July 15, 2006

THE AIR IS THIN UP THERE …

 Black Tusk seen from Whistler Mountain

What have I learned about the making of a bestseller after my reading binge this week?

Authors have approached the Everest of publishing from as many angles as there are personalities … but there is one outstanding thing they ALL have in common: An incredible dedication and work ethic – many rising at 5 a.m. and working throughout the day until evening, even when they’re hitting the TIMES list year after year, after year.

And the pressure is on. Never more so. To stay at the top.

Among the other common traits … a constant and informed eye on the market, a drive to keep challenging themselves and growing –- improving craft — and a willingness to listen to and accept guidance from professionals at their publishing house.

Oh …  and flat out patience and stamina.

Debate ranges widely around the importance and impact of things like reviews, promotion, and public appearances, with agents seeming to put more emphasis on that end of things … But one consistent is that the ’giants’ interviewed all professed a deep respect for their fan base — because those readers are the undisputed kingmakers — and they can leave you in an instant.

There also seems to be general consensus that a web presence with dynamic content is a must.

So no real surprises to come out THE MAKING OF A BESTSELLER by Brain Hill and Dee Power – a series of interviews with agents, editors, publishers, bestselling authors and publicists written in a brief and pacey Q and A format  … from which you need to come up for air every now and then. If you’re going to read this book, do it this year or next, because I suspect it’s going to feel somewhat dated beyond that, given the way this business morphs.

And I found some delightful anecdotes in  BESTSELLERS — Top Writers tell How. Older interviews, but the names are still at the top of their game … and the stories of how they got there remain the same.

Overall, it’s agreed that the odds of summiting that Publishing Everest have never been more daunting. You’re either going to read the numbers and give up … or you’re going to stare them down … inspired … and fired

1. On July 16th, 2006 at 5:06 am
   Bailey Stewart Says:
   

   Ah darn, there wasn’t enough time to even shake the bottle on those pretty shades of varnish.

   I don’t know if I have that kind of stamina – no wait, I’m finding that I have the stamina, I just don’t know if I want to keep the pace. I think I’ll settle for the middle ground.

2. On July 16th, 2006 at 9:21 am
   Meretta Says:
   

   Thanks for sharing the information, Loreth. Must check out some of those for perusal! This is me. All fired up and raring to go! What’s the point if it’s an easy goal, right?

3. On July 16th, 2006 at 5:44 pm
   Toni Anderson Says:
   

   I think if it invilves getting up at 5 am I am doomed. I would and do happily work all day and all evening when able. Some people do a morning and actually have a life–imagine that???

4. On July 31st, 2006 at 3:18 pm
   Dee Power Says:
   

   Well not all the authors get up at 5 AM (grin)

   Thanks for your kind words Loreth, I’m glad you enjoyed reading “The Making of a Bestseller.” Brian and I had a terrific time interviewing all the authors (and editors, agents and booksellers).

   Dee Power
   http://www.brianhillanddeepower.blogspot.com

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