Category:Blog

When I say market….

By: Lucia Macro
November 16, 2011

…I mean getting the answer to two key questions.

Here’s the FIRST question I’m always asked when I talk about a new author/new book. And that goes for romance/not romance/even non-fiction…

Who are the readers of this book?

I then get asked, What/who is a good comp title/comp author?

If I can’t answer those questions, I know I’m in trouble.

You can argue this, complain about it, talk all about how this is limiting and uncreative. Salespeople love comps. Accounts love comps. So, I’ve learned to embrace the comp, even if I don’t always love it.

Of course, we all know no one is ever 100% the same. But publishing brings out the inner salesperson in all of us. Go for it! Know your personal brand.

So think about that when you’re pitching your story.

OTHER DISCUSSIONS HAPPENING IN BLOG Romance

  • AmyValentini says: November 17, 2011 at 10:31 am

    Good to know, about the westerns, never considered ‘em but gives me food for thought. : )

  • Lucia Macro says: November 16, 2011 at 1:37 pm

    And, to be clear, this isn’t asked of me solely for the romances I acquire. This is asked of every editor, no matter their ‘speciality.’

    I also tell authors to keep their own faith. Think about the western: until recently I couldn’t GIVE those ranches away. Now, we are asked to consider westerns again.

  • AmyValentini says: November 16, 2011 at 1:13 pm

    Totally makes sense, Lucia. If a writer is reading as well as writing then we know what’s in the market right now. As I have always been told and always told my students, write what you know and write what you love. Once a writer is known, it’s probably easier to change the rules a little, I suppose. Thanks for guiding us. : )


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