Blogger: Wendy Lawton
Last week I addressed several ways to potentially jumpstart your stalled writing career. Sometimes, however, a jumpstart simply will not turn the engine over and get things moving. What’s a writer to do?
Let me give you a few strategies to keep you writing while you build name recognition.
- We will often suggest to a stalled stand-alone novelist that she write category romances for a time. The best-known publishers of romance have a business model that works. While other houses are pulling back, many of the category romance publishers are vigorously growing their lines. They know how to reach the readers and they know how to deliver the story the reader wants. What does this do for the author? It builds the author’s name and grows her following. A little caveat here: I’ve seen writers turn up their noses at romance, mocking the genre. If that’s you, you need not apply. The truth is, it’s not easy to get into these houses, the writing and storytelling have to be excellent and appropriate to the genre. The editing is tough, but if you make it, the opportunities can be steadier than with most publishers. Interestingly, authors who have “come up through the ranks” of romance writing are often some of the most professional writers. If you take a look at the bestseller lists you’ll find many of those authors learned the craft by writing category romance. It’s one way to reinvent yourself.
- Again for the novelist, you can audition for continuity series or spots in novella collections. Your agent hears about these opportunities. If they interest you, be sure to tell your agent. (Continuity series—these are the series that are written with several authors taking different books in a collection just like the old Nancy Drew series. It means tag teaming the plot and paying attention to all that is happening to continuing characters.)
- Another strategy is to work as a hired pen for a time– especially in nonfiction. You can ghostwrite, collaborate, or even write marketing copy. Publishers are always looking for skilled writers who can come alongside someone, whether a celebrity or not, and help them tell their compelling story. What’s in it for the author? First of all, it’s a paying job. Plus it’s a great opportunity to network. You’ll get to know fascinating people and, if you do a good job, you’ll be a hero at the publishing house. It can help you continue to write while you build your base.
- Or, if you want a second chance but your sales numbers have scuttled your career, you can reinvent yourself. This is something you’d want to discuss at length with your agent but if all else fails, you can create a pen name– a nom de plume— and start all over. Mark Twain (real name: Samuel L. Clemens) and Alice in Wonderland’s Lewis Carroll (real name: Charles Lutwidge Dodgson) both wrote under pseudonyms. It’s harder for nonfiction where you may already have a platform and be known in your field, but it can be done. If you decide to use this strategy, use everything you learned from your first experience to build a cohesive persona/brand. Spend the time to coordinate website, message and marketing.
- Of course, all of these strategies assume that you are an excellent writer and that your unfortunate sales history was a result of market realities. If your writing is the culprit, however, use the break to work on the craft itself. The best way of all to reinvent yourself. We say it over and over but a stunning book can rise from obscurity with word-of-mouth.
So now it’s your turn to talk to me. Does any of this make you feel uncomfortable? Is it dishonest to write under a nom de plume? If you put aside your own writing dreams for a time and co-write, is it somehow too commercial? What do you think?
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Reinventing oneself is nothing new, and we have some interesting examples…Matthew and Paul.
Both made massive changes in their lives under Jesus’ influence. We tend to look back and say, “Of course. It was Jesus, after all!”
But to them Jesus was an itinerant preacher, of which there was no short supply at the time. There was just something special about Him…and Matthew, and later Paul, eventually had to choose.
They had not only to choose the change in direction, but they had to invest totally in their new selves. It probably didn’t happen all at once.
Their investment, and ours, if we must reinvent as writers, stood on three legs, the minimum for stability –
Sincerity – making the changes with a sincere and honest heart
Consistency – choosing the path and staying with it, even when the turnings may be unfamiliar, and perhaps dark
Service – constantly reaffirming that one’s writing life is a life of service, and not a quest for personal glory
Beautifully said, Andrew. With Jesus … what’s possible?! 🙂
“Sincerity…Consistency…Service.” Just perfect, Andrew. It actually makes for a good book!
Great thoughts!
Good suggestions, Andrew.
To the Scriptural examples of reinvention given above, might I also be honoured to add Esther?
She was reinvented by choice arising from circumstance, but she did not forget whence she came. She did not forget her people. Perhaps there is a lesson in her constancy.
