09/08/2004
Feeling the pulse of the industry...
I went to each Publisher's 'Spotlight' at conference in Dallas, and the most entertaining by far was Mira- the single title imprint for Harlequin- and that was largely due to some of the authors who spoke. Listening to the likes of Erica Spindler, Carla Neggars and Heather Graham, I just knew from their wry take on the world that I would love their writing style- and of course, I already do. It was clear at Mira that Romantic Suspense is still in huge demand.
Most of the editors for other publishing houses were looking for deep, dark, and sexy, possibly with supernatural elements- vampires being a particular favourite- although having spoken to an editor from Harper Collins on this side of the pond, that is not something that rings so many bells over here. (one ed' in Dallas, I have just remembered, was desperate for werewolves)
Chick Lit, with all its derivatives, is still extremely popular in the States, although we know it is dropping off over here.
*My good friend, Jane Porter, who also writes for Presents, has a great book coming out as a Warner Trade Paperback in May 2005: The Frog Prince, with the wonderful tag line: 'See what happens after happily ever after...' The cover is so zany and gorgeous it could be Jane wearing ball gown and sneakers! * More of that nearer the time!
Of course you have to write the book of your heart- but you have to be pretty sure that someone is going to want to take a look at it. Trouble is, the trends of today may be waning by the time you finish your manuscript. When you buy a book from the store, odds on it is already around two years since the author typed out, Chapter One. Even so, don't lose heart, a good book will always find its way to someone's notice. If you don't believe me, go research how many times Day of the Jackal was rejected!
In summary- mystery and suspense will always be strong- it appeals to both genders and hits those airport stands more often than not.
Hot sex and erotica is completely acceptable if you target the right line. The general view was that the heroine must go along with everything, if not be the instigator of events.
Anything with a supernatural vein is huge in the States right now, and chick lit, plus derivatives is also going strong.
I think the truth is, many times editors don't even know what they're looking for- they just hope for a really good strong book- so, why not surprise them? All of them admitted to looking through the 'slush pile' and one or two really big hits were quoted as having come from there.
Love to all, and happy reading everyone
Susan
Most of the editors for other publishing houses were looking for deep, dark, and sexy, possibly with supernatural elements- vampires being a particular favourite- although having spoken to an editor from Harper Collins on this side of the pond, that is not something that rings so many bells over here. (one ed' in Dallas, I have just remembered, was desperate for werewolves)
Chick Lit, with all its derivatives, is still extremely popular in the States, although we know it is dropping off over here.
*My good friend, Jane Porter, who also writes for Presents, has a great book coming out as a Warner Trade Paperback in May 2005: The Frog Prince, with the wonderful tag line: 'See what happens after happily ever after...' The cover is so zany and gorgeous it could be Jane wearing ball gown and sneakers! * More of that nearer the time!
Of course you have to write the book of your heart- but you have to be pretty sure that someone is going to want to take a look at it. Trouble is, the trends of today may be waning by the time you finish your manuscript. When you buy a book from the store, odds on it is already around two years since the author typed out, Chapter One. Even so, don't lose heart, a good book will always find its way to someone's notice. If you don't believe me, go research how many times Day of the Jackal was rejected!
In summary- mystery and suspense will always be strong- it appeals to both genders and hits those airport stands more often than not.
Hot sex and erotica is completely acceptable if you target the right line. The general view was that the heroine must go along with everything, if not be the instigator of events.
Anything with a supernatural vein is huge in the States right now, and chick lit, plus derivatives is also going strong.
I think the truth is, many times editors don't even know what they're looking for- they just hope for a really good strong book- so, why not surprise them? All of them admitted to looking through the 'slush pile' and one or two really big hits were quoted as having come from there.
Believe in yourself, and never give up.
Love to all, and happy reading everyone
Susan
