Ten Tips for Writers
Dec112009
I just looked at the poll on titles and was really stunned to find out that titles don’t mean all that much to you all. Which casts into doubt everything I’m about to say here since I’d have said that titles were really important, which means I don’t know as much as I thought I did and the stuff below is supposed to be expert advice. Oh, well. What William Goldman said about the film industry is also true for publishing: Nobody knows nothin’.
So keeping that in mind, the advice below is from a presentation Lani and I did to our local RWA chapter (Ohio Valley Romance Writers, wonderful people) called something like Ten Survival Tips for Writers. I don’t remember, it was October. I put them here so you can argue about them and then add your own. Like “Titles aren’t that damn important, so don’t obsess over them.” That would be a good one.
1. Get a support group.
Local RWA groups are good for this. You need people who understand the particular insanity that is writing, people who are willing to talk about conflict and character arc and book covers, people who understand that dark night of the soul where it’s always three o’clock in the morning and everything you’re writing is garbage. But . . .
2. Avoid toxic people.
If you have a friend you can’t tell your good news to because it will make her feel bad, if you have a friend who constantly criticizes you and makes you feel like you’re nothing, sif you have a friend who depresses the hell out of you, she’s not your friend. It’s okay to kick her to the curb. God did not put you here to be her emotional punching bag. You’ll still be a good person if you block her e-mails. Plus, you’ll be happy.
3. Know your story.
Before your support group gets a crack at your story, make sure you know what it is. It doesn’t have to be finished, but it does have to be firm in your mind, or your people, with the best intentions in the world, will screw it up for you.
4. Avoid trends and marketing tips.
People love to ask for marketing trends and other people love to give them and they’re completely worthless. Even if they’re right about spotting a trend, by the time you write the book, rewrite it, sell it, and have it edited and published, the trend will be over and you’ll have wasted all that time writing a story that isn’t even yours. If the workshop name is “Marketing Trends and Tips,” you have my permission to go to the bar instead.
5. Evaluate your worth as writer on your work, not on your ability to publish.
You have no control over publishing. Most of the time people in publishing don’t have any control over publishing. Pegging your self worth to something that nobody has any control over is suicidally stupid. Stop doing that. Evaluate yourself instead on the quality of your writing. It may still be depressing–it’s always depressing for me–but at least there’s something you can do about it.
6. Once you’re published (you poor baby) evaluate your worth as writer on your work, not on your sales.
A lot of good writers have stopped writing because the business made them feel like hell. Innoculate yourself by repeating this very true mantra: “I have no control over sales.” You write the book; you’re responsible for the reviews within reason (see below). Your publisher publishes the book; it’s responsible for the sales. Do not take on the responsibilities of the publishing house; you’re not its mother.
7. Read reviews and reader comments with a pound of salt.
Especially anything on Amazon where any whackjob can post, but really anywhere. There is no standard for critics; anybody can review a book. Repeat, ANYBODY CAN REVIEW A BOOK. Most of those people, you wouldn’t have lunch with. If a review is thoughtfully written by an intelligent person, you may learn something from it, but usually the only thing you learn from reviews is what kind of person the reviewer is.
8. Don’t take responsibility for the bestseller lists.
Best seller lists are about velocity, not sales. They should be called Fastest Selling Lists. And sales are about marketing and distribution over which you have no control. Therefore short term bestsellers have little or nothing to do with the actual book. Long term bestsellers are about the book–long term meaning over a month–because at that point, you’re dealing with word of mouth. But long term bestsellers are extremely rare, so don’t worry about them. Bestseller lists are industry crack, not reality.
9. Remember: Nobody knows nothing.
Whatever was true yesterday in publishing is not true today, which is why everybody is Guessing. If I were you, I’d ignore publishing entirely until you’re ready to sell your book. Then just sell your book, remembering the other smart thing somebody said about publishing: It’s not a business, it’s a casino.
10. Own your greatness.
You are responsible for your own mental health.
The world will line up to tell you you’re worthless, you’re talentless, you’re tasteless, whatever. Don’t do its work for it. A good rule of thumb is that if the voices in your head are saying something you’d never let another person say to you, then that voice is out of line and should be evicted from your brain. Therefore, every day, at least once a day, you must look in the mirror or go over to the Cherry Forums and say, “I am a great writer.” Don’t snicker or blush, just do it, damn it. Self-fulfilling prophecy. Do I do this? No, I don’t have to. I know I’m a great writer. See, I said it. Your turn. In fact, do it now, down in the comments. Yes, now. Suck it up, own your greatness.
And that’s about all I know about publishing. Because I don’t have to know more about publishing. I’m not a publisher, I’m a writer. Thank God.
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150 Comments to 'Ten Tips for Writers'
On December 11, 2009 at 3:38 pm D. said...
I am a great writer. And this is a great list. Thank you.
On December 12, 2009 at 8:24 pm Marianne Stephens said...
Thank you for this. I am a writer and published. I still encounter writers who snub ebook/small pubbed authors, even though half of my books are in both versions. I’ve gotta stop allowing these people to bother me.
You said it correctly it all correctly, especially numbers 2 and 5.
I am a great writer!
On December 11, 2009 at 3:46 pm Hellie said...
I could cry. I so needed this blog today. Thank you!
And I laughed at #3. Because it’s SO true…I mean, all of these are true, but yes, I’ve seen perfectly fine stories that were shredded into wood chips because the group fired off questions and ideas that the writer was not prepared for. (Okay, I was that writer. But whatever.)
And incidentally I buy a lot of books because of the titles. And I’ve rejected books because they had dumb titles. “My God, I refuse to buy yet another romance with Scandal in the title! I’m not doing it!”
And I loved the title “Manhunting” and it’s one of the first novels of yours I recommend to friends. And I loved “Bet Me” because I thought the title looked fun. I love that your titles are snarky and seem to encapsulate the theme.
Oh. And I’m a great writer.
On December 11, 2009 at 3:54 pm Lori said...
I don’t know if I am a great writer, but I am definitely the best that I can be and working hard every day to be better. I finally feel like I trust my voice, but it took a long time to get here. Lists like this help me even more to believe in my own words.
On December 11, 2009 at 5:40 pm Jenny said...
That’s nice, Lori.
Now type “I am a great writer” into the comment box.
On December 11, 2009 at 4:06 pm Lilah Pierce said...
I’m amazed at the timing of your #2 tip. I’ve just recently split from a friend that constantly made me feel bad and unintelligent. I felt held back and unsupported. Though I feel slightly bad for cutting her off, now I feel free and have actually been consistently working on my story again. Its nice to go through a day without someone telling me I’m wrong, always having to have the last say, and disregarding my problems as unimportant because she wanted to “distance herself from negativity”.
I’ve read your #4 in one of your essays before and think of it constantly. My stories aren’t average and definitely don’t fall into any publishing fads. This worried me because I was afraid it would reduce my chance of getting published. But ever since I read your advice a few months ago, I haven’t thought of it since! (Of course, in all honesty, the fact that St. Martin’s Press has created the New Adult genre might have something to do with it, too. Its perfect for my type of writing.)
