A Clarification

I had a great time at the BYU writer's conference. Hanging out with so many writers and book biz people is always good times. I felt like my workshop on Friday afternoon went well except for one thing that I want to clarify, and maybe it's something we can all learn from.

(Oh, sorry Grammar Psychos. I'm talking to you Annette! Try again: Maybe it's something from which we can all learn. Or whatever.)

One of the questions at the end of my workshop went as follows: Did your books with the smaller publishers help you get the book deal with Random House?

In hindsight, I gave a stupid answer. I said that those books neither helped nor hurt, that they were irrelevant. I can tell by your gasp that you took my response the same as many others. It sounds ungrateful, arrogant, and discouraging to those who have books with small pubs.

Well, this is what I meant: No pub is going to buy your book just because you already have a book. They will always make their ultimate decision based on the merits of the book they are considering for publication.

The only exception would be mega mega superstars. If Stephenie Meyer proposed a book about foot fungus and how it affects primate odor sensory functions, it'd probably go to auction, just based on her name. But most authors would have to show they have a book that can sell based on the book itself.

What I did NOT mean was that my Jimmy Fincher books and THE 13TH REALITY didn't help me get to where I am with RH.

They helped me in countless ways. Gave me a resume to get my foot in the door, showed I know how to work to promote, proved I can maintain a fan base, pushed me to attend conferences and workshops, created a path for me to meet many, many authors and agents and publishers. Led to a lot of networking. Led to my becoming good friends with Sara Zarr. Which led to my getting Michael as an agent. Which led to my book deal.

So, in hindsight, my answer should have been a resounding YES. They did help. Tremendously. However, in the end, I know for a fact that neither Michael nor Krista would've bought MAZE unless they believed in its potential, regardless of what I'd done before.

Why am I harping on about this? Because a good friend of mine who has a book coming out with my original publisher took my answer the wrong way and was very discouraged. However, and very luckily for me, she had the guts to approach Krista and me afterward and we had a really great discussion. I think things were well clarified and I know she's on the right path.

We can all learn a lot from... I'm not sure she'd want me to mention her name. Let's call her FISA (Future International Superstar Author). FISA is doing everything right. Writing like mad, attending workshops, taking opportunities when they present themselves, doing school visits and book signings, networking, networking, networking. The irony here is she's pounding the pavement like I've always preached, and yet I almost gave her the wrong message that she was wasting her time.

For that, FISA, I'm sorry. And I'm so proud of you. You ARE on the right path, and it leads to greatness. I have no doubt whatsoever.