So, last week I listed some of the questions I was asked by students of the Creative Writing class I visited at Newbury Park High School.
I'm going to continue posting answers to them, but they sent me one they wanted to know about in an email.
Here's what they asked: The kids wanted to know that if they have a first novel, what path would I advise? They wanted to know if I thought it was best to get an agent and go the traditional route, or to possibly consider "Indie" publishing.
The reason they asked was that, as is often the case, we did talk about the business aspect of writing -- my agent, editor, and publishing houses. And we also talked about how things are changing at the moment, and what these changes may mean for writers who haven't yet started out.
So, I did write them back a lengthy response, qualifying it as I usually do with the caveat that my opinion doesn't matter and my experience is limited only to what has happened to me, so anyone else they ask the same questions to will likely give them an entirely different response.
Which, I think, is a fair way to deal with kids -- or anyone -- who are excited about trying their hands at writing.
2 comments:
No one keeps it real like you, Andrew.
I was just pondering how most of my novels take place in the Midwest and aren't pretty or gritty...they are just my experiences and those of my characters.
The irony is that someone (an agent) in NYC or LA has to find my story compelling. Then another person (an editor) in NYC or LA has to agree with said editor. So my accidentally authentic tales of the Midwest aren't determined authentic by someone who lives there.
This fact could drive me crazy...or I could smile at the fact that my experiences may make those NY people jealous one day.
My advice to your young friends: sleep well and use as much energy as you can muster to research, make connections, and explore all available facets of the publishing world.
It's a strange and wonderful time to be alive.
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