Casey Holland Transit Security Mysteries

[Debra Purdy Kong]

Hi everyone,

I'm delighted to report that my publisher has finally made my first Casey Holland transit security mystery available on Kindle!! Here's a blurb of the book:

When police inform transit security officer Casey Holland of her father’s murder the previous night, Casey doesn’t believe them. After all, she buried her dad three years earlier. Complicating the situation is the stranger now following Casey, the irritating new tenant living below her, and her estranged mother, Lillian. The search for answers about her father’s past takes Casey to Europe, where she discovers how little she knew about her parents. But revelations only lead to more trouble. A killer wants the missing three million dollars he’s convinced Casey has, and he’ll he won’t stop killing until he gets it.

You can also see the book trailer at:  http://www.youtube.com/user/TouchWoodEditions#p/u/3/ojgoDKDW_ck

Thanks!!
Debra

[Ann in Arlington]

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[Debra Purdy Kong]

Hi everyone,

This week, I'm a guest blogger on Pat Bertram's wonderful blog. Pat's graciously interviewed me about my work, and especially about The Opposite of Dark. At the end of the interview there's also a link to an excerpt of the book! You can find it at http://patbertram.wordpress.com/2011/12/26/debra-purdy-kong-author-of-the-opposite-of-dark/

Thanks, and a very Happy New Year to everyone!!

Debra

[Debra Purdy Kong]

Hi everyone, and Happy New Year!

I've been very fortunate to be on two guest blogs over recent days. The most recent one is on Dorothy Dreyer's blog, at http://we-do-write.blogspot.com/2011/12/interview-with-debra-purdy-kong.html

Thanks!
Debra

[Debra Purdy Kong]

Hi everyone, here's part of a long review for The Opposite of Dark. I don't believe this one was posted on amazon.com.

Casey Holland is a transit security officer who enjoys her job and capturing petty criminals is second nature to her. But, when she takes down her last suspect and is interrogated by her boss and the police what she learns is definitely going to change her life. Imagine burying your father and finding out that he might have died again? Imagine picturing him in his coffin and then being told by the police they just found his body and he is dead? All of the documents found lead the police to believe the man they found is her father and that the person buried might have been a fraud. But, as the clues are uncovered and she identifies the body Casey realizes that the man she buried as her father three years before was really someone else and the man in the morgue is her father. Why did he fake his death? Who is buried and why did he invent a secret life for himself allowing her to think he was dead? These questions still remain to be answered as the plot thickens in this outstanding mystery titled The Opposite of Dark by author Debra Purdy Kong.

Working as a transit security officer she meets some really unsavory people but her police and investigative skills seem to equal or even surpass that of the detectives on the case and for some reason they are withholding information from her but she has yet to learn why.

Auhor Debra Purdy Kong weaves a tale so intricate and detailed filled with so many plot twists that the reader will stay glued to the printed page until everything is finally sorted out. Did Rhonda, her father’s fiancé and her close friend have anything to do with the murder? Who is this new tenant Darcy that appeared out of nowhere and claims concern for her? Why did her daughter Summer see him coming out of Casey’s room? What connection does he have to Theodore Ziegler her father’s partner? Wait until all of the pieces fit together and your find out the hidden truth, the secrets, lies and deceits of all of these characters and much more. As Casey delves in deeper her friend Lou faces more dangers just by being close to her. Will anyone survive this killer? Will she ever find out the truth behind her father’s death? Who is in the morgue and what relationship did he have to her father and to Rhonda? The answer to these questions you won’t believe and you will have to read for yourself.
 
There are so many layers to this story and so many levels to this plot as Casey learns the truth behind her father’s death, her mother’s lies and deceptions, Rhonda’s duplicity and much more. Meeting Theo Ziegler, learning who Gustaf Osterman was and hearing from too many sources including Rhonda’s different truths about her father, his business dealings and three million dollars that seems to be at the center of all these murders. Greed, deceit, love triangles, one child named Summer caught in more than the crossfire and purse-snatcher that might have started it all. When the police are late and their communications and signals are crossed will Casey get away from a killer or will she never see the light when there is so much dark. As the pieces fall together and the darkness falls and surrounds Casey and her best friend lies critically ill in the hospital will the light ever shine for her again? This is one fast paced novel filled with characters that will definitely keep the reader wondering just who can Casey trust if anyone and what happens when the startling truths are revealed. This is a definite must read and let’s hope author Debra Purdy Kong brings Casey Holland back again and brings her a shining light.