As for titles, I LOVE them. I love coming up with them, reading them, and – most importantly to your situation – RELATING THEM TO THE STORY after I’ve read it. I think titles are important, fun, and one of my favorite parts of writing!
On December 11, 2009 at 4:10 pm Lilah Pierce said...
Oops, I almost forgot: I am a great writer!
On December 11, 2009 at 7:29 pm Joleesa said...
Ever heard the Go-Go’s song “Automatic Rainy Day?” It’s about toxic people. You should listen to it!
Oh, and I am going to be a great writer.
On December 11, 2009 at 4:07 pm Jill said...
Number 2 is not just great writing advice, it’s great life advice. I had to kick a non-writing friend to the curb recently. I made a lot of excuses for her behavior until I realized I was her personal whipping girl to get out all unhappiness in her life. I spent a lot of the time around her trying to avoid conflict, but the best way to avoid conflict (since she was never going to be happy anyways) was to get away from her. As another friend put it, “honey, you can’t be her friend and her psychiatrist.” Edit those people out of your life, can’t stress it enough!
Also I love the writing advice and yes, I’m a great writer
On December 11, 2009 at 4:28 pm Bethany said...
I often think that a lot of writing advice can be applied to life as well. Emotions are shown through action, not dialogue; get rid of toxic people; know the story before you tell people (okay, maybe that’s for conning, not life in general); etc.
Does “I can be a great writer” work for those who aren’t yet great writers as part of who they are? Or is philosophy screwing with my head again. The difference between having the ability to be a great Whatever contrasted with getting to the point where you *are* a great whatever (I can be a great student when I want it enough, I am not always a great student and so would feel inauthentic saying “I am a great student”).
On December 11, 2009 at 5:43 pm Jenny said...
Nobody is ALWAYS a great writer. Have you read my first drafts? A couple of them are on here. But–and this is for everybody, not just Bethany–if you don’t think youi’re a great writer, if you don’t, deep down inside, think you have something important to say and can say it well–then you’re actually MORE arrogant for writing than if you say you’re a great writer because you think it’s okay for you to waste people’s time on mediocre writing. So unless you want to be an arrogant creep, you must write “I am a great writer.”
Do it.
On December 11, 2009 at 9:28 pm mary said...
This always makes me think of Robin Williams response in Dead Again, someone says he’s trying to quit smoking, Robin says you’re either a smoker or a non smoker. Trying to quit is for pussies, pick one and be it.
I am not a writer. You are a great writer. I will just read.
On December 15, 2009 at 1:34 pm Bethany said...
I am a great writer.
(even if all that actually gets finished these days is grant applications for the local animal shelter)
On December 11, 2009 at 4:09 pm Kiersten said...
I am a bloody fantastic writer.
Thanks. Needed this.Have a great weekend!
On December 11, 2009 at 5:43 pm Jenny said...
See, THAT’s the way to do it.
On December 11, 2009 at 4:28 pm Sierra said...
This is a wonderful list. Thank you. (And I’m a great writer. I will try to remember that.)
As to the title thing, the boyfriend and I actually spent a good half hour discussing it last night. Both of us would respond to the quiz with an answer that falls between “seriously swindled” and “doesn’t have that much impact.” Titles are important to us. We both tend to buy books that have titles that grab us, as well as cover art. We expect them to give us a sense of the book. If a title doesn’t grab us or is painfully cliche, we won’t touch it without a personal recommendation from a friend. (Same with crappy cover art, too.) If I’ve finished a book and the title is a total departure from what the book was like, I feel a bit ripped off, but not 100% “seriously swindled.” I wonder if there are other people out there that would fall in that category. It may be that the quiz responses are a bit misleading if that’s the case, since that in-between space isn’t an option.
On December 11, 2009 at 4:54 pm Katie Redhead said...
I was thinking the same thing on the poll. I’m more of a space-in-between-er too. The title isn’t everything, but it helps me figure out if I’m willing to spend my time on the book – especially if it’s a new author to me. I’m less likely to focus on the title when I already know and love the author…although, maybe I’ve already pre-qualified them on the title thing inadvertantly…I respond to their titles which lead me to read that first piece….and that’s a part of why I love them that I never focused on?
On December 11, 2009 at 4:56 pm Katie Redhead said...
Oh, and I’m not a writer. I’m in marketing. So just meet me in the bar on and we’ll call the rum great
On December 11, 2009 at 5:12 pm PG said...
I agree that an in-between response might have more accurately captured my meaning. And I agree with Hellie that ‘I’ve rejected books because they had dumb titles. “My God, I refuse to buy yet another romance with Scandal in the title! I’m not doing it!”’
A positively bad, cliched, embarrassing-to-read-book-with-this-on-cover title will keep me from buying a book if I haven’t already enjoyed the author. A title that merely has a bit of mismatch in tone — e.g. is snarkier than the book actually was — doesn’t bother me so much.
Then again, most of the thinking I’ve done about titles has been for academic writing, where people these days are extremely prone to wanting pop culture titles for articles about very dull stuff. I wrote a paper for my Chaucer seminar called “Material Girl” that was about the Wife of Bath’s concepts of markets, trade, and objectification. Years before the Eliot Spitzer scandal, I really wanted to write an article about the Mann Act [old law relating to the interstate transport of women for immoral purposes -- is referenced in F. Scott Fitzgerald's "This Side of Paradise"] that would be titled: “I Got ‘Hos in Different Area Codes.”
On December 11, 2009 at 10:52 pm CrankyOtter said...
ditto. I just plain don’t buy “Billionaire’s Secret Virgin Secretary Bride” titles. Cannot do it. A generically bad title won’t stop me from buying a book, but one that is pandering or makes me feel that I need to shower first, will. Wouldn’t even try to watch “Dirty Sexy Money” because it felt like they figured that the top three words which poll testing shows will attract attention would be the best title, I didn’t even want to fathom the decision making on the script. (It might have tasted like pumpkin pie, but I’m never gonna know.) On the other hand, Dirt, about celebrity magazines, was awesome and the title intrigued me and was relevant without being pandering.
I will buy boring titles if I like the author. Might buy boring titles if the cover art is fantastic. I do get added enjoyment from a good title, especially if it has a layered meaning once I read the book. I picked up my first Sayers because “Unpleasantness” in the title of a mystery sounded so understated that I had to check it out and was amply rewarded by Lord Peter Wimsey.
So yeah, titles are important. But sometimes done is better. Retain veto power, but don’t lose any more sleep over AKMGetc.
On December 11, 2009 at 7:31 pm D. said...
I’m an in-betweener, too. I went with the middle ground because it was closer, but I have rejected/read books for their titles in the past.
On December 11, 2009 at 8:05 pm Jenny said...
I have to do better polls. Sorry!
On December 11, 2009 at 8:14 pm Becky said...
There are certain titles that turn me off. I have no interest in The Billionaire Sheik’s Virgin Baby Mama and the like. I want a title that is different enough from an author’s other titles that I have a fighting chance of remembering which one is which. (All those Amanda Quick one word titles that came out in threes back in the 90s were maddening, because they were impossible to remember and mostly had no connection to the book inside.) A good title is good marketing, but an interesting blurb with a strong hook and/or a recommendation by someone whose taste I trust is much more likely to get me to take a chance on a new (to me) author. Misleading cover copy is much more likely to infuriate me than an iffy title.
