I'm sure we can all remember reading a book by a favorite author that seemed rushed. Thrown together. Not worth the investment of both money and time, and deeply disappointing. Publishing houses are businesses, but they're only in business as long as they have people who want to buy what they have to sell.
Barbara Fister makes a fabulous point in this post, and with her permission, I'm reprinting it here.
Barbara Fister makes a fabulous point in this post, and with her permission, I'm reprinting it here.
A little background. A well known author with a strong reader base was late submitting her latest manuscript to her publisher. Because the release date changed, she felt the need to publicly reassure her readers she was okay, and closed with the hope they would find the wait worthwhile.
I know that "write faster!" is often meant as a compliment to beloved authors, but I wonder if something's a little haywire with our culture when a writer who spends the time she feels is needed on a book to get it right has to reassure readers that she's not in trouble.
In the interviews with Dennis Lehane that I posted yesterday he mentioned how much he felt disappointed in Prayers for Rain because he had adhered to a schedule and handed in a manuscript he felt wasn't ready. Know what? I was disappointed in it too. How often have we groaned over series writers whose work seems to have slipped? I think it's because they feel they must publish books regularly whether or not they have a story they're burning to tell. It's a disservice to readers and writers to be in too big of a hurry. It's especially a disservice to the stories!
I realize that writers who write for a living feel they have to produce, but it's not because they need the money, which in most cases isn't a living wage, anyway, it's because they need to "build their brand" and they worry about losing their readers or their book contracts. A book a year is a given, and some say more than one a year is needed to really succeed. (Why did MacDonald's just drift into my mind? No, I'm not hungry...)
If I love your books, I will wait for you. Truly. When the books is ready, I'm there! Do what you think you need to do. You're not a brand, and your books are more than a product to me. I love them, I don't want them rushed out the door like a kid who's half asleep but late for the school bus and realizes too late he left his algebra homework in his bedroom and is wearing only one sock.
Hum along with me: "I'll be there..."
Meanwhile, I have a TBR pile that could reach the moon, so don't worry about me. I have things to read while I wait. But I won't forget you. Take your time.
Barbara's second novel in the Koskinen series, Through the Cracks, will be released next month from St. Martin's Minotaur. Here are a couple of early reviews:
"Koskinen connects with an array of well-drawn supporting characters . . . Thoughtful attention to the complexities of police work and social justice lift this gritty mystery well above the norm. Koskinen's empathy with both cops and victims as well as her fierce, brittle independence make her easy to root for."
Publishers Weekly
". . . packs a real punch. It will appeal to Sara Paretsky fans and mystery readers who long for tough and savvy female investigators."
Library Journal
All things good, in good time.
CR: Under the Dome by Stephen King. Leaving for Tucson and seriously debating whether or not to put this one on hold until I return. Not because it isn't good (it's vintage King), but because of the heft.
It's all better with friends.
I know that "write faster!" is often meant as a compliment to beloved authors, but I wonder if something's a little haywire with our culture when a writer who spends the time she feels is needed on a book to get it right has to reassure readers that she's not in trouble.
In the interviews with Dennis Lehane that I posted yesterday he mentioned how much he felt disappointed in Prayers for Rain because he had adhered to a schedule and handed in a manuscript he felt wasn't ready. Know what? I was disappointed in it too. How often have we groaned over series writers whose work seems to have slipped? I think it's because they feel they must publish books regularly whether or not they have a story they're burning to tell. It's a disservice to readers and writers to be in too big of a hurry. It's especially a disservice to the stories!
I realize that writers who write for a living feel they have to produce, but it's not because they need the money, which in most cases isn't a living wage, anyway, it's because they need to "build their brand" and they worry about losing their readers or their book contracts. A book a year is a given, and some say more than one a year is needed to really succeed. (Why did MacDonald's just drift into my mind? No, I'm not hungry...)
If I love your books, I will wait for you. Truly. When the books is ready, I'm there! Do what you think you need to do. You're not a brand, and your books are more than a product to me. I love them, I don't want them rushed out the door like a kid who's half asleep but late for the school bus and realizes too late he left his algebra homework in his bedroom and is wearing only one sock.
Hum along with me: "I'll be there..."
Meanwhile, I have a TBR pile that could reach the moon, so don't worry about me. I have things to read while I wait. But I won't forget you. Take your time.
Barbara's second novel in the Koskinen series, Through the Cracks, will be released next month from St. Martin's Minotaur. Here are a couple of early reviews:"Koskinen connects with an array of well-drawn supporting characters . . . Thoughtful attention to the complexities of police work and social justice lift this gritty mystery well above the norm. Koskinen's empathy with both cops and victims as well as her fierce, brittle independence make her easy to root for."
Publishers Weekly
". . . packs a real punch. It will appeal to Sara Paretsky fans and mystery readers who long for tough and savvy female investigators."
Library Journal
All things good, in good time.
CR: Under the Dome by Stephen King. Leaving for Tucson and seriously debating whether or not to put this one on hold until I return. Not because it isn't good (it's vintage King), but because of the heft.
It's all better with friends.