 Fran Lewis: Reviewer

[Debra Purdy Kong]

Hi everyone,

I've been reading a number of articles about the growing conflict over ebook rights, between publishers, authors, and/or their family members. The question is who owns the ebook rights to decades-old titles? While this might not apply to those of us who've only published in recent years, it is relevant for anyone who's published in print before the whole question of digital rights was an issue. Here's what's happening:

The latest battle for ebook rights involves HarperCollins and a company called Open Road Integrated Media Inc., whose owner is a former HarperCollins CEO. Open Road released an ebook version of a popular children’s book published in 1972 called Julie of the Wolves. (To date, 3.8 million copies have been sold). HC is suing for copyright infringement, claiming they still have rights to the book, even though the original contract was made long before the digital age flourished.

It’s a huge issue. As one publisher noted, ebook revenue for publishers could be as much as 40% by the end of 2012. HC states that the ebook is directly competitive with the print book, which is still being sold. They also indicate that they had planned to bring out an ebook version. A spokesman for Open Road states that HC is trying to intimidate authors and grab rights that were nonexistent several decades ago.

And this is the crux of the matter. If there were no clauses in an author’s contract addressing ebook and other digital rights, does a publisher have rights to those books? Some publishers are claiming that they do. Since big bucks are at stake, you can expect this issue to be played out many times in the near future. To read more, go to http://online.wsj.com/article_email/SB10001424052970203436904577153142705735660-lMyQjAxMTAyMDEwMDExNDAyWj.html?mod=wsj_share_email

[Debra Purdy Kong]

I’m one of those writers who likes to know what’s going on in the publishing world, but a recent article in Guardian.co.uk caught me by surprise, and then it kind of bothered me.

The article is about hostile responses to a negative book review. Apparently, one incident in particular recently invaded Goodreads and Twitter. I love Goodreads. It’s a wonderful place for readers and writers to gather and share a love of books, and although I only belong to a handful of groups, I’ve never seem flame wars erupt there, but it seems at least one has happened lately. The war apparently spilled onto Twitter where authors and even agents have also stepped into the fray.

According to the article, a much-hyped young adult novel called Tempest by Julia Cross received a negative review, which caused the author’s friends to put down the review and the reviewer. Even the author’s agent offered up comments. Their responses caused more backlash from readers until all hell broke loose on the forums, resulting in reader and review bashing on both sides. The article makes it clear that the author at the center of all this responded gracefully.

I want to reflect on reviews in general. First there’s a difference between a negative review and a bad review. In my mind, a bad review is a poorly written condemnation (or the exact opposite) that misses the point of the work, but caters to the reviewer’s agenda. Bad reviews, if totally off the wall, can be removed from places like amazon, if one is so inclined.

But why respond to negative reviews? Aren’t they simply one person’s opinion? Maybe some reviews will hurt sales, but maybe they’ll help. There is some merit to the line, “a bad review is better than no review at all”, and I know indie authors who’ve garnered impressive sales numbers, reviews notwithstanding.

The bottom line is do you want to harm your reputation as a reviewer, author, publisher, or agent by jumping into these types of name-calling squabbles? Is it worth it to create the kind of bad blood that will make future readers not want to buy your books, or read your reviews? Sure, lots of opinions on the Net are irritating. If we feel compelled to reply, shouldn’t we at least take time to think carefully before we reply? As the article demonstrates, words are powerful. Let’s use them wisely.
You can find the whole article at http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2012/jan/16/ya-novel-readers-publishing-establishment

[Debra Purdy Kong]

Hi everyone,

This week, I was interviewed on the "Sweater Cursed" blog by mystery writer and knitter extraordinaire, Leanne Dyck. Leanne was also kind enough to post the first chapter of The Opposite of Dark, so if you're interested in reading the excerpt, go to

http://sweatercursed.blogspot.com/2012/01/opposite-of-dark-by-debra-purdy-kong.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+TheSweaterCurse+%28The+Sweater+Curse%29

Just scroll down below the gorgeous guy on Leanne's book cover!