And I am a great writer.
On December 11, 2009 at 5:07 pm El said...
Looking at the responses above it occurs to me that your poll is about whether the title fits the book, but the readers are looking first at whether the title is compelling. Obviously, you want *some* connection between title and book, but as a reader I’ll take a compelling title that’s an okay match over a perfectly matching title that doesn’t grab me.
I really like the title (and the book) Manhunting, by the way.
And in order to be a great writer, I’d have to write, so I think I’ll pass on that one.
On December 11, 2009 at 5:09 pm K.L. said...
There is a lot of great life advice in this list. I am not a writer, but I’m a great reader.
On December 11, 2009 at 5:12 pm Stella MacLean said...
I don’t have a critique group or even a critique person. Not only do I fear the terrible twos of writing, I’m alone when it comes to someone saying something good or bad about my writing. So, I can ALWAYS be found home alone, writing, sweating and wondering if THIS particular little sucker will be the last word I EVER publish. As Linda Ellerbee says, “And so it goes…”
Color me gone,
Stella
On December 11, 2009 at 7:56 pm MJ said...
Say it, Stella!
On December 11, 2009 at 5:28 pm Lilah Pierce said...
So, this isn’t *exactly* on the topic but it is somewhat related as it is a request for advice. Jenny, when writing a novel do you push through the book and not let yourself do any editing until after? Or do you let yourself edit as you go?
On December 11, 2009 at 5:46 pm Jenny said...
Edit as I go, knowing I’ll edit again.
But you know, any way you do it is the right way. Find the way that works best for you. Oddly enough, that often varies from book to book.
On December 11, 2009 at 5:32 pm Diane Farr said...
Fabulous tips. I also like having permission to go to the bar.
I’m one of those great writers (!!) who stopped writing because the industry made her crazy. I’m sticking my toe back in the water, but man, it’s tough to get motivated. Thanks for the help!
On December 15, 2009 at 1:27 am SandieS said...
Diana, it would be a crying shame to fans like me if you gave up writing. I’m happy to hear you’re dipping a toe back in. We have too few writers with your wit and humor.
On December 11, 2009 at 5:33 pm Kelly said...
For me, it’s nice when the title is somewhat related to the book. Although, I read Christina Dodd’s suspense series and none of the titles had but a faint whisper of relation to the books’ stories – more “clever. More important is that the cover art is accurate or portrays the book. It really bothers me when the cover shows a woman in a slinky evening dress, but the heroine never wears a dress like that (nor does the hero or anyone else in the book). OR when the woman on the cover is blond and supposedly our heroine who is a brunette.
I suck at writing and hate doing it, therefore I avoid it as much as possible. However, I’m a great reader! and a librarian, so I can recommend wonderful books to others.
Oh, and as for kicking the life sucking “friends” to the curb, it applies to significant others too. Did this once with an old boyfriend with the help of law enforcement. Big clue, when you think on Friday afternoon, aw crap, it’s the weekend and he’ll expect to spend time with me. Ick. Probably not the right person.
On December 11, 2009 at 8:06 pm Jenny said...
The first German version of Manhunting had a woman in bustier outside a motel. I never did figure that one out.
On December 11, 2009 at 5:35 pm Kelly said...
hmm, also, it seems that the server your blog is hosted on didn’t get modified for daylight savings.
On December 11, 2009 at 5:41 pm ArkansasCyndi said...
WONDERFUL Advice. I need the cartoon as my signature. I won’t say why or which toes I tromped on, let’s just say…I’m pesky! LOL LOL
Titles – Honestly don’t give a hoot. Although bad titles do seems to grate on my nerves. Your books? Titles have never mattered to me (although I thought Manhunting was a great title for that book.)
I am a great writer.
thanks
On December 11, 2009 at 6:10 pm Glynis said...
I’ve learned that “Stories,” is best response to the most common question from friends and strangers; i.e. “What do you write?”
(I am a great writer.) La, la, la!
On December 11, 2009 at 6:12 pm Concord cherry said...
You are so fun! I always think about your “What Color Is Your Parachute” story about ditching the cheerleading, as I give away my escrip, room parent, fundraising chair jobs to focus on something even more important to me. You mentor more people than you are probably aware of…
Oh yes…Before I forget, I’m a great artist!
On December 11, 2009 at 6:15 pm Emily said...
#2 comes with immaculate timing for me. I’ve just broken up with a friend who was one of the ones I thought I’d be sharing a nursing home with one day. We shared a house after uni, we travelled together, we had a lot of good times, but it’s been going downhill over the past few years. It finally got to the point where I realised that if she was a guy and someone else was describing this relationship to me, I’d be telling them to end it… fast. I’m still feeling bruised, and wondering if it makes me a bad person that I could just end it. This post was a good reminder that sometimes it just works out that way.
And I’m a brilliant writer.
On December 11, 2009 at 10:56 pm misspiggy don'twannabe said...
I just read an article where a 98 year old woman was indicted for strangling her 100 year old nursing home roommate. I’m glad a brilliant writer has taken steps to prevent that sort of thing.
On December 11, 2009 at 10:57 pm CrankyOtter said...
Also remember that just because a friendship ends doesn’t mean it failed. It was good while it lasted then it was done.
On December 13, 2009 at 9:56 am Naked Under My Clothes said...
Thanks for this — needed to be reminded of it.
On December 11, 2009 at 6:21 pm Briana said...
Gosh, I haven’t had time to write lately — and I know that’s a cop-out and you Make Time. But seriously, I get up for work at 4:30 a.m., drive an hour, teach all day, drive home (between 4:30 and 5 p.m.), have an hour for dinner and my dog and anything else needing done at home and then get to my second job at 6 p.m. (most nights) and work till midnight. Or sometimes 2 a.m. When I’m not working (!), I’m sleeping.
Which means that the couple of stories in my head that I’ve started or worked on are just screaming to get out. I’m hoping the winter break from school, where I’m only working the one (closer) job, will give me some time for that. Really hoping. I need to write. Because I am a great writer and someday I’d like someone else to know that too. (Even if it IS my mom!)
On December 14, 2009 at 11:14 am Flamingo Cherry said...
Try writing on your lunch hour, which is what I do. Or invest in a little tape recorder. You can “write” verbally during your commutes.
Good luck!
On December 11, 2009 at 6:23 pm robena grant said...
Wise words. Thanks.
I love titles that don’t deceive, cover artwork that paints the story, back cover copy that suggests a tone, first lines that draw me in immediately, and characters that I would like to know in real life. Is that asking too much? Ha ha.
I am a great writer because that’s what I enjoy doing the most, and even though publishing turns its nose up at my offerings that doesn’t stop me from writing.
On December 11, 2009 at 8:07 pm Jenny said...
Publishing is Often Wrong.
On December 11, 2009 at 6:40 pm marly said...
