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Making the Leap to Book Publishing

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When does a writer become an author?

 

Every successfully published author I know (who writes his or her own books) was a writer long before becoming an author. But the underlying question I hear from so many aspiring authors is, “When and how does that transition take place?”

 

Is it after hitting “publish” on her 1,000th blog post?

 

After his social media followers surpass a certain magic number?

 

Or when she gets “discovered” by the right editor or agent at a conference?

 

As usual, the answer varies. While there are certain patterns and principles at play—which we’re eager to share with you at our sponsor workshop!—each writer’s path to “authordom” takes unique twists and fortuitous turns. But yes, there certainly are steps you can take now to prepare for future publishing success.

 

One of the best things you can do for yourself in the meantime is to keep writing. Discover your own unique voice through trial and error. Write about what you love and what you hate, what you learn and what you wonder. And when your inspiration runs dry, be quiet for a spell; be still and observe; engage in a physical activity that energizes you. And of course, read authors whose work challenges and delights you.

 

In the process of writing and listening and observing, you’ll develop. You’ll move forward. You’ll not only become a stronger writer and a more interesting person, but a more true and dynamic version of yourself. And who knows, in the process, you may attract the attention of a literary agent who you’ll love working with.

 

One of the many things I adore about my work as an agent is finding new authors and introducing them to the reading world. You could even say our agency—D.C. Jacobson & Associates—specializes in launching fresh voices with a powerful message. The very first book Don Jacobson (agency president, industry veteran & all around great guy) and I pitched 7 years ago was Crazy Love by Francis Chan, which has now inspired more than 2 million readers around the world. And currently I am working on projects with a number of past and current Allume speakers and attendees who are taking the leap from publishing blog posts to also publishing books—including Tsh Oxenreider, Jessica Turner, Nish Weiseth, Bianca Juarez Olthoff, Amber C Haines, Alli Worthington, and Jamie Martin. (Also, Sarah Markley and Allume’s incredible owner & host, Logan Wolfram, are represented by Don.) What an incredible line-up of communicators, and what a joy it is to serve as their cheerleader, coach, advocate and guide along the publishing path!

 

This summer, as Don and I have prepared for Allume, we’ve been asking ourselves how we can best help you. How can we help you aspiring authors take the next step on your personal path to book publishing?

 

In our sponsor workshop, we’ll divulge to you our “Book Publishing: Top Ten Things You Need to Know”. Meanwhile, we want to hear from you!

 

What questions do you have about publishing? If you could ask a literary agent any question, what would it be? We will take your concerns and special interests into account as we shape and finalize our talk.

 

 

Ask & Win!

Leave a question in the comments and you’ll be automatically entered to win 1 of 5 Advanced Reader Copies of Tsh Oxenreider’s upcoming release, Notes from a Blue Bike: The Art of Living Intentionally in a Chaotic World (February 2014, Thomas Nelson). This is a book I am incredibly excited about personally and am eager to share with five of you.

**Please note: please leave your email address in the comment form. If you do not leave your email address, we cannot count your entry because we will have no way to get in touch with you. Giveaway end Friday at 11:59pm.

Thanks so much. Don and I look forward to meeting you at the conference!

JENNI B

Jenni Burke

Literary Agent

D.C. Jacobson & Associates

www.dcjacobson.com

Let’s connect on Twitter! @jenni_burke @donjacobson

Comments

  1. How important is grammar in a book proposal? I know that is a stupid question BUT I am horrible at grammar but I have so many ideas and stories already written and I hate to pitch an idea and it get turned down because of grammar.

  2. My biggest question is, “Is it worth it to pitch an idea when you have a smaller following?” (My e-mail is lessonsfromivy at gmail dot com)

  3. What is a typical timeline from proposal > submission to publishers > receiving an answer? Should aspiring authors “shop” for an agent?

  4. Is there a market for books about living courageously and Christ-like in today’s culture? Also, I write extensively about Christian Conservatism, and I just wanted to see if a market exists for those types of books? OOPS – I think that was 2 questions. 🙂 Thank you in advance. My email is southerngal0411@gmail.com

  5. At a time when many agencies seem to be accepting submissions from published authors only, I have seen stories of several authors who landed their agent by ignoring this and submitting anyway. Do you feel it is better to adhere to the rules and not submit to these agencies? Or should new authors take the chance and submit?

  6. I’ve read that it is hard for picture book authors to find an agent because royalties have to be split with the illustrator making it less profitable for the agent. Yet, according to the Children’s Writer’s & Illustrator’s Market, few publishers accept queries unless they’re from agents. What steps should authors follow when the advice is conflicting?