Thanks,

[Debra Purdy Kong]

Hi everyone,

This week, I've been working on the 5th book in my Casey Holland series. I wrote the first draft over a period of several weeks, and now I'm doing heavy rewriting on the 2nd draft to bring some chapters to my writer's group. But as I started the edits, I began wondering if I'd brought back too many characters in this story. When your books center around someone's workplace, you can wind up with a lot of characters. But it's always interesting to introduce new people, right?

I brought the chapter that sparked this whole inner debate to the group and the consensus was that this character (Marie Crenshaw) who appears in The Opposite of Dark is colorful enough to keep in the series. So, that's what I'm doing, but the character's role will change significantly in this book. She won't be the antagonist, she'll be the ally against a new antagonist. Switching it up will keep the story fresh and intriguing, I hope. We'll see how it goes.
 

[Debra Purdy Kong]

Hi everyone, I wanted to give you a heads up warning about certain online ebook publishing courses.

This week, I read an interesting article by Angela Hoy, owner of WritersWeekly.com, about an online course which is teaching writers how to write ebooks and become rich. Sounds good, doesn’t it? Can you see how newbies would be attracted to the pitch of no financial investment and guaranteed success?

The instructor of this particular course informed his students that they could quickly produce nonfiction ebooks by taking information from other books on a subject and compiling it to create their own book! But it gets worse. Said instructor also advised students to create a pseudonym that would complement their topic and purchase a portrait from a stock photography website. The implication was that students could take this a step further by adding letters behind their name to establish “credibility”. Are you kidding me? As Angela states, this is fraud, folks. And any writer who attempts to do this is setting themselves up for lawsuits, which they could quite possibly lose.

Apparently, there are several websites and online courses offering writers the path to riches by pilfering other writers’ work. Unfortunately, plagiarism, get-rich-quick schemes, blatant scams, and misleading promises targeting writers is nothing new. Remember those American poetry contests who tell you how wonderful your poem is, publish it as part of a collection than sell the book to you for fifty bucks? Remember those publishers who said your work needed a bit more editing and they gave a recommendation, only that individual had a business relationship with the publisher which involved grabbing as much of your cash as possible?

Fraud is a shape-shifter. It changes form to suit the needs and opportunity of the day. It’s always there, right before your eyes, all nicely packaged in a deal that sounds wonderful. I’m betting that most of you are savvy writers who know better. But I’m also betting that most of you know a newbie who’s just starting out and wonders about these courses. Guide them down the right path, okay? You can visit Angela’s website at www.WritersWeekly.com, or go directly to her article at http://writersweekly.com/the_latest_from_angelahoycom/007184_02082012.html

[Debra Purdy Kong]

Recently, I attended a writing colleague’s book launch for her debut novel, Exit Strategy. It was great fun and I was happy to be invited. I know what it’s like to stand in front of a room of people talking about one’s book, and then signing said book to an appreciative and friendly audience. It’s both gratifying and terribly nerve-wracking.

Since I have a book launch coming up at the end of March, it got me to thinking about launches in general. I’ve attended a few in my time at a variety of locales: restaurants, recreation centers, art centers, an Anglican church (the subject matter was appropriate to the location), and even in my own home for my first novel.

I like attending book launches for two reasons: one is that it’s a joy to see all the years of work, doubt, and struggle pay off for a writer. Secondly, I get to be among the first to read the book and acquire a signed copy. I’m building a wonderful collection of signed books from all sorts of authors, and they’re treasures I plan to keep.

Book launches are like weddings: they bring people together to celebrate an important event in an individual’s life. After the talking and signing is done, there are refreshments and often a party-like atmosphere. Book launches are mercifully shorter than weddings, however, and you don’t have to buy a gift; just a book, if you choose. It’s always optional.

I respect the fact that not everyone likes book launches. They are a great ego boost for the host, after all, and difficult to execute for introverted authors (many of us fit this category). They can also be expensive if one goes all out with food, drink, and decorations. Also, if you’re hoping to put a book a year, is it realistic to expect friends, family, and acquaintances to attend year after year? On the other hand, maybe launches are the excuse people need to come together and confirm that dreams do survive in an increasingly fragmented and turbulent world. Stripped down, book launches can be intimate, humble, friendly, and even moving.