I’m a bloody good writer and I believe this, even though R. is the only one who tells me so. (I need a bigger support group.) I would love him for this if nothing else. Because I do, I told him Jenny said he came up with some good titles, and was even a finalist. And I still love him even though he’s been entering every room with the announcement, “I was a CONTENDAH!!” He thinks the publishing house should have waited a day or two, since he only came up with what he thinks is the perfect title this morning. I’m supposed to put it in here so they’ll gnash their teeth and smack their foreheads, even though it might have previously been submitted. Here it is: COMING CLOSER. Uh, multi levels, ghosts (OOOh! Scary!), relationships, love, trying again. Sorry, I know the polls have closed. One thing – I won’t be reading hundreds of titles aloud and discussing them every night. That will give me a lot more time for writing and yoga. I’ve decided to use the above tips as my new mantra. Many thanks.
On December 13, 2009 at 7:19 pm Danielle said...
Love it Marly! Reminds me of Coming Cleaner in Welcome to Temptation…
On December 15, 2009 at 3:40 pm marly said...
Oh my gosh! I had forgotten that – Clea and the car wash porn movie. It was so funny. How come things like that don’t just come to me when I’m writing?
On December 11, 2009 at 6:47 pm toni said...
Damn, I needed this today. Thank you.
And I’m having “I’m a great writer” tattooed somewhere. Possibly even on my own body.
On December 11, 2009 at 7:10 pm Melissa said...
Double damn did I need this today. This post could only have been better if pictures of Milton were included in it somewhere
Thank you!
And – I am a FABULOUS writer!
On December 11, 2009 at 7:18 pm AgTigress said...
Titles are just like people’s names: if you detest the name ‘Nigel’, and then you meet and get to know a really, really great bloke called Nigel, his name only matters for the first few minutes. It would be idiotic to be influenced by his name: you can always call him something else when you get to know him, if it still bothers you. And if you adore the name ‘Richard’ and then meet a really ghastly bloke — well, you see my point. Titles are not negligible, because, like personal names, they identify the book, but they should never stand in the way of a reader’s reception of the story. I like the title ‘Manhunting’ too, by the way. Also the book.
Cover art, on the other hand, really IS negligible, in my view. It’s no more than the wrapping paper around the gift; if it looks pretty, that’s nice, but if it doesn’t, what the hell? It’s the contents one is after, and the reprint will have a different cover anyway. If I took any notice of the damn covers, I would never have read a category romance at all back in the 1970s/80s, and what a lot I’d have missed.
On December 11, 2009 at 7:35 pm CatScott said...
Great post – and that’s coming from one great writer to another
I really enjoyed reading it. Thanks!
On December 11, 2009 at 7:45 pm Kelly J said...
OK, it should not be this hard to say that I am a great writer. I have been told that I can write well, and friends have liked some of my stuff, but I don’t feel like a real writer cause I haven’t finished a novel yet. Lots of essays, poems and short pieces, though. So here goes – I am a great writer.
Jenny, I love this blog.
I love your titles, esp. Welcome to Temptation, Bet Me and Anges & the Hitman. I only found out about your books a few years ago, believe it or not, at a workshop taught by Bob Mayer. I bought Agnes and loved it, and the next time I had a business trip I brought the audiobook version of Anyone But You in the car with me. I’ve been hooked on Crusie’s ever since, and will read the next book even if it is called Laying Ghosts While Baking Banana Bread at Midnight.
On December 11, 2009 at 7:52 pm Elisabeth Crisp said...
I am a great writer.
Even on days like today when I don’t write a thing because my kid is too sick to go to school, and I spend the day boiling Ramen noodles and filling the nebulizer with goop that costs more than gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
Thanks for the post. It helped.
On December 11, 2009 at 8:07 pm J said...
Wonderful advice, as always. And the perfect gift of encouragement to all of us. Thank you.
And I am a great writer. Now I just need to do more of it.
Have a wonderful weekend everyone!
On December 11, 2009 at 8:39 pm Melissa Blue said...
It doesn’t have to be finished, but it does have to be firm in your mind, or your people, with the best intentions in the world, will screw it up for you.
Amen.
On December 11, 2009 at 9:18 pm Susan said...
I have not tried to write fiction since grade school, but I still think I’m a good writer. My passion is not writing, at least not now. I am a great reader, too.
I’m curious, Jenny, why do you dislike the title “Manhunting”? Maybe there are other titles more fitting, but I didn’t feel mislead, and I wasn’t turned off the book.
On December 12, 2009 at 3:29 am Jenny said...
It just seems kind of crude, which Kate wasn’t. She wouldn’t have called what she was doing manhunting, even if it was. So it’s always felt wrong.
On December 12, 2009 at 10:19 pm Jim said...
Personally, I’ve always preferred the original manuscript title “Keeping Kate”. Particularly since it a) fits the book so much better and b) juxtaposes so well with “Getting rid of Bradley”.
On December 11, 2009 at 9:18 pm Renee Somebody said...
Laughs at Toni – “Possibly even on my own body.” That is great!
Jenny, these are perfect. I’m having a crap writing month, and this is just the reminder I needed. I am a great writier. (All of you having trouble saying that, it gets easier every time you do. Always makes you feel good, too.) And I may have this tattooed on myself somewhere, if I can ever come up with a design I like long enough to have it permanently inked on me.
On December 12, 2009 at 6:37 pm Catherine said...
Maybe start considering cursive ‘I’m a great writer’, on the back of your neck…then go mad working out which font.
On December 11, 2009 at 9:51 pm BCB said...
YAY! Glad you finally picked a title so you can get on with– well, with whatever you have to do next to speed this process along. I don’t care what you call it, to me it’s always going to be The Book Formerly Known As AKMG.
I’ve been through the trauma of the “great writer” thread over at Cherry Forums. A writer friend goaded me into it, um, a while back. (hell, has it been that long?) It’s NOT easy, and kudos to those who have said it. I said it then more as a wish and a prayer. Many months, okay damnit, years have passed and I’ve spent that time learning and practicing and trying to live up to my own expectations. I’ll reiterate what I said back then, because Jenny is right and because it’s true: We are what we say we are, and what we tell ourselves has power. It’s more true now than it was then, but still: I am a great writer.
And if any of you writers out there haven’t yet found and joined your local RWA chapter, I don’t know what you’re waiting for. Best thing I ever did — not just for that invaluable support, but for education in all aspects of writing. Really.
On December 12, 2009 at 9:57 am Micki said...
hee-hee, this is the wonderful part of being a fangirl — because WE will always know the book’s real name is Always Kiss Me Goodnight, no matter what’s on the cover.
On December 12, 2009 at 11:02 am Jenny said...
And you’ll know that the subtitle is Return of the Screw.
That still cracks me up.
On December 13, 2009 at 6:42 am Micki said...
(-: If I ever meet you in person, I would like you to sign that in my copy: Always Kiss Me Goodnight (Return of the Screw). (-: Although, that sounds distinctly weird juxtaposed.
On December 11, 2009 at 10:18 pm Livia Blackburne said...
