Agents and Editors on What Motivates Them
The clip above features a panel discussion with agents and editors about what motivates them and what they look for in books and authors. It’s an interesting discussion, the kind you hope to hear at any conference.
And it reminded me of a book I’ve had for a while, Writing the Breakout Novel: Insider Advice for Taking Your Fiction to the Next Level, by agent Donald Maass. As an exceedingly successful agent, Maass has some “get real” insight for novelists, but it’s not a kick in the gut. It’s an eye-opening and realistically encouraging read.
I’m deep in John Truby’s the Anatomy of Story right now, but there is some common ground between these books, and I’ll be revisiting Maass again soon.
What both books are helping me keep in mind is the reality of publishing. If I want anyone to read what I write, I have to think ahead to the publishing side. Writing for “myself” really isn’t the point. I’m writing for an audience, and I want my best possible chance to reach that audience. Is that selling out? I don’t think so. It’s aiming for and, with luck and concerted effort, hitting the mark.