With the growing number of people owning ereaders, iPads, and iPhones, I don’t see why ebook authors can’t hold launches as well. While not everyone owns one of these devices yet, odds are they will in the future. Can you imagine reading from your new book at your launch, while your guests download the book simultaneously? Wouldn’t that be cool?

[Debra Purdy Kong]

Hi everyone,

With so many books published each year, it's often difficult to find reviewers, especially established people who review for major publications. So, I didn't expect much attention for The Opposite of Dark, and I didn't get it. Such is life.

But my second book in this series was just released (in print; Kindle will follow in time) and I received a review in a major publication! After 31 years of writing, this is truly a first for me. Here it is, for better or worse...

http://arts.nationalpost.com/2012/02/24/crimewave-the-wild-beasts-of-wuhan-last-dance-deadly-accusations/

Thanks,
Debra

[Debra Purdy Kong]

About a decade ago, my mother and I were talking about the distant future, when I’d be able to collect government pensions and retire from writing. What struck me about that conversation was her assumption that I would retire while still relatively young (65 is still young to me), just as she had from her day job. She seemed taken aback when I told her I had no plans to ever retire.

Recently, I’ve begun to wonder if that statement is still completely true. Certainly, at some point in my life I’ll cut back on the two blogs a week, book reviews, and novel-a-year output, but completely? Somehow I doubt it, but you never know what the future will bring.

I do know a growing number of writers who, for different reasons, have decided to cut down, or walk away from writing altogether. Some of it is about wanting to do other things on their bucket list. Some are planning to stop writing for health reasons, and still others simply can’t be bothered keeping up with all the technology and marketing expectation foisted on them over the past couple of decades, especially if they started their careers in the 60’s or 70’s.

I’m wondering if there are writers who decide to pack it in after their series comes to an end, whether by choice or not. Which leads me to the question, at what point does one retire a series? For me, it’s not that difficult. Before the first book, The Opposite of Dark, was released, my publisher, editor, and I discussed where the series was going and how many books it might take to get there before Casey’s story ended. While I have a pretty good idea, I don’t have the answer completed nailed down. However, like J.K. Rowling with the Harry Potter series, I already know exactly how my series will end and what the final scene will be. It’s probably the only thing she and I have in common, except perhaps a passion for writing. Rowling wrote her final scene long before she finished the final Harry Potter book. I still have to write mine.

Planning for the retirement of a series isn’t a bad thing. After all, who wants a character to overstay their welcome? As for retiring as a writer, well clearly that decision is personal and probably changes from year to year, due to circumstances. I prefer to keep my options open. How about you? Do you have a retirement plan for yourself or your series?

[Debra Purdy Kong]

Hi everyone,

If you haven't had time to read recent Writer's Cafe threads, one of the latest hot topics in the publishing world is that the U.S. Department of Justice has told Apple and five of the big six publishers that they are facing lawsuits for colluding to raise the price of ebooks. The complaint is that Apple and the publishers are making books more expensive for consumers by altering the way retail prices are set. Whether the lawsuit proceeds remains to be seen, however the outcome could have a big impact on Barnes & Noble.

But there’s more to the story. Author’s Guild president Scott Turow has written a letter stating that the lawsuit would be grim news for anyone who cherishes a “rich literary culture”. Hmm. I’m not exactly sure what he means by that, and as you’ll see below, neither do Joe Konrath and Barry Eisler. I won’t go into a lot of detail or analysis here, but Turow apparently views amazon and the changes they’ve brought to the publishing and bookselling world as a huge threat to traditional publishers and brick and mortar stores. There are a number of points made in the letter, but at the end of it he says that the lawsuit could kill real competition in order to save the appearance of competition. You can draw your own conclusions after reading the letter at
http://blog.authorsguild.org/2012/03/09/letter-from-scott-turow-grim-news/

Finally, Joe Konrath and Barry Eisler have responded to Turow’s letter, shall I say, less than favorably. To start with, they are also suspicious of words like “rich literary culture” and have their own take on the situation, which you can read at http://jakonrath.blogspot.com/2012/03/barry-joe-scott-turow.html

And you think you have trouble finding the right price point for your ebooks? Sheesh! Things seem to get more complicated and tumultuous every month, and I find myself asking, do they really need to be?