Thanks for the tips! Although, I think #6 may not be true in a few more years. With the internet, times are changing…
On December 11, 2009 at 10:33 pm Lyn said...
You guys sure do suffer a lot to give us our hours of reading pleasure. Thanks.
Elizabeth, I hope your child feels better soon.
I dated a bloke named Nigel once. Once. Bahamian taxi driver. Kissed me good night despite the fact he had burned his lip on the pizza and I wasn’t interested. Ate grasshoppers to get out of the army. I am a discerning, prolific, grateful reader.
On December 11, 2009 at 10:39 pm CrankyOtter said...
Your item number 10 made me think of a great twitter (yes, I used those words together) from my favorite twitter poster: shitmydadsays
“That woman was sexy…Out of your league? Son. Let women figure out why they won’t screw you, don’t do it for them.”
9:10 AM Oct 12th from web
(One of my favorites of his is nearby chronologically: “You’re being fucking dramatic. You own a TV and an air mattress. That’s not exactly what I’d call “a lot to lose.” )
Anyhow. I’m a great engineer. I stuck to my guns this week and said, “no, we’re not making the process available until the equipment meets X requirement” and was able to get data showing I was right to do so and to not risk bad product for the sake of fast product and my boss backed me up. Yay.
It was hard to use “great” and not qualify it. Must practice. Thanks for the encouragement Jenny! I know from doing my blog posts of “three things that made me happy today” that practice looking for good things and appreciating them makes it easier to spot them the next day. So bad thing: production tool down. Good thing: We know that 99% of the tool is rock solid and will run like a champ when we fix that other 1%, which we finally did find.
On December 12, 2009 at 3:49 am Jenny said...
I love that guy. Did you know he got a sitcom deal out of that twitter series? He’s a screenwriter. Living at home with his dad. Too damn funny.
And yay on sticking to your guns, too.
On December 11, 2009 at 10:41 pm Ami said...
I AM a great writer!
And we never share books with our friends because they have the best titles. We share because of all the in-between stuff.
Except for books with the word ‘scoundrel’ in the title. Or ‘rogue’. I would rather read cereal boxes.
On December 13, 2009 at 7:28 pm Danielle said...
Ami, I completely agree. I only have one friend who unabashedly reads romance so when I reccamend a book to any of my other friends I say, “Do not pay attention to the title or cover. The rest is amazing.” For me, so few titles in romance live up to the great stories within.
On December 11, 2009 at 10:45 pm Carol Anne said...
Well said. I loved reading and would read everything until we started a business. Somewhere the books and writing disappeared. Often a crisis and/or a reflection on life sparks something deep inside that says, “it is time, do it for you, do it because you always wanted to write, to read, buy that baby grand, play again, because, creative expression fulfills the soul.” I started taking classes again, studying, writing, reading, playing the piano and laughing out loud at great lines in Jennifer Crusie books. I just discovered you two years ago. (Where have I been, under a rock?) So…thank you for writing, mentoring, sharing your wisdom, and letting the discussion be free flowing. It is a tea party or coffee break or a drink at the bar in a classy joint.
I am an excellent writer. The critique classes may rough up my feathers, the knees may tremble, and, inside, I know, I am pretty good. (Oh, they can be harsh critics.) I am a great writer! Wooo, Whooo.
Oh, Manhunting, you may crinch at the title, but, I just listened to it in audio, the title fits the book. What would you have called it? Something with “plan” as there were several lists or plans in the book. It started with the plan and ended with a plan. Perhaps, say it wasn’t the best title but it was a good title, it fit the book. There was no deception in the title. It could have been called Fishing Without A Hook. The cover art – the lake, the boat, a sign on shore – Caution, Suicidal Fish!
The German book cover – while in Germany, which we loved, we learned to say…ah, the Germans, ah, German engineering, ah, the beer, ah, the bratwurst, ah, the trains run on time. It gives new meaning and appreciation to everything. Just stick, ‘ah’ in front of everything. Ah, I digress.
Thank you, Jenny, for a great blog, for the spirited conversation and the connections, if only in cyber space.
On December 11, 2009 at 10:47 pm Carol Anne said...
— you may cringe at the title… Spelling. Oh, where are my glasses.
On December 13, 2009 at 1:09 pm Carol Anne said...
Well said. Cheers to a wise woman, a mentor, and a great writer. Thanks for the free flowing discussion. It is a tea party, a coffee break and a drink at the bar in a classy joint.
Now… I am a great writer. (Note to self: too much, edit, edit, edit.)
On December 11, 2009 at 11:42 pm Terrio said...
I am a great writer. Huh. That feels weird. Good. But weird. That probably means I need to type (and say!) it more often.
Re: Titles, I’m part of the in-betweener group. But I’ve reached the angry stage with what publishers have done to Historical titles. They mean NOTHING. Most of them anyway. They have to have certain hot button words and who gives a damn if readers can’t keep all the “Seduction of” and “Mistress of” and three million Dukes straight. *sigh*
I have friends who write Historicals who have been fortunate enough to land the publishing deal and gone through this title search with them. Enough to make me spend way too much time in the bar. I thank the heavens Contemps haven’t fallen under this, mostly because I write Contemp.
In my experience, the titles of your books are the closest to actually fitting the stories, meaning something, and making sense. Damn refreshing.
I completely agree on getting those negative people out of your life. I ended a 20 year friendship earlier this year because the person was toxic. She’s tried to make contact many times over the months, but I refuse to let her back into my life.
Thank you so much for the advice and encouragement and just common sense you share with us on this blog. When I finally finish my WIP and revise (and revise and revise and revise) it and end up with something I’m proud of, it’s going to be better for me reading your books and hanging out here.
I am a great writer! (Sorry, just wanted to type that again.)
On December 11, 2009 at 11:56 pm Christyne Butler said...
After my ‘woe is me’ blabbing to my CPs two days ago, this post is just what I needed to start my weekend on the right now. Copy, pasted and added it to my “Jenny’s Words of Wisdom and Other Bullsh*t” folder so I can read it again when I forget that yes, I am a great writer!
You are the best…thank you!
On December 12, 2009 at 1:09 am Liz said...
Okay, but what do you do if your #1 is full of #2s who are only obsessed with #4? Sounds crazy, but I’m dead serious.
On December 12, 2009 at 2:41 am Briana said...
Find a new #1. And I’m serious too.
On December 12, 2009 at 6:09 pm Beki said...
Amen, Briana,
Get out, get out, get out!
On December 12, 2009 at 1:26 am Louis said...
Yep, I’m a great reader.
And I’ve had some great reads from all you writers.
On December 12, 2009 at 1:30 am marly said...
