Very interesting perspective! My question is how do you go about studying the industry? There's so much information out there, how do you know what's relevant and what's not
Start with Jane Friedman. Her website is janefriedman.com but if you sign up for her Hot Sheet newsletter (paid, not on Substack), she literally gives you all of the info you need to get started. Then go to Publisher's Weekly. They are great, too.
Really depends on the trend, and most importantly, the actual content of my novel. Also, I would day that you are in full control of your creativity. But I believe it's always better to make informed choices so you know what you're up against.
Really enjoyed reading your take on this, especially the idea about it being a decision. I always imagine a Venn diagram where one circle is the art you want to make, and the other circle is the art that's going to sell. When I'm thinking up a concept or a hook for a book, I try and aim for that little bit of overlap. That's the magic place.
As soon as you start pitching you are entering the world of commerce; buying and selling; trading etc
brutal questions:
Readers, movie goers have been conditioned many say. That is markets essentially.
where does my novel/screenwriting sit genre wise in the publishing market? is it marketable or stray too far out reader's/viewers comfort zone ?
In other words have readers seen something like it before, is it a likeable interesting variation ?
You may laugh at this Kern, recently I was talking to an Industrial designer and asked her how does she approach your design work -- do you do strive for something out of left field ? ie revolutionary ground breaking.
She said that rarely happens, good design is to take the essence of something that is out there ; familiar and change it adding your touch; but do not overdo it too much.
I wondered whether there is a lesson here for writers: LOL
Oh your friend may be onto something. Love it! I'd add this: I think as writers today, we're part of a historic legacy of expression and creativity through words. Our words today add to this legacy, and sometimes that addition is momentous, but typically it's barely a blimp. But it all matters.
Very interesting perspective! My question is how do you go about studying the industry? There's so much information out there, how do you know what's relevant and what's not
Start with Jane Friedman. Her website is janefriedman.com but if you sign up for her Hot Sheet newsletter (paid, not on Substack), she literally gives you all of the info you need to get started. Then go to Publisher's Weekly. They are great, too.
Thank you Kern!! I appreciate this 😊
Interesting. In general, how much do you let industry decide the creativity aspect of your work?
Really depends on the trend, and most importantly, the actual content of my novel. Also, I would day that you are in full control of your creativity. But I believe it's always better to make informed choices so you know what you're up against.
Really enjoyed reading your take on this, especially the idea about it being a decision. I always imagine a Venn diagram where one circle is the art you want to make, and the other circle is the art that's going to sell. When I'm thinking up a concept or a hook for a book, I try and aim for that little bit of overlap. That's the magic place.
I love that thinking, Morgan. Makes perfect sense.
All points raised are true.
As soon as you start pitching you are entering the world of commerce; buying and selling; trading etc
brutal questions:
Readers, movie goers have been conditioned many say. That is markets essentially.
where does my novel/screenwriting sit genre wise in the publishing market? is it marketable or stray too far out reader's/viewers comfort zone ?
In other words have readers seen something like it before, is it a likeable interesting variation ?
You may laugh at this Kern, recently I was talking to an Industrial designer and asked her how does she approach your design work -- do you do strive for something out of left field ? ie revolutionary ground breaking.
She said that rarely happens, good design is to take the essence of something that is out there ; familiar and change it adding your touch; but do not overdo it too much.
I wondered whether there is a lesson here for writers: LOL
Oh your friend may be onto something. Love it! I'd add this: I think as writers today, we're part of a historic legacy of expression and creativity through words. Our words today add to this legacy, and sometimes that addition is momentous, but typically it's barely a blimp. But it all matters.
I’ve actually read the counter argument often, that in writing with the industry in mind you:
A/ End up being submerged by stories that look the same as yours
B/since writing takes time, you fall short on trend when the work is done and seems passé.
I think it's about being aware and making the decision to participate or not. Awareness is key though.
You’re right. And sometimes we end up participating on things we where not aware of (people who write the same book as you but you never heard of)