[Debra Purdy Kong]

Hi everyone,

This week, I'm preparing to launch the sequel of The Opposite of Dark, in print form. One of the great things about writing a series is that a new book often sparks interest in the first book.

I regret that I didn't do more to promote The Opposite of Dark when it was first released. One of the mistakes made was that I thought my publisher was taking care of arranging events. They definitely did arrange some cool things, but other plans fell through and I didn't know until after the fact. So, now I'm taking charge and stepping up to sell books and arrange things...things I used to do with my Alex Bellamy series, but not to the degree that I now am.

So, here we go again. A second chance, and new learning experiences, I'm sure.

 

[Debra Purdy Kong]

Hi everyone,

I'm delighted to report that my second Casey Holland mystery, Deadly Accusations, is now available on Kindle! This was an unexpected surprise as the kindle version of the first book, The Opposite of Dark, wasn't released until about five months after the print version. However, I guess my publisher sees the value of releasing ebook versions at the same time as the print versions. As you all know, there are plenty of Kindle-only readers! Here's the book's blurb:

Transit security cop, Casey Holland is back investigating acts of violence on MPT buses. Someone is smashing windows with rocks on the moving M6, while racial hatred between pre-teens on the M10 threatens to erupt into all-out war. The murder of Casey’s coworker escalates the animosity and violence, causing tension among MPT staff. The situation grows more dangerous when gunshots and threats threaten children’s lives.

Amidst the professional turmoil, Casey struggles to adjust to her new role as a legal guardian to a traumatized teen, and deal with the loss of her mother. Deadly Accusations is a psychological study about secrets, loss of control, and the lengths some will go to keep it. Is the killer a friend and colleague, or is someone else lurking in the dark?

Thanks!

[Debra Purdy Kong]

Hi everyone,

Saturday was the book launch for my second Casey novel, Deadly Accusations. Those things are always a bit scary, but I actually really enjoyed myself. I prepared a talk about how I really became a writer. There were a lot of twists and turns in the road before I chose this as a career, and nearly 30 years passed before I was able to write full time. But I'm here now, and enjoying every minute.

The idea for Casey Holland, by the way, came from an experience many years ago when I was working a temp job for a transit company. I saw a young woman walk into the office one day, wearing a black leather mini skirt and jacket, and learned that she was an undercover transit security officer. It took many years before Casey Holland was created and found her way into print. But the journey was worth the wait.

[Debra Purdy Kong]

Hi everyone,

The Association of American Publishers has released its latest round of stats, and I thought you might find the results interesting. First, we’re getting a clearer picture of the state of bookselling in the U.S, as the AAP has increased the number of publishers providing input from approximately ninety to 1,149. They’ve also added categories such as children/YA ebooks.

What’s really interesting to note is the 11.5% rise in both print and ebook sales. Those who claim that print books are on their way out might want to rethink that idea. The report suggests that an improving economy could explain why people are buying more books from brick and mortar stores. Also, in January of last year, Borders was returning heaps of books, which is not the case this year, seeing as how they closed shop. Adult trade books rose by 16.4% this year, although mass market books are still down.

Also interesting to note is that the increase in childrens/YA ebooks has driven sales of print and digital books up a whopping 80.5%. Publishers attribute this huge rise to the availability of books for reading devices designed for that age group.

These stats are a really positive sign. People are buying more books in both print and ebook formats. In fact, you’ll see the rise in almost every category AAP lists with only three exceptions. Religious paperbacks, mass market books, and children’s board books sales are down. You can see the entire chart through the Shelf Awareness article at http://www.shelf-awareness.com/issue.html?issue=1703#m15549

[Debra Purdy Kong]

Hi everyone,

For those who live near Victoria, British Columbia, I and two colleagues will be attending At the Mic Night, to chat about our latest mysteries all released this spring (mine is Deadly Accusations) and answer questions on Tues., April 24th at Cadboro Bay Books, 3840B Cadboro Bay Road at 7:00 p.m. Please join us if you can.