This is a one time thing. It’s supposed to be a never thing, but she’s asleep and this blog is damn interesting. Especially after I heard you liked some of my title tries. Thanks for that, by the way. Anyway, I’m glancing down the screen tonight and CrankyOtter pushed me over the edge with the twitter. God, that was funny. I’m R., aka obsessive title pusher. Hey, her friends played too and some of my buddies, but I’ll cop to being the worst. It’s like that brain age game. Anyway, now I’m thinking about titles and covers. The tips are great, but she’s the writer. Here’s my take. One time I made fun of a cover of a book she was into. It was a stupid cover, R-rated probably. She thought so, too and ripped the front cover clean off. That’s it – can’t stand bad fake passion covers. Seriously, they’re just an embarrassment. Titles are a big deal, too. I probably never thought much about it before, but I’m sure I’ve passed over books with moronic titles. And since she won’t do it, I’m just going to suggest that if there’s a book after the other color names, maybe there could be a Rosy and she could get shot and then it could be -Guns n’ Rosy. I like your books a lot, we’ve listened to quite a few in audio. The ones with Bob Mayer really rock and I’m looking forward to the next one.
On December 12, 2009 at 3:34 am Jenny said...
You’re hijacking Marly’s account while she’s asleep? LOL.
Embarrassing covers are actually the fault of your gender: the distributors used to pick the books that went into the racks, and they were all guys, and marketing noticed that as they went through, they always picked the covers with the big boobs, so . . . That’s not the way it’s done now so the covers are much better.
Guns and Rosy is actually a possibility if we keep going with the Liz books. You may have a future in this title business. And I’ll definitely tell Bob you like the ones with him best. He feels the same way.
Marly will never let you live this down.
On December 12, 2009 at 5:50 am Reb said...
Guns and Rosy is great!
I’ve just started writing again, because I realised that no matter how much life gets in the way, I’m going under unless I get some creativity back into it. And I’m a great writer. Thanks for the reminder.
On titles, I put myself down for the middle too, then afterwards found I couldn’t think of a book where the title had completely given me the wrong expectation. So you could just subtract my response altogether. I don’t know if I’d throw the book against the wall or not.
Titles do matter to me. I got well through writing a book a couple of years ago that I thought would fit Harlequin’s sweet line, then decided I couldn’t stand getting a title like The Billionaire Sheik’s Virgin Baby Mama. I really couldn’t.
On December 12, 2009 at 9:26 am Savvy2 said...
I confess. I love titles. In my own books I pick one that I think will paint the story I have in mind and name the book The Almost Perfect Title. But I suffer a weird kind of anxiety if by the time I’ve written the first chapter I haven’t decided on the title that I think is EXACTLY right for the story I’m telling. And I get irritated when I buy a book and then discover the title didn’t relate to the heart of the story at all. Which is unfair to the author, since usually the author’s title gets trashed by the powers-that-be, right?
On December 12, 2009 at 9:27 am Savvy2 said...
I forgot. I think Guns and Rosy is outstanding.
On December 12, 2009 at 10:08 am Micki said...
I am a great writer. hee-hee! It’s 11 p.m. and I’m feeling pretty good about that sentence!
OK, why do I buy a book? Usually, because it has been recommended by amazon or a friend, or a friend has lent one to me and I need a copy of my own. (And I’m wishing “Elizabeth and Her German Garden” would come back into print . . . .)
What if I’m at an airport, looking for something quick to feed my reading habit on the plane? First, I look at genre. Then I look at something within the genre that seems like it might be funny. After that, I’d rank the order as: blurb, cover, title. Oh, and if I like the author and don’t have the book, that trumps almost everything. Titles are not totally unimportant, and in the book How To Read, they say we should really take the titles seriously. But I don’t. I’m more likely to feel betrayed by a bad cover than by a bad title.
Lots of sympathy; I have a terrible time coming up with titles. I rarely title anything in progress, either, which might be part of the problem. I suppose a good working title concentrates you on what you really want to say . . . .
On December 12, 2009 at 10:16 am Edie said...
This is a fabulous post. And I’m a fabulous writer.
Yesterday at the library I picked up a book just because of the title: A YEAR OF CATS AND DOGS. I can’t resist a title like that.
On December 12, 2009 at 10:32 am Sandra Sookoo said...
Thanks so much for the words of wisdom! I often find myself falling in the well of despair because of the sales thing. Somehow, I think it reflects on my as a writer. Thanks for putting it in perspective and letting me know it’s not a reflection on my writing
On December 12, 2009 at 11:14 am AgTigress said...
On the ‘title’ issue, how do people feel about the fact that the UK and US editions of the same book have sometimes been given different titles? There are quite a few examples in popular fiction from the past, for example books by Agatha Christie, Ngaio Marsh and Patricia Wentworth, but I believe one of the Harry Potter volumes was re-titled for the American market, and that’s recent.
In doing that, the publishers are treating the title, not as an integral and essentially immutable element of the book, but as a packaging/marketing device, just like the covers.
On December 13, 2009 at 9:59 am Naked Under My Clothes said...
In the U.S., (Canadian) Lawrence Hill’s “The Book of Negroes” became “Someone Knows My Name.”
On December 13, 2009 at 8:28 pm Danielle said...
I understood the change for the Harry Potter books because the word “Philosopher” does not necessarily have the same meaning in the US as it does in the UK but changing “The Book of Negroes” to “Someone Know My Name” is just atrocious!
On December 15, 2009 at 8:21 pm AlienEeeter said...
It was changed because they didnt think american kids would read a book with the word ‘philosopher’ in the title. I remember i spent the whole book disgusted because this magical artifact was so obviously a philosopher’s stone, and why the hell did the author change it? Once I found out it wasnt her fault I forgave her, but she still turned brownies into house elves….
On December 14, 2009 at 12:02 pm Bec said...
It makes me a little crazy, but mostly because I then pick up a book, excited to have my hands a new story from a fun author and … oh, ten pages in I realize I’ve read this one. (I’m cool with rereading many a time, but usually I do it on purpose… Katie Fforde, I’m looking at you.) And because I only know of UK originals being change for the North American market, I kind of think the fools who need a more “American” title are just that – fools.
I think you’re right about the difference in treatment: that the title is just marketing, as opposed to part and parcel with the author’s work. That’s an uncomfortable thought for me.
On December 12, 2009 at 11:55 am marly said...
Oh my God! I’m changing passwords and shutting down from now on. R, if you’re reading when I’m out of the room, get your own post and get vetted by the moderator. And don’t talk about me.
On December 12, 2009 at 12:12 pm Larissa Ione said...
Damn. This was awesome. THANK YOU!
On December 12, 2009 at 1:20 pm Gail Hart said...
Thanks for a great post, and I am a great writer.
On December 12, 2009 at 2:54 pm Tracy Gatesh said...
I am a great writer! Thank you for a great Blog.
On December 12, 2009 at 3:07 pm Shirley said...
Did I need this today? You can bet your bottom dollar I did. And do i love your advice about toxic friends….a few kicks to the kerb gonna be happening any time soon. Need to practice using my knee joints to allow more fexibility.
And I am a great writer….I am…I am…. Thank you for your permission.
On December 12, 2009 at 4:54 pm Tonya Kappes said...
I AM A GREAT WRITER!!!!!
I am so proud to have you and Lani as chapter mates! Your talk was wonderful and created a new inspiration in all of us.
On December 12, 2009 at 5:07 pm Sandy said...
This is great. I was one of the writers who used to change everything in her story when someone told her to. I never could explain my story, and I still can’t sometimes, but it’s not because I don’t know my story. It’s in my head, every detail, but it’s hard to explain it. I am a great writer. Thank you.
