader.

 

Last, never forget that your editor is the first reader you have to please.

 

 

~ ~ ~

The complete 2006 Dear Shelley series:

Myth # 1: "If the editor likes your book, they'll buy it."

Myth # 2: "After you sell the first book, your editor will want to buy others from you quickly."

Myth # 3: "Once you're published, it's always easier to sell again."

Myth # 4: "Contracts aren't that hard to negotiate."

Myth # 5: "My advances will keep me cozy until my royalties arrive."

Myth # 6: "Your book will get quality editing and distribution."

Myth # 7: "If you want to know about print runs and distribution, all you have to do is ask."

Myth # 8: "Once you sell, your editor will always return e-mails, phone calls and read your material promptly."

Myth # 9: "Your editor will come back after getting married or going on maternity leave."

Myth # 10: "By my 10th book, I'm likely to be an NYT Bestseller."

Myth # 11: "A last few notes."

 

 

Copyright 2006 Shelley Bradley -- all rights reserved, please obtain written permission before use.