You are so on the mark, Terry. We writers have to look at our own talents and see how they can help us sell our books. From writing to speaking to asking the perennial question "Are you a reader?" and then using the answer to lead into your books (and others'), we must walk the walk while we talk. I love people. Engaging with them is always enjoyable and that makes it all worthwhile. Looking forward to my next speaking gig!
These two pieces could be used for a lively and perhaps heated discussion in all writing and publishing courses...what i find most disturbing is that neither piece looks the publishers and agents squarely in the eye to call them out on their lack of meaningful, and adaptive marketing support for a book, despite the existence of their in-house marketing departments, who are there to adapt and deliver. Some publishers actually insist that a fulsome marketing plan be included with a query letter!
Another posts that unless you (the Author) are willing to devote many hours a week to social media, writing free articles in various blogs etc, they are not interested in receiving your manuscript.
So, the message is that the Author must get in the marketing/comms game, or perish.
Let's think further about this - if the publisher and agent do not bring marketing to the table, and an Author must develop (or hire) this expertise, then aren't publishers also the vulnerable ones? They are often subsidized by tax dollars which adds a layer of 'consideration'. The old ideas around those who choose to hybrid or self publish - and drive their own marketing - are fading. Indie books stores have started to carry them. Libraries and schools (the biggest buyer of most books in Canada, and financed with our tax dollars) want to look beyond the Publisher selections. Even Publishers Weekly devotes an enormous section each week to self/hybrid published books, with articles and reviews.
Perhaps a Publisher will need to start offering meaningful, adapted marketing, in order to attract manuscripts.
Thanks for your thoughtful comments, Sarah. For my entire exposure to publishers, now more than 18 years, they have struggled financially to commit the resources to authors and books that they once did. Technology (devices and platforms) have given with one hand and taken with the other. Some sectors have fared well but others… not so much. But we persevere, and we adapt. Thanks again. Onwards on your writing journey!
Though I write, I am not a writer. I am an artist though, with a remarkably similar background to your own, having come from multiple decades of professional marketing and communication roles. The same passion and persistence is required of us painters. I am about to take a self-imposed hiatus as we move our home and studio to a new community. My intention is to take the time to re-charge and re-imagine how to generate new art that matters, art that connects to existing fans and attracts new ones. This post served as both a reminder and an affirmation that every effort, every connection, every intention matters. Thanks Terry.
*This* should be published in the Globe as a response!
I totally get the frustration in Tom's voice in his piece. I'm not sure what I would do, flying all the way to the Caymans for an event where nobody showed up. I do think, from a non-published writer's perspective, this article is useful as a wakeup call. You can't become a novelist in Canada (or anywhere, except maybe Iceland) and expect everyone to throw roses at your feet.
I recently watched the movie "Rebel in the Rye", a fictionalized account of JD Salinger's life. At one point, he flat-out refuses to promote his own book. At another point, before he is published, an editor asks him if he would write even if it meant he'd never publish in his life. The answer was "Yes".
This was my answer long before I started writing seriously. Do I want to publish a novel? Yes, desperately. But I realize that the odds are stacked against me -- and I'm going to write anyway. In the example of JK Rowling -- she approached 27 publishers (or whatever the number was) before she became a billionaire author. What if she stopped at 26? What if it landed on the 27th's desk the day after when the editor was distracted by something? What if it was read by a different editor who didn't like magic or books about kids? What if...?
There is so much luck that goes into getting published. "The cream always rises to the top" -- that's simply not true. Sometimes it's the milk beneath, milk that happened to be at the right place at the right time with the right Instagram account. I don't say this with any bitterness -- it's simply a recognition that publishers publish what sells. Or, more accurately, what they believe will sell that particular moment.
Besides, I freely admit that when I go to the store, I buy milk *way* more often than I buy cream.
I've always loved your positive approach, Terry. Here you are, now one of Canada's most successful authors of all time, and you still say, "Who, me?" At the risk of gushing here, I do believe you have contributed more than your writing to Canadian Literature. You're also one of its greatest champions and ambassadors, right up there with Atwood. Your positivity is a big part of that.
I don't think Tom is wrong, but I think that's what you're saying, too. I also think what you're saying -- and what I subscribe to as well -- is that there are a lot of discouraging aspects in Canadian Literature in terms of falling readership, difficulties publishing, and "extra duties" writers are expected to perform. But there are still a lot of things to get hyped about. Let's all focus on that!