Mrs. lawton, I would like to make inquiry about the practices of using a nom de plume, and about ghostwriting.
I do not feel that a nom de plume is in any way deceitful, but I wonder how it may be originated and successfully maintained? Is the publisher enlisted in the effort to rehabilitate the career, and ‘let in’ on the information? Or does it remain within the writer-agent duality?
In this time of widespread information, and ease of access to personal information, how might a nom de plume be maintained as a separate entity in the view of the public?
To me these are daunting questions, and I suspect that the wrong approach would be doomed to embarrassing failure.
Regarding ghostwriting, it has always appealed to me, since it seems like such a fine service. How does one break into this field? What is the avenue of initial contact, and what bona fides should be presented?
(I will forbear to inquire about writing for a romance publisher. With my name and visage, I think that may be a non-starter.)
As to how a pen name comes to be, it can be any combination of author, agent or publisher. with two of my clients, the publisher suggested the pen names– one because of a different genre and the need for a fresh start and the other because the author had come up with a stunning new book/ genre and the publisher didn’t want the negativity of ho-hum past sales to affect it.
You asked whether the pen name can be maintain in this tell-all age. I don’t know if it needs to be. Readers love to discover the “secrets” of their favorite writers. sometimes publicists even use the pen name reveal to create a happening. (think J.K. Rowling and the revelations that she was writing as Robert Galbraith.)
It would take a whole blog post to talk about how to get started as a ghost writer but if it’s something you’re thinking about, let your agent know. Start practicing by writing articles for people. Most CEOs use ghosts for their articles for instance. Once you have the experience and some attention for your ghostwriting it’s like launching any kind of business– you send proposals with your samples to publishers to let them know you are available.
Interesting strategies, Wendy. Thank you.
I have considered using a pen name. If I am successful in having my YA fantasy novel published traditionally (under my own name), I hope to follow it with a series of YA fantasy novels. However, I also have an adult novel I would love to publish. Since it is written for a different age group and in a different genre,
it won’t fit the brand I will have established so, if I understand correctly, my initial publisher will not want to publish it. Ultimately, I most likely will self-publish it (I really believe in the novel’s message which has to do with forgiveness). I would probably self-publish under a nom d’plume so as not to confuse anyone who was familiar with me as a fantasy writer. That said, I also would put in the inner flap author bio that Chris Breadlebane (or whomever) also writes YA fantasies under the name of Christine Dorman. I’ve seen this done on some books and, because I really enjoyed what I read, I investigated the authors’ other books in the alternative genres. I realize that this example is not really about a stalled career, but I think it could apply. If an author’s first book didn’t sell well for some reason (other than poor writing) and the author wrote a second book under a pen name, I might read and like the second book then go seek out the first book to read as well. If enough readers did that, the initial non-starter book might suddenly become a best-seller (or at least it might go from DOA to resuscitated.
By the way, congratulations on Books and Such being an award-winning blog site. The award is much deserved. 🙂
Christine, it looks like you’ve thought a lot about this. It’s good to have a strategy. The one flaw I can see is that your YA Fantasy is a much harder sell than adult fiction so if you are thinking of self-pubbing the book most likely to work in traditional publishing right now, you may have things backwards.
But you know your work and your goals. . .
Oh, dear…! Thanks, Wendy. I mean that sincerely. No note of sarcasm. I trust your judgment.
I had put my adult novel aside because of branding. It’s a literary novel with the focus on the characters (although there certainly is a plot) and symbolism plus other literary devices. I’ve labeled it a psychological mystery and there is a crime that takes place, but the main focus is on the psychology of the two main characters and their friendship. I’ve gotten lots of feedback, including from a professional editor who is also a published novelist, that my first novel is publication-worthy. I just doubted that I could write another novel in quite the same vein. In retrospect, however, I of course, will be writing the second novel while I’m querying. Is it possible (wise / acceptable) to query two very different novels at the same time?
Thanks for your consistently generous advice.
Surpreet asked great questions about ghostwriting. I have always had such respect for Lynn Vincent, though I do not know anything about her personal life. She always seems to take a back seat, and she seems happy to be there. I admire that. Like Surpreet, I’ve wondered how to break into this. I would think it would be by trying … finding someone who will let you take a chance on them. Then finding representation.
