I’ve had the opportunity to be part of a few online discussions with editors and agents lately and thought I’d share what I’ve learned.
First, as everyone knows, paranormal is hot. Vampires are hot, but there are too many of them out there right now - houses are overstocked. So, if you haven’t gotten in on this (vampires) trend yet, it may be a tough sale to hop aboard now. On the other hand, if you have a new creative paranormal hook, you may be the new golden child - get thinking!
Sex. Can’t have too much. Can’t be too wild - as long as there is romance there too. (and that probably doesn’t matter to all houses.) But on the other end of the spectrum you can still sell less steamy books even books with no sex. (That aren’t inspirationals, that goes without saying there is no sex.)
Historicals are really, really tough right now, especially American-set historicals. There are houses specifically looking for Scottish set and other European settings. Common wisdom is though that this drought won’t last forever and all it will take is a historical-set blockbuster movie or a new historical author hitting the NY Times list and houses will be clamoring for historicals again.
That’s it for now. Hope it helps someone. :)
I was just in the bookstore thinking these exact thoughts yesterday, when I saw yet another 1st in a vampire series. And I’m trying to learn how to add more heat.
by Teresa April 9th, 2005 at 6:15 pmTeresa, are you writing a Vampire???
by Lori Devoti April 9th, 2005 at 10:49 pmHey Lori–love your new home :) I’m glad to hear paranormal is still hot. And even more happy that I didn’t go with the vampires in my head. Why do you suppose historicals hit the skids? Would they be looking for something different also–Roman, Greek, rather than the usual Scottish Highlander?
by Marty K April 11th, 2005 at 12:29 am