Great post as usual Terry! (And seriously, submit this to the Globe!)
Some of us (as self-published writers) use writing to add zest, satisfaction, and joy to post-retirement life. (Your book-signing photo reminded me of my three Indigo book-signings in 2018 and does not make me want to do more.) We non-professional writers get much joy out of being creative and keeping our vocabularies in tune. I agree that adaptation is key - along with realizing WHY one writes. Its intrinsic pleasure appears to me whether trying to capture an elusive emotion or recreate a moment during a recent trip. I especially enjoy reading early drafts aloud to my husband - just as he shows me early versions of a watercolour. Both benefit from another set of ears/eyes. Love your work, Terry!
Terry, we were both in Engineering at Mac at the same time, but never met. I find it remarkable that you have made the transition from engineering to writing. After many years of working as a P.Eng. a friend in publishing completely dismissed any idea that I could write something, one day, that was not an engineering document. Yet, over the years, I have gotten a number of indications that certain people like some of my non-technical writings. However, I have not pursued this any further. For now, technical writing (engineering documents) is keeping me busy. Regardless, I want to thank you for sharing your experiences as a writer. The information and insight you provide will prove valuable should I decide to take the plunge into writing.
Terry, this is an excellent article well worthy of appearing in the G&M along side Rachman, and without the whining. When Rachman’s article appeared, two readers of my blog commented that my recent posts on the same themes were more inciteful, and I should submit my own article to the G&M, or other national journal; but that path has now been well trod. However, for the curious of your followers I include the link here to the post; you were featured in it and I believe you read it. https://afspublishing.ca/23-9-sustaining-drive-and-marketing-books-7-speakers-circuit/
So many good points here, but something writers need to know is that every publishing experience is different.
There are big (big!) publishing houses, who have publicists and resources to help get the word out, create buzz, find opportunities for their authors to be seen, interviewed etc. There are writers who are able to find agents - agents who do much heavy lifting in the querying and promoting process, a huge help to a writer. And then there are others - writers published by small independent publishers, or the un-agented writers, who will have trouble getting through the door.
In the kidlit field, where I write YA, agents aren't needed in order to query a Canadian publisher (US publishers, yes.) (And, oh yes, I have tried to get an agent. "You're doing everything right, so just keep going," said one prominent agent as she turned me down, citing a full list). But my small publisher can't compete with Harper Teen and Penguin Teen. Small print runs, few resources for publicity campaigns, minimal social media presence except what I generate myself. BUT - my books are published, they're on the shelf in a library and some bookstores, they are finding their way onto award nomination lists and into the hands of young (and adult) readers.
Isn't that what every writer wants? That's all I ever dreamed of.
Terry, you know the scene very well, and you're excellent at the job of being a writer - the writing part (first and foremost), the promoting part, as well as the supporting other writers in the community part (thanks for the blurb!!). It's a different experience for everyone, but it doesn't happen by magic. Thank you for sharing your experience in this article and illuminating some of those issues surrounding promotion and responsibility. The writing life is a choice. If we want to take it on, we have to adapt and learn and accept the results - and hopefully remember that we write stories because we love writing stories.
Always enjoy your blog. As I relate to your adapt philosophy of writing. I, too, had to adapt in an office for 10 years in late ‘80’s going from typewriters to computers, ticker tape emails to electronic ones… then working at a school going more digital & we needed to adapt. Funny, way before Covid we were chatting about working from home - haha - as if - being in a kindergarten classroom - well, in 2020 it DID happen - teaching virtually! Wow ! Times change & we adapted! Thanks for reminding me what we all have gone through to adapt and will continue to do so in the future!