Meanwhile, a newsletter I subscribe to posted a list of the top bestselling fiction authors of all time. The list comes from Wikipedia, so I’m not sure it’s completely accurate, but it is fun to read. This list includes only those known to have sold 100 million copies or more. Since precise numbers are impossible to determine for many, a column of minimum to maximum estimated sales is provided. Not enough is known about the sale records of some well-known authors to include them in the list at all. Also, the list doesn’t include comic book authors, but it does include the number of titles each author published. Here’s the top eleven:

William Shakespeare, 2 billion minimum to 4 billion maximum (44+ titles published)
Agatha Christie, 2 billion – 4 billion (85 titles)
Barbara Cartland, 500 million – 1 billion (she published 723 titles!)
Danielle Steel, 500 million – 800 million (72 titles)
Harold Robbins, his minimum and maximum is 750 million (23 titles)
Geroge Simenon, 500 million - 750 million (570 published books!)
Sidney Sheldon, 370 million – 600 million (only 19 titles, my how lazy!)
Enid Blyton, 300 million – 600 million (children’s author with 800 titles)
Dr. Seuss, 100 million – 500 million (44 titles)
Gilbert Patten, 125 million – 500 million (209 adolescent adventures)
J.K. Rowling, 350 million – 450 million (7 titles. That in itself is one heck of a record)

You can find the complete list at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_best-selling_fiction_authors Also on that link, you can click on each individual’s name to learn more about them. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to get back to the keyboard. Clearly, I have some work to do.

[Debra Purdy Kong]

Hi everyone,

Today, I'm preparing for a trip to Victoria to take part in an At THE MIKE night with fellow authors. I did this a year ago and had a great time answering questions and talking with the audience. It feels good to get away from the computer and actually go out and meet people.

Last week, I hosted the Arthur Ellis shortlight night, where we announced this year's nominees for Canada's Arthur Ellis awards. These awards are designed to celebrate excellence in crime writing, and the winners will be announced on May 31st, at the Bloody Words conference. For anyone interested in the list of nominees, or to learn more about this year's conference in Toronto, please check out the Crime Writers of Canada website. www.crimewriterscanada.com There's lots of information about Canadian crime writing and crime writers on the site!

Cheers,
Debra

[Debra Purdy Kong]

Hi everyone,

Promotion for the newly released Deadly Accusations goes pretty well, and recently I received the most amazing review I've ever had. It's from Canada's national book trade magazine Quill and Quire! You can find it at http://www.quillandquire.com/reviews/review.cfm?review_id=7607

Thanks!
Debra

[Debra Purdy Kong]

Hi everyone,

Ah yes, it’s that time of year again, the month when we Canadian crime authors celebrate what we do for a living, or try to. It’s practically a motto among many of us that crime doesn’t pay, nearly enough. At least we’re good at spreading the word that crime writing is alive and well in Canada.

This year's short list for the Best Novel category in Canada's Arthur Ellis Crime Writing Awards features well-known authors (including Louise Penny, William Deverell, and Peter Robinson) not only in Canada but internationally! Beyond the prestigious list of nominees are a number of others Canadian crime writers whose work sells in other countries. I invite you take to visit the Crime Writers of Canada website to learn about more authors and there work. www.crimewriterscanada.com

This month, I have, or will be, participating in events to help raise our profile. Last weekend at the Victoria Public Library’s central branch, we held a day-long event of panel discussions and an interactive mini Toastmasters session moderated by Robin Spano. It was terrific to see so many audience members bravely stand in front of the panel and read snippets of their work and then face critique. It was helpful for all of us who have to get up there and read aloud from time to time.

Also this month, Crime Writers of Canada is being featured on CBC’s Canada Writes website, and will be posting writing tips from several members throughout the month. Yesterday was my turn, and my 100 words on writing the big scene is now up there for the world to see. You can find it at http://www.cbc.ca/books/canadawrites/2012/05/debra-purdy-kong-the-big-scene.html Below the tip, you’ll find a link to more writing tips.

Last but not least, we’ll be celebrating crime writing at this year’s Bloody Words conference in Toronto from May 31st to 3rd. In addition to the awards banquet announcing the AE winners on the 31st, there will be a number of great events, including workshops, agent appointments, manuscript evaluations and so forth. You can check out more information about the conference at www.bloodywords2012.com

Hope to see you there!

[Debra Purdy Kong]

Hi everyone.