    I have a draft that I’ve field tested with K-2 graders, and I believe I’m ready to seek publication.
    I look forward to your session at Allume!

    Deb Weaver

    thewordweaver.com
    thewordweaver1@bellsouth.net

  7. Thanks for the great questions already. Keep ’em coming and remember to include your email address if you’d like to be entered to win a copy of Notes from a Blue Bike!

  8. With the influx and ease of self-publishing, is there a benefit to an author publishing on her own first, and later submitting the book to agents and publishers, or does this have a negative impact on the author’s ability to find representation?

  9. Would love to win this book! My question is: Is it possible to go from self-published to agent published with an existing book? I self-published my first book this year, and I’m wondering if an agent would ever “adopt” it and publish it? Or is it untouchable because it’s already “out there?” Hopefully not a dumb question! 🙂 My email address is embracingraceblog@gmail.com

  11. I was approached by an exec. editor at publishing company about writing a book after she saw me speak at a conference. Should I have a literary agent before submission to a publishing house? dedraherod@gmail.com

  14. I’m sure this various incredibly from book to book, but what’s the average length of time from “yes, we’ll publish your book” to “huzzah, your book is on the shelf”?

  22. Which comes first–publishing company or literary agent? With each of these steps, are there/should there be monetary costs involved by the prospective author, and if so, how much and for what?
    Thank you so much,
    Theresa
    Theresa.Koehler@gmail.com

  24. Sad not to be at Allume this year to hear all the wonderful speakers, etc. but I’d like to know how much an writer should have ready when they approach an agent? A complete draft? Seventy five percent and a solid outline? Is this the kind of thing that varies by publisher and genre? Thanks so much for your feedback! lehuahiialo@gmail.com

  26. What is it that you look for in a new author? Is it following, tone, voice? What are market trends you’re seeing?

  27. You know in rehab when you’re told to get a plant and keep it alive for a year before getting a pet? Then keeping a pet before pursuing a relationship? (That’s not my question, but I understand it’s an intriguing way to begin comment. I don’t even know if this is really how it works; I’m going off of the movie “28 Days.”) I kind of feel like, personally, going from blog writer to book writer would have a similar time-frame. So, my question is when does a blog writer KNOW they’re ready to write a book? Personally, I love writing and would love to write a book, but for now I’m starting with a blog and seeing how persistent I can be at writing for myself and my few readers. But, in the long run, I’d love to get to the point at which I feel I can set aside time to write a book (and all the other details that go along with that). If writing is something one is passionate about, at what level of blogging would it be easier to transition to book writing? strivingforsupermom@gmail.com

    • My question was very similar. I see so many bloggers taking the jump into publishing books – many of whom have been blogging much shorter amounts of time than I. It’s hard not to compare, and sometimes I wonder if people are over-ambitious in going that route so soon? Do you see that happen, people rushing into publication before they are ready? What advice do you have for people who have that dream to avoid rushing into a flop? How will a writer know that they are READY? aprille.beautifulinhistime@gmail.com

  29. Hi Jenni!

    What do you see as the “hot trends” in publishing? I know the bigger bloggers have the platform and their memoirs can sell quite easily, but what about for the the smaller blogger? Are memoirs still good or what would you suggest?Thanks for this chance and I look forward to seeing you at Allume!

    Blessings,
    Angie
    angieryg@att.net

  30. At what point do proofreaders enter the publishing process, and are they freelancers or full-time staff members?

  34. I feel stuck in the middle. I’ve found my voice and I have a platform, but organizing a draft is overwhelming to me. My question is – are there mentors out there that help people to get from where I am to speaking with an agent? danabrownritter@gmail.com

  35. Have read, looked through, and am intrigued by many different writers and their blogs. I’ve been asked to write and keep one up myself, but have never done so. My journey in life has given way to my living in 3 different countries and traveling to about 20. I’ve written email “updates” for the past 8 years that were similar, I suppose, to how a lot of blogs are done. Anyway, I still am not wanting (I don’t think) to write a blog, but I have compiled much of my thoughts and experiences. Would love to write a book or a devotional! How and where do I begin?

    ruthiemaries5@aol.com

  36. I thought of one more question. I’ve had a lot of luck self-publishing and getting some best-sellers on Amazon. How do the books I self-publish affect getting an agent? (which is what I really want) My work is quality and rated well, will this be a plus, or is there a stigma too heavily attached to self-published authors that I should just give up hope of being traditionally published.

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