The Glass is Half-Full

Another acquaintance of mine, Jenna, sold her first book this week to Harlequin Modern Extra. This marks, I believe, the fourth new author sale of people I know. It’s exciting and inspiring. I remind myself that when I finish these revisions :mallet:, I could be next if I do them right. It’s a terrific motivator.

When I first started writing, I wasn’t aware of the odds. I didn’t realize that most publishers have a certain number of book slots available each month for romance (4-6). That accounts for 48 to 72 books a year. Not bad, right? But now think about how many of those slots are already filled by published authors. And we all know there are a LOT of published authors. It leaves, perhaps, 2-3 books a year for new authors if we’re lucky. There are probably 1000 people competing for those slots. Impossible odds.

Or are they?

Publishers tell us that 90% of those submissions come from people who don’t know a lot about writing, who are trying to get rich quick, or who are certifiably insane (books about cohabiting goats from ancient Babylon, anyone??). The remaining hundred folks are good writers, but the book may lack that special spark. Or the book is beautifully written but the editors don’t particularly care about the characters. I’m guilty of writing about four of those kinds of books.

But I’m convinced this year will be different. I’ve gotten closer than I’ve ever come before. I have a book that I believe in, an editor who’s interested, and it’s up to me to make it happen. There are so many factors out of my control, but the writing is something I can control. If this book doesn’t get published, it won’t be for lack of trying.

In other news, who here is watching LOST with me? I love that show. I am in awe of the writers and I want to be them when I grow up. I’m very curious about Jack’s tattoo (is that space invaders on it?) and the true identify of Desmond. Is he Jack’s secret brother? Hmmm…can’t wait to find out.