That is basically what I do now, but on a much smaller level. Interview people and write their stories for a magazine. I loved interviewing Ron Hall … that’s how I discovered Lynn. But I’d love to take it to the next higher level.
But the time I feel like I’d be stealing from my family is probably the only thing holding me back.
And following the Lord … highs and lows in life … learning lessons … it never really seems like having to reinvent oneself … it’s just the path He takes us on … or sometimes the path we sling and fling ourselves on … but God works all things together for good … 🙂 for those who love Him. The Lord is the greatest innovator and author, changing, creating, and penning our life’s story.
Lynn is considered one of the top collaborators in our market and her name almost always goes on the cover. For her, the satisfaction of telling someone’s story is big but she also commands a significant amount of money since she has proved she can write a NY Times bestseller and has repeated that over and over.
I keep getting collaborators and ghostwriters mixed up.
Ghost writing is a noble profession for a writer. I know of one successful writer who ghosted a book for an important person, and I was impressed with the writer’s willingness to get the true story out, and not toot his/her (ain’t tellin) own horn.
Writing is a business. It IS. And if an opportunity came along to earn a living, then I’d do what God leads and do my best.
Waaaaay down the line, I’m hoping, with my agent’s blessing, to write rom-coms, because apprently I have the twisted sense of humour to do so. If this comes to pass, I plan on using a variation of my own name, as in Nora Roberts/Jill March/J.D.Robb and Sarah Hardesty. Who are all the same person!
I’ll use a nom de plume because do not want my brands to collide. I want my historical epic Navajo work to stand far from my “everyone thinks she’s awesome but she’s really a train wreck in heels” modern romantic comedies.
I know this might take a good decade to manage. I’m fine with that.
Until then, I stay the course and plow.
Yes, please. Write rom-coms sometime in the next decade. 🙂
I like the idea of using a different name (brand) for each different type of writing. Long ago (35 years?) I discovered the work of Victoria Holt and I loved her gothic suspense. I learned she also wrote English historicals as Jean Plaidy. I later discovered the Philippa Carr I also enjoyed was the same person. and she tried other genres like true crime, thrillers and murder mysteries, changing her pen names for each genre. And none of those were her real name. She was Eleanor Hibbert.
It worked wonderfully– you always knew what you were getting.
Wendy, you know I love your mention of Eleanor. 🙂
None of these items you mentioned make me uncomfortable. And no it is NOT dishonest to write under a nom de plume. Writing is a business. These are all ethical solutions. There was nothing unethical in what you presented. As for co-writing, I do it all the time as a technical writer.
As for outside of my technical writings, I would jump at the chance to ghostwrite or collaborate but I do not know how to go about it.
Your experience in tech writing and co-writing is a great foundation on which to build, Lori. Collaborative writing takes special gifts as you know. You need to part psychologist, peacemaker, encourager, rabbit trail herder, etc.
Yes I can be all of those things but I would say sheep herder or cattle herder instead of rabbit trail herder. But how do I go about breaking into it.
In reality dumb luck got me my job in technical writing. I applied for one job and they felt I was qualified to be their tech writer.
Lori,
I think this is the question a number of us want answered: how does one break into ghostwriting?
I left it off my original comment because I didn’t want to write my usual novel-of-a-comment that I usually do.
Wendy, could you write a post about ghostwriting and breaking into it at some point? I’ve read about it, but it seems to a very difficult field to break into.
I will. I’ll tackle ghost writing next Tuesday, okay?
Yes. Thank you so much!
A few years ago, I would never have thought of writing category romance (or, in my case, category romantic suspense). But then I read a few…and that turned into a few more…until I discovered I really enjoy them. Funny how that works. 🙂 I also found out, through a new friend I met at the ACFW conference, that there are opportunities galore. How could I pass that up, especially since I’m still trying to invent myself? The jury is still out on my success there, but I would consider it an honor to be counted among that group of fine writers. Thank you, Wendy, for so many great suggestions.
You’ve done a great job of immersing yourself in the genre, and have taken opportunities to learn what publishers are looking for in category romantic suspense. Can’t wait to see what happens next, friend.
Thanks, Jenni! 🙂
It’s definitely a great way to gather a following.