Once again Terry, you hit the nail on the pervirbial head. Writing is an art form. Artists are required to suffer for their art. Some into obscurity others to unexpected meteoric fame. If, you believe in your work, if it holds merit for you and if you believe it will be appreciated, understood or will touch another human beings heart, soul or mind then you will find the motivation to be tenacious about getting it out there. I now have a fledging following of a dozen or more readers who liked my book. There not all family members or friends but genuine readers who stumbled upon my story. It's such a lot of fun and validation to get an email, phonecall or text of support and feedback. I never intended to get rich or famous . I just wanted to entertain those who might happen upon my book. That has been enough for me. The rest of it, sales, profit, noteriety, is all icing on the cake. Sometimes the icing is pretty thin or just a dribble but it's always sweet. I'm earnestly working on my next book for the next five hundred to two thousand people out there who might enjoy it. I now have a YouTube channel in its infancy and I'm learning other stuff too. All things I would never had tried unless I wrote my book. It's not convenient to do book clubs or libraries or consignment book store appearances but I get to meet a reader face to face. Writing, I'm learning is about connecting beyond the page. No one does that with more pannash and grace than Terry Fallis. I literally bumped into him at a Leacock Association Gala not knowing who he was. He bought me a drink and asked about my book. Hard to top that kind of ambassador for Canadian writers. A great example as is self-evident.
Thanks for this, Terry. Spot on, as usual. I think writers who are able to make the marketing side successful will soon learn to love it. Or at least tolerate it....
I actually chuckled at Tom Rachman's description of Kafka addressing his readers on YouTube! However, the bulk of the article seemed very negative to me. As I read your response, the word ADAPT kept popping out. If I, a septuagenarian, can figure that out then I think there's hope for my writing. At least I hope so. And if anyone out there wants me to address a book club in the Caymans, Bahamas, or Sitka, Alaska, I'd be delighted!!
Terry, we were both at Mac at the same time but never met. I had to comment on how remarkable your transition from Engineering to Writing has been. In my case, after decades as a P.Eng. my idea of writing something non-technical was completely dismissed by a friend of mine in publishing. However, I do get the occasional indication that people enjoy my writing but I have not pursued it. Regardless, thanks for sharing your experiences as a writer. The information will prove to be valuable should I take the plunge into writing.
You are so on the mark, Terry. We writers have to look at our own talents and see how they can help us sell our books. From writing to speaking to asking the perennial question "Are you a reader?" and then using the answer to lead into your books (and others'), we must walk the walk while we talk. I love people. Engaging with them is always enjoyable and that makes it all worthwhile. Looking forward to my next speaking gig!
Thanks, Elaine. You do the connecting part of the job very well!
Hi Terry,
These two pieces could be used for a lively and perhaps heated discussion in all writing and publishing courses...what i find most disturbing is that neither piece looks the publishers and agents squarely in the eye to call them out on their lack of meaningful, and adaptive marketing support for a book, despite the existence of their in-house marketing departments, who are there to adapt and deliver. Some publishers actually insist that a fulsome marketing plan be included with a query letter!
Another posts that unless you (the Author) are willing to devote many hours a week to social media, writing free articles in various blogs etc, they are not interested in receiving your manuscript.
So, the message is that the Author must get in the marketing/comms game, or perish.
Let's think further about this - if the publisher and agent do not bring marketing to the table, and an Author must develop (or hire) this expertise, then aren't publishers also the vulnerable ones? They are often subsidized by tax dollars which adds a layer of 'consideration'. The old ideas around those who choose to hybrid or self publish - and drive their own marketing - are fading. Indie books stores have started to carry them. Libraries and schools (the biggest buyer of most books in Canada, and financed with our tax dollars) want to look beyond the Publisher selections. Even Publishers Weekly devotes an enormous section each week to self/hybrid published books, with articles and reviews.
Perhaps a Publisher will need to start offering meaningful, adapted marketing, in order to attract manuscripts.
What an interesting time!
Thanks for your thoughtful comments, Sarah. For my entire exposure to publishers, now more than 18 years, they have struggled financially to commit the resources to authors and books that they once did. Technology (devices and platforms) have given with one hand and taken with the other. Some sectors have fared well but others… not so much. But we persevere, and we adapt. Thanks again. Onwards on your writing journey!
I see both sides but favour yours Terry. Keep on keeping on!
Though I write, I am not a writer. I am an artist though, with a remarkably similar background to your own, having come from multiple decades of professional marketing and communication roles. The same passion and persistence is required of us painters. I am about to take a self-imposed hiatus as we move our home and studio to a new community. My intention is to take the time to re-charge and re-imagine how to generate new art that matters, art that connects to existing fans and attracts new ones. This post served as both a reminder and an affirmation that every effort, every connection, every intention matters. Thanks Terry.