Have you ever thought of acquiring an agent? Not that long ago, and perhaps for some writers today, a writer’s goal was to land a top agent who could sell their manuscript to big six publishers, obtain foreign rights, movie deals, and get the best possible contract for each. But things began to change. Recession made publishers more “risk adverse” and therefore less likely to take on new writers unless their books had obvious bestseller potential. The ebook and self-publishing revolution enabled thousands of writers to reprint their backlists, or publish new work without going through the long ordeal of acquiring an agent and publisher. Writers began to wonder if there was any point to having an agent? The answer is both yes and no, depending on the writer’s dreams and desires.

I have plenty of anecdotal information about my and colleagues’ experiences with agents, and most of it hasn’t been great, but I repeat, this is anecdotal only. A recent blog by Dean Wesley Smith, talking about agents, caught my eye, and no, he wasn’t agent bashing. In part, it was stupid writer bashing. What he did say about agents, though, was interesting.

The bottom line, Smith says, is that agents stopped working for writers years ago and began working for publishers, unofficially, of course. He goes onto say why agents are bad for the smart writers of the world: ie., taking part of their copyright, having complete control of funds going in and out, etc. He also says that the AAR (an American association many agents belong to) doesn’t like the lawsuit the Department of Justice filed against publishers and Apple for colluding to keep ebook prices high (see my blog of March 11, “Ebook Pricing Issues Could Wind Up in Court”).

Smith maintains that agents and publishers came together (sort of) to help establish ebook pricing that would grant both of them a larger piece of the pie, and that little thought was given to authors, at least those who aren’t bestselling authors. It’s a thought-provoking blog, and I would encourage anyone who’s thinking of acquiring an agent to read it. I really have no idea whether Smith is right or wrong about agents working for publishers. I haven’t been in his shoes, however, he has had three top agents, been traditionally publishing books for over thirty years, and understands the business better than most writers. So, take a look at http://www.deanwesleysmith.com/?p=6876

[Debra Purdy Kong]

Hi everyone,

Over recent years, I’ve had several interesting discussions with writers, albeit none of them with the big six publishers, who’ve been lamenting over the pressure to write more books quickly. Many felt pressured to write one book a year. Many also discovered that their second or third books didn’t garner the glowing reviews of their first book, often because reviewers thought the plot or characters weren’t as fully developed as they could have been. This was a dilemma, I thought for all writers, however, a recent post by Kristine Kathryn Rusch was a real eye opener.

Rusch maintains that as little as three years ago, big six publishers were discouraging their writers from producing too many books, primarily because the cost to produce them was so high. Rusch states that the average midlist novel costs the publisher $250,000 to produce, figuring in the cost of paper, shipping, returns, etc., and that fewer authors were selling enough copies to reach the 4% profit margin the publisher wanted. Therefore, unless the author was a guaranteed superstar, such as Nora Roberts, publishers were reluctant to publish a book every year. Rusch also said that publishers now seem determined to rid themselves of mass market paperbacks by producing fewer of them, opting for trade paperbacks instead.

The ebook revolution, however, has changed these publishers’ attitude toward volume. They’ve begun to see the financial gain in publishing ebooks (because many of them aren’t granting their authors large royalties), and they’re jumping on the lets-publish-lots bandwagon that self-publishers have been doing for some time now. Admittedly, much of the drive to publish more comes from readers who want lots of books from their favorite authors. Romance authors, for instance, have been dealing with this for a long time, and it wasn’t uncommon (probably still isn’t) for established authors to write three books a year.

To meet the demands of readers (and make more money) big six publishers are now apparently pressuring their writers into writing more ebook novellas or long short stories. Publishers tell their writers that it will help sell their next book. One of the problems with this thinking is not only the pressure to maintain quality work, but the lack of financial benefit for the writer. Rusch points out that these big six, and often bestselling authors (excluding the superstars) are receiving no advances and terrible royalties for their novellas/short stories. In other words, it’s more work for a financial payoff that may or may not happen much further down the road.

Rusch says that “every writer gets better terms from traditional publishing on paper formats than they do on e-formats”. And this, folks, is an important aspect about the business of writing that we all need to keep in mind. Traditionally published, established writers are doing more work just to maintain the status quo, but not necessarily seeing the extra dollars in their pockets.

Rusch writes a great deal more about this issue than I can discuss here, so I encourage you to read her fascinating blog at http://kriswrites.com/2012/05/16/the-business-rusch-the-brutal-2000-word-day/