On December 12, 2009 at 6:12 pm Beki said...
I am a GREAT writer. I mean it. And now, back TO the writing.
And number two is always, but always, good advice.
On December 12, 2009 at 10:29 pm Jim said...
On the subject of titles, it’s like covers. A good title or a good cover can get me to pick up something by an unknown author. So can a recommendation from an author I trust. Or good word of mouth, which typically these days is via the internet. Then I’ll look at the blurb and/or jacket copy. Maybe some sample pages, particularly the first one. _Then_ I’ll decide if I’m going to read/buy the book. A bad title by an unknown author may get passed by entirely. A mediocre title from a known good author will get chalked up to bad marketing by the publisher, the title will be ignored, and the book will be read anyway. A great title, one that is both thematic and catchy, adds luster to the book, but it’s the story that really counts.
On December 12, 2009 at 10:56 pm Mcb said...
#2 is great advice for life, actually.
Titles – A dumb title might prevent me from buying the book in the first place (maybe I shouldn’t judge by first appearances, but I have to start somewhere); but if I do read it, I won’t care about the title except as a reference – positive or negative. However, I can absolutely understand that an author would consider her book title VERY important. It’s like sending your kid into the world with the world’s nerdiest name. Those early years are tough enough without having to fight preconceived ideas. And there we are right back at first impressions again.
And, I am a GREAT reader. It’s a tough job, but somebody has to do it. No, no, don’t thank me. Anything for the cause.
On December 13, 2009 at 1:57 am Kerry K. said...
I have just caught up from the end of November and read about the new title. Kathleen Gilles Seidel had a book out in 1990 called “Maybe This Time”. I don’t know if it matters. Off topic, I had a friend whose dog found a potato chip bag on the floor (the kids left it there) and suffocated. Please be very careful, according to the vet it can happen very fast. This was a good size dog and one would have thought he could have just shook his head and got rid of it.
On December 13, 2009 at 3:35 am Jenyfer Matthews said...
I love this post. Especially #4, 5, 6, & 10. I’m going to print this and post it where I can see it frequently. Thank you.
Regarding titles, they are important, particularly to the author. I find titles the hardest part of writing because like you I want something that fits the characters and tone of the story. Only once have I come up with a title first and that’s the one story I have never finished.
How do titles influence me when I’m buying books? Honestly, it seems like so many titles these days are so generic and meaningless that I don’t necessarily immediately discount a book because of a bland or bad title. If the cover art is also unappealing (to me) then I’ll probably pass it over. Since you are who you are, I doubt you have a thing to worry about on either count
On December 13, 2009 at 8:57 am pat moses-caudel` said...
I am a great writer. And I am writing and publishing on several online sites, EHow, Firehow and a couple more, you do get paid, once you hit 10.00 a monthy paypal… there are people who have been on for 3 years and are writing daily, making 800.00 to 1100.00 I already have a following, my own groupies… and have 32 articles published on my expert areas, designing and crocheting with stirling silver wire, and writing missing /safety child information. They all pay by advertisment clicks, not content, I try not to think of that.
I am a great writer. and a couple dollars away from my first paycheck! Quick someone, give me a topic…..na i’m good.
On December 13, 2009 at 10:02 am Naked Under My Clothes said...
Don’t stop obsessing about titles, Jenny. Even if only you and Jen and Mollie and a handful of others care, doing so seems to be part of your process, and your process works for you. If YOU settle for a title that feels “wrong” to you, the work will suffer.
Besides, Lani needs the entertainment and we have an excellent time.
On December 13, 2009 at 10:02 am Naked Under My Clothes said...
And yes, I’m a great writer.
On December 13, 2009 at 12:54 pm Melissa Blue said...
Is it totally wrong of me to enjoy the whole R and Marly thing? But that’s a true fan. He would hijack his wife’s name to tell you and Bob you are indeed awesome. Lol. There is no wonder why I love this place.
And, I’m a great writer.
On December 13, 2009 at 1:42 pm Jenny said...
I know. It’s like our own little reality show.
On December 13, 2009 at 1:39 pm SnarkMaiden said...
On titles: I don’t think we’re an unbiased audience. For many of us, if it’s buy you, we buy it for that, whatever the title is. You need to think about titles for people who aren’t already fans enough to have found your blog!
On December 13, 2009 at 2:10 pm Libby said...
Thank you, especially for #3! I’ve been feeling guilty that I have submitted nothing to my critique group regarding my next WIP, but last time I submitted a half-baked idea, the discussion definitely was heading it in a direction that made it someone else’s book, not mine.
And, I AM a great writer, indeed.
On December 13, 2009 at 3:14 pm R. said...
Fine – here I am where I never thought I’d be. I guess I implied that I like the books written by you and Bob more than just yours alone. I may lean that way, but I didn’t intend to be rude. I’m going to clear up one more gripe and make a confession to keep the peace. I haven’t given Marly the title attention that she deserves. I call her chapters GOOD STUFF. As in “getting to the good stuff”, as in when she gets to the good stuff I have unselfishly volunteered to let her do research on me. I hereby publicly promise to come up with 75 other title suggestions for her. Because titles are important and not jokes.
On December 13, 2009 at 9:13 pm JulieB said...
Welcome (officially) R!
On December 14, 2009 at 2:50 am R. said...
Thank you. I plan on lurking, mostly. Although, all the above tips could apply to a lot of job situations. Oh yeah, she didn’t say I was rude, just that I could have been more subtle. I inferred. Sheesh, I talked about her again. This is hard.
On December 14, 2009 at 12:44 pm Jenny said...
Oh, please, you were fine. Also, Bob agrees with you.
As for the GOOD STUFF scenes, Bob calls those scenes THE STUFF JENNY WRITES. Because he is a wimp when it comes to writing that stuff.
On December 13, 2009 at 5:09 pm Hilary said...
I am a great writer.
First time I’ve ever said that so thanks ‘eaps an ‘eaps for encouraging us all to actually say it.
About titles, I’d always heard that a writer’s choice is often disregarded by their publisher anyway, although I have to say I find titles as hard to think up as the blurb and query letter are to write, so when that perfect publisher appears on my doorstep/email/phone, I’ll be happy to work even harder to find a suitable one. I also agree with Snark Maiden in that it’s the author, if they’re a favourite (like you) more than the title. Having said that however, when looking for new authors, a title can be pretty important as when looking through the stacks something needs to jump out and stop my finger on the spine. And have to say that the first one of yours I read, yonks ago, Getting Rid of Bradley, did just that, now I only need your name. Be a bit confusing if there weren’t any though wouldn’t it?
On December 13, 2009 at 6:06 pm Corinne said...
Thirding (or whatever) the importance of titles when the author is unfamiliar. I discovered you twice, independently, when I was moved to pick up books with memorable and intriguing titles– “Charlie All Night” and “Welcome to Temptation.” The second time I actually remembered your name and became a repeat reader, but your titles have hooked me more than once.
On December 13, 2009 at 9:15 pm JulieB said...