Whew! So much to think about as a writer… 🙂 Thanks for the valuable info, Wendy.
You are welcome.
You mentioned auditioning for novella collections. What does that process look like? Have some pre-published authors kick started their careers by first partnering with other well-known authors in a novella collection?
Thank you for highlighting more interesting facets of the publishing industry for us.
It is usually by invitation– often from the editor putting the collection together to the writer’s agent. Much thought is given to the make-up of these collections and they often perform an important marketing function. The collection is usually headed by a big name author and the others enjoy the lift in recognition because of the big name. Plus with multiple authors all co-marketing these collections reach a large audience that a single author could never pull off. Great for audience building.
A friend recently proposed that I write her story–it is a story worth telling, and her writing skills aren’t up to the challenge. I see it as a scary opportunity: an opportunity to develop my skills and reputation; scary in carrying the responsibility to tell someone else’s story accurately and compassionately (and without stressing our friendship). I may suggest that we do the first pass for family and friends and see how that goes before we aim for a larger audience. Am I sensible, or just chicken?
Let me tackle some of these questions next week in my blog post, Shirlee, okay?
I’ll click in at the crack of dawn for your insights (cup of coffee in hand, of course).
After a few years speaking and writing about a primary topic, getting an agent, good feedback / interaction with publishers, it still came back to platform.
One morning, while praying (ok, mainly griping) to God about the path forward to connect with others, I felt the clear question – “What about the movie ministry.”
While still talking about the original topic (and even a few churches using it in a sermon series!!), we’ve released a short booklet about “Regional Movie Ministries” to help people frustrated at Christian films passing their towns by build an audience theaters will notice.
It feels like a reinvention, but it is really just a re-focusing for a time on the movie ministry, with a natural transition back to the original topic needing the platform.
This is not a ‘best seller” market, so with discussions with agent it is self published, but the response from film industry insiders has been a blessing, and to see a new Regional Movie Ministry pop up just days after someone read the booklet, is a blessing to know it IS having an impact!
Using a nom de plum is not the same as ghostwriting. If someone buys a book because they think it was written by a famous person but it was actually ghostwritten they’ve been cheated and that’s dishonest. But creative people can certainly use an assortment of names for various types of writing as long as they’re not pretending to be someone famous.
As a ghost writer for inspirational articles, I see nothing wrong with working, and getting paid for it, while the subject’s name resides on the byline. In fact, it seems to be a gift, an opportunity to me given by God to do work that I love, while a person who is not very good at writing can still have their story told. John and Elizabeth Sherrill are master ghostwriters and because of their willingness to be so, have given Christian people fantastic books that strengthen our faith while showing us the miracles of God.
One of my dear friends writes under a nom de plume. She has chosen to do so for personal reasons, and who can argue with that? If a writer is using a different name for subversive reasons, that is one thing. As is the case with a blogger in my state who posts somewhat nasty opinions under an anonymous name so that he/she can remain hidden. But if one merely wants to separate his personal life from his writing life, or as you noted, writing in various genres, how can that be called dishonest?
Thank you for giving us this specific and informative post, Wendy. It shows hope when what we’ve been doing isn’t working out.
Totally love your post Wendy..so relevant.
I mainly write articles. Even if I am not under deadline, I submit to contests or take classes because they challenge me to continue stretching and growing as a writer. I think discouraged writers can be like someone on a race who decides to sit down for a while only to find that when they start moving again they have lost their momentum.
As far as ghost writing…
I have sold over a dozen pieces to Guideposts Magazine. Some are my stories and some are stories I found and helped to ghostwrite.
I wasn’t sure if I had the skills to write with someone else’s voice, so I tried it out. I wrote under a nom de plum for a while to see if my husband could figure out it was me. Every once in a while he would ask..”Did you read what Wakefield wrote in the editorials?” to which I responded…”You know I don’t read that garbage.” Finally the research began to take too much time so I came clean with my hidden identity. He was shocked and said he loved Wakefield. I felt like I had killed off Mrs. Doubtfire, but it was a great exercise and really helped me to make sure I was not writing myself into the dialog.
Just like everything in life, practice (and a little bit of creativity) helps to make perfect and hopefully published!