I think you’re a master at the non-painting element of the artist’s life. Carry on and all the best with the move and renewal.
*This* should be published in the Globe as a response!
I totally get the frustration in Tom's voice in his piece. I'm not sure what I would do, flying all the way to the Caymans for an event where nobody showed up. I do think, from a non-published writer's perspective, this article is useful as a wakeup call. You can't become a novelist in Canada (or anywhere, except maybe Iceland) and expect everyone to throw roses at your feet.
I recently watched the movie "Rebel in the Rye", a fictionalized account of JD Salinger's life. At one point, he flat-out refuses to promote his own book. At another point, before he is published, an editor asks him if he would write even if it meant he'd never publish in his life. The answer was "Yes".
This was my answer long before I started writing seriously. Do I want to publish a novel? Yes, desperately. But I realize that the odds are stacked against me -- and I'm going to write anyway. In the example of JK Rowling -- she approached 27 publishers (or whatever the number was) before she became a billionaire author. What if she stopped at 26? What if it landed on the 27th's desk the day after when the editor was distracted by something? What if it was read by a different editor who didn't like magic or books about kids? What if...?
There is so much luck that goes into getting published. "The cream always rises to the top" -- that's simply not true. Sometimes it's the milk beneath, milk that happened to be at the right place at the right time with the right Instagram account. I don't say this with any bitterness -- it's simply a recognition that publishers publish what sells. Or, more accurately, what they believe will sell that particular moment.
Besides, I freely admit that when I go to the store, I buy milk *way* more often than I buy cream.
I've always loved your positive approach, Terry. Here you are, now one of Canada's most successful authors of all time, and you still say, "Who, me?" At the risk of gushing here, I do believe you have contributed more than your writing to Canadian Literature. You're also one of its greatest champions and ambassadors, right up there with Atwood. Your positivity is a big part of that.
I don't think Tom is wrong, but I think that's what you're saying, too. I also think what you're saying -- and what I subscribe to as well -- is that there are a lot of discouraging aspects in Canadian Literature in terms of falling readership, difficulties publishing, and "extra duties" writers are expected to perform. But there are still a lot of things to get hyped about. Let's all focus on that!
Great post as usual Terry! (And seriously, submit this to the Globe!)
Thanks, Graham, for your always thoughtful and supportive comment. What a game we’ve gotten ourselves into!
Wonderful summary of both sides of this conversation!! Two 👍👍 thumbs way Up
Thanks Mark!
Some of us (as self-published writers) use writing to add zest, satisfaction, and joy to post-retirement life. (Your book-signing photo reminded me of my three Indigo book-signings in 2018 and does not make me want to do more.) We non-professional writers get much joy out of being creative and keeping our vocabularies in tune. I agree that adaptation is key - along with realizing WHY one writes. Its intrinsic pleasure appears to me whether trying to capture an elusive emotion or recreate a moment during a recent trip. I especially enjoy reading early drafts aloud to my husband - just as he shows me early versions of a watercolour. Both benefit from another set of ears/eyes. Love your work, Terry!
A well-written post, Terry, with lots of nuance (and a nice finish).
Terry, we were both in Engineering at Mac at the same time, but never met. I find it remarkable that you have made the transition from engineering to writing. After many years of working as a P.Eng. a friend in publishing completely dismissed any idea that I could write something, one day, that was not an engineering document. Yet, over the years, I have gotten a number of indications that certain people like some of my non-technical writings. However, I have not pursued this any further. For now, technical writing (engineering documents) is keeping me busy. Regardless, I want to thank you for sharing your experiences as a writer. The information and insight you provide will prove valuable should I decide to take the plunge into writing.
Terry, this is an excellent article well worthy of appearing in the G&M along side Rachman, and without the whining. When Rachman’s article appeared, two readers of my blog commented that my recent posts on the same themes were more inciteful, and I should submit my own article to the G&M, or other national journal; but that path has now been well trod. However, for the curious of your followers I include the link here to the post; you were featured in it and I believe you read it. https://afspublishing.ca/23-9-sustaining-drive-and-marketing-books-7-speakers-circuit/
So many good points here, but something writers need to know is that every publishing experience is different.
