When I first entered the writing game/life, I had so many people tell me: “Never submit anything after mid-November. The publishing houses pretty much shut down.”
Hmmm…myth or reality?
Okay, obviously the myth portion is that the houses don’t actually “shut down.” I’ve had several email exchanges with editors–both from Kensington and Red Sage in the last few weeks, so I know folks are actually working in those publishing offices. But…are they buying?
Bradford Bunch member Lauren Dane recently celebrated two new book deals. The announcement of her last (latest) sale appeared on her blog on December 12th. (Big Yay!!! to Lauren). So, that’s one talented writer who got a Christmas deal. So the house (Black Lace) that acquired Lauren’s tale is obviously up and running (and buying).
Do I think that things slow down in the publishing industry this time of year? Sure. Heck, things have definitely slowed down in my life–I think everyone slows down in December. But, I also think that the editors are still in there offices, still reading manuscripts, and generally carrying on as editors do.
Another myth/reality story I’ve heard: Editors do a massive desk cleaning at the end of the year. Hmmm. Not sure about this one. Does anyone out there know if this “desk cleaning” really takes place? And are there any other publishing myths that you’ve heard?
December 20th, 2007 at 7:28 am
Hmm, I don’t know. I know we closed my latest (Reapers Series) a couple weeks ago. There was a sense of urgency to decide on dates because agent and editor wanted to get contracts in process before the house closed down for the holiday. Closed down is a metaphorical term I think. Likely houses don’t officially close, but are running on skeletal staff due to vacations.
Seriously, I’m so busy this time a year even if I sold I’d have to schedule the time to be excited about it in January.
I tend to extrapolate that same sense of real life on hold to others so I’m inclined to believe editors and agents don’t do a lot of business from the week before Xmas through the new year.
December 20th, 2007 at 8:17 am
I believe they also do massive desk cleaning after summer vacation to make room for all those manuscripts they’ve acquired at the conferences over the summer.
There are certain times of the year when making a sale is harder. I truly believe that. Good post, Cynthia.
December 20th, 2007 at 8:52 am
Denise A. Agnew
December 20th, 2007 at 9:23 am
Wheee! Thank you for mentioning the deal. I just love to see that. It makes me happy, LOL. I’m just thrilled and thankful so I’m happy to celebrate it any old time.
I think things do slow down though at certain cycles. For me, I’ve made all my NY sales but one in November and December so it’s not that they stop altogether but certainly it seems harder to get hold of people in December and also around Nationals and at the end of summer too.
December 20th, 2007 at 1:02 pm
Sarah, I think you’re onto something with the “skeletal” staff idea. Sounds very reasonable to me. And congrats on closing on your Reapers Series!
Marissa–I’d forgotten about the after summer vacation/conference cleaning! Thanks for bringing that up!
Hi, Denise! So sorry to hear about the rejections (those suck so much), but, yep, I’ve gotten those at all points in the year, too!
Hi, Lauren!! I’m thrilled for you!
And you deserve all the success you have.
Happy Holidays!!
December 20th, 2007 at 7:03 pm
I think skelton staff is rampant in all businesses at this time of year. My husband place of business will pretty much be vacant next week. He was suppose to be off on vacation, but now he has to go in. He doesn’t mind too much because it will be quiet and he can get stuff done without much interuption.
I don’t know much about the publishing world, but this was a really interesting topic. I know as a reader looking for new stuff coming out there isn’t much out there. But January is looking good!
December 20th, 2007 at 9:35 pm
Laura, the same thing is happening at my husband’s office. I think between say Dec. 20 and Jan. 3–that seems to be pretty dead.
December 21st, 2007 at 5:04 am
Thanks Cynthia. I was a little nervous about it selling. I knew my editor at Berkley was intrigued by the concept, but until I got time to sketch out a rough proposal there was no knowing. Finally found time to do that and the news was good!
As far as rejections go, I remember back in the day when the months everyone hated to visit the mailbox (told you it was back in the day) were end of September and Mid December because masses of rejections always went out then.
September likely because that’s when houses do their budgets and redefine their plans and December because, well, heck, would you want to come back after vacation to a backlog of work?
At least, that was always my assumption of the process and probably indicative of nothing.