There are big (big!) publishing houses, who have publicists and resources to help get the word out, create buzz, find opportunities for their authors to be seen, interviewed etc. There are writers who are able to find agents - agents who do much heavy lifting in the querying and promoting process, a huge help to a writer. And then there are others - writers published by small independent publishers, or the un-agented writers, who will have trouble getting through the door.
In the kidlit field, where I write YA, agents aren't needed in order to query a Canadian publisher (US publishers, yes.) (And, oh yes, I have tried to get an agent. "You're doing everything right, so just keep going," said one prominent agent as she turned me down, citing a full list). But my small publisher can't compete with Harper Teen and Penguin Teen. Small print runs, few resources for publicity campaigns, minimal social media presence except what I generate myself. BUT - my books are published, they're on the shelf in a library and some bookstores, they are finding their way onto award nomination lists and into the hands of young (and adult) readers.
Isn't that what every writer wants? That's all I ever dreamed of.
Terry, you know the scene very well, and you're excellent at the job of being a writer - the writing part (first and foremost), the promoting part, as well as the supporting other writers in the community part (thanks for the blurb!!). It's a different experience for everyone, but it doesn't happen by magic. Thank you for sharing your experience in this article and illuminating some of those issues surrounding promotion and responsibility. The writing life is a choice. If we want to take it on, we have to adapt and learn and accept the results - and hopefully remember that we write stories because we love writing stories.
Thank you, Jean!
Always enjoy your blog. As I relate to your adapt philosophy of writing. I, too, had to adapt in an office for 10 years in late ‘80’s going from typewriters to computers, ticker tape emails to electronic ones… then working at a school going more digital & we needed to adapt. Funny, way before Covid we were chatting about working from home - haha - as if - being in a kindergarten classroom - well, in 2020 it DID happen - teaching virtually! Wow ! Times change & we adapted! Thanks for reminding me what we all have gone through to adapt and will continue to do so in the future!
Exactly! It’s really a message about life. Hope you’re well.
Once again Terry, you hit the nail on the pervirbial head. Writing is an art form. Artists are required to suffer for their art. Some into obscurity others to unexpected meteoric fame. If, you believe in your work, if it holds merit for you and if you believe it will be appreciated, understood or will touch another human beings heart, soul or mind then you will find the motivation to be tenacious about getting it out there. I now have a fledging following of a dozen or more readers who liked my book. There not all family members or friends but genuine readers who stumbled upon my story. It's such a lot of fun and validation to get an email, phonecall or text of support and feedback. I never intended to get rich or famous . I just wanted to entertain those who might happen upon my book. That has been enough for me. The rest of it, sales, profit, noteriety, is all icing on the cake. Sometimes the icing is pretty thin or just a dribble but it's always sweet. I'm earnestly working on my next book for the next five hundred to two thousand people out there who might enjoy it. I now have a YouTube channel in its infancy and I'm learning other stuff too. All things I would never had tried unless I wrote my book. It's not convenient to do book clubs or libraries or consignment book store appearances but I get to meet a reader face to face. Writing, I'm learning is about connecting beyond the page. No one does that with more pannash and grace than Terry Fallis. I literally bumped into him at a Leacock Association Gala not knowing who he was. He bought me a drink and asked about my book. Hard to top that kind of ambassador for Canadian writers. A great example as is self-evident.
You’re a good man, Mark!
Thanks for this, Terry. Spot on, as usual. I think writers who are able to make the marketing side successful will soon learn to love it. Or at least tolerate it....
Thanks, Andy.
I actually chuckled at Tom Rachman's description of Kafka addressing his readers on YouTube! However, the bulk of the article seemed very negative to me. As I read your response, the word ADAPT kept popping out. If I, a septuagenarian, can figure that out then I think there's hope for my writing. At least I hope so. And if anyone out there wants me to address a book club in the Caymans, Bahamas, or Sitka, Alaska, I'd be delighted!!
Terry, we were both at Mac at the same time but never met. I had to comment on how remarkable your transition from Engineering to Writing has been. In my case, after decades as a P.Eng. my idea of writing something non-technical was completely dismissed by a friend of mine in publishing. However, I do get the occasional indication that people enjoy my writing but I have not pursued it. Regardless, thanks for sharing your experiences as a writer. The information will prove to be valuable should I take the plunge into writing.