What Corrine and Hillary said — which I’ve started to type twice now and been distracted.
(OK, I’m not lying — I just got called away again — I forgot a quiche is a time-consuming dinner — so much for fast and simple tonight)
Anyway, when I can write, I am a GREAT writer.
On December 13, 2009 at 10:49 pm AlienEeeter said...
A title is the reason I’m a Crusie fan. I picked up my first Crusie because the title, “Faking It”, seemed so naughty and fun. I’m very likely to pick up a book with a fun, snarky title, especially if it hints at sexy fun. My other fav. titles of yours are “Fast Women” “Charlie All Night” and “Agnes and the Hitman.”
I’m in a title quandary myself right now. After major revisions my title no longer fits my book, and it’s reverted back to the working title “I was a Teenage Vampire.”
On December 15, 2009 at 4:53 am saltwaterknitter said...
Is that really the reason for the covers with the boobs and flowing hair and falling off dresses? A bunch of men chose them? Why in the world do publishers still print them? Seriously, can someone tell me? I used to cringe over the covers (as a non-romance reader), and after becoming an enthusiastic fan of the genre about five years ago, I dislike the (cliche) covers even more now. It isn’t so much about judging books by their covers, imo, as the discrepancy between what’s on the cover and what’s inside. It’s not that I think every cover has to be a work of art; of course not, but…I have read romance novels that are so good, so well written, full of remarkable characters and plots and dialogue..and the covers are flat out cringe worthy. Occasionally I see new books released by favorite authors that I really would like to own, but can’t bring myself to buy because the cover is so icky. I would almost rather read a book with a blank cover. I’m not (just) snarking here, I truly want someone to tell me why these covers keep getting printed. Do the publishers worry that I won’t be able to find my way to their books without those covers? When they say romance novels are one of the most profitable genres, do they mean that they are cheap to produce? Because they don’t spend much on the cover art? I’ll shut up now, because this is starting to sound like hating, and not questioning. Btw, I love the j. crusie titles, esp. agnes and the hitman, and the covers of (all) the books that in my library are good, and some, like faking it, bet me, and agnes, are great. The crusie books are automatic buys for me, when they come out. I’m trying to decide if I would buy the next one if the cover was a tacky ass mess…I think I might not buy it, even for crusie, and just hope for a nicer reprint later on.
On December 15, 2009 at 9:46 am Jenny said...
It was the reason in the beginning. The distribution system has changed radically since then. Publishers did try to go to jewelry and flowers covers but they didn’t sell as well as the clinch covers, so they went back to them ignoring two important things: flowers and jewelry are boring and women readers like to see people on the covers. People, not necessarily breasts. The one good thing about clinch covers is that they automatically say “romance,” so readers can find them, but they definitely don’t need the cleavage and the slit skirts and don’t get me started. There was a revolution in the eighties (?) when one house put Fabio on the cover alone and the book outsold anything else on the shelves which is when some genius said, “Gee, maybe women would rather look at topless men instead of topless women,” but it’s very hard to change perception. The clinch covers are almost always mass market historicals, and I think the smarter houses have pretty much abandoned the more overt ones. But I haven’t looked lately, so I may be wrong on that.
On December 14, 2009 at 12:29 am Courtney said...
I am a great writer!
Which is kind of a lie, ‘cuz I don’t really write…much. (I am a great liar!)
But I’m getting in the spirit. (I am a great joiner!)
What I really want to be is The Great and Powerful Oz. Am I in the wrong room?…..Again?
Right. Utilizing my permission to go to the bar now…carry on.
On December 14, 2009 at 2:50 am Jenyfer Matthews said...
On December 14, 2009 at 2:05 am Sure thing said...
I am an outstanding writer!
On December 14, 2009 at 3:49 am Louise said...
I am a great writer. And thank you for reminding me. And thank you for this post.
On December 14, 2009 at 11:01 am Flamingo Cherry said...
I am a great writer. Thank you!
If I’m picking up a favorite author, the title doesn’t matter, although I appreciate the clever ones. What matters for me is that it’s something I haven’t read before by an author I love. It could be marketed in torn brown grocery bag paper with a crayon scrawled “New Book”, if it has your name on it I will buy it. (Same with a few other authors.)
If I’m trolling the new release table or (more rarely lately) have time to do an indepth stack scan of mid & back list, a fun title might get me to pick up the book, but I make the decision to purchase based on the synopsis on the back and quotes telling me if it’s the kind of book I like (“witty” “eccentric characters” “funny” “romp” etc.). I don’t care if the title matches the storyline or not. Honestly? There are a lot of generic titles out there, and as near as I can tell all they do is let you know you have picked up a romance novel.
Things that actually get me to pick up a book start with an author’s name; then, in no particular order, the title of the book, the typeset on the spine (if it’s spine out) or the artwork on the cover (because the stuff I like, with a humorous bent, tends to have typeset/fonts & artwork that conveys humor), sometimes the colors of the book, and whether visible blurbs include keywords that are important to me (see above).
From there, unless it’s an author in my small “I will automatically buy anything they write without reservation” pool, I read the synopsis on the back. All the cute titles and pretty covers won’t get me to buy the book if the synopsis doesn’t sell me. What really makes me feel betrayed is when the book diverges substantially from the synopsis, or when the entire outer presentation of a book tells me it’s the kind of stuff I like, but the book itself is something very different.
Honestly? I don’t think there’s any one magic bullet that sells to readers. All of us are individuals, so we are all attracted by different things.
Great post, fabulous advice, and again …
I am a GREAT writer!
On December 14, 2009 at 11:31 am Judy Long said...
I am a great writer.
On December 14, 2009 at 12:13 pm Mary Stella said...
Once you’re published (you poor baby) evaluate your worth as writer on your work, not on your sales.
A lot of good writers have stopped writing because the business made them feel like hell. Innoculate yourself by repeating this very true mantra: “I have no control over sales.” You write the book; you’re responsible for the reviews within reason (see below). Your publisher publishes the book; it’s responsible for the sales. Do not take on the responsibilities of the publishing house; you’re not its mother.
Wow. Thanks for writing this so succinctly. I published two books that didn’t sell well and let the experience suck the joy out of me. Haven’t finished a manuscript in a long time.
I need to let that go, damnit. I AM a great writer!
On December 14, 2009 at 2:49 pm Lou said...
Like McB, I am a FABULOUS and VORACIOUS reader. As she said, someone has to do it.
Keep writing everyone…
On December 14, 2009 at 4:09 pm Bonnie C said...
I am a great writer and I get better with every word.
I also get more prolific with every glass of merlot…
I’ve found myself reading Category recently and have had to force an indifference towards titles as a defense mechanism. Really, nealry *anything* is a step up from those.
The only book I’ve ever picked up because the title caught my attention changed my (writing) life: “Save the Cat!” by Blake Snyder. Awesome title, awesome book, AMAZING teacher.
On December 14, 2009 at 4:19 pm Victoria said...
I, too, am a great writer. I know this and I know I have to work hard to make myself great. It’s also a fun job.
I just got this link from another one of my favorite authors. http://www.ted.com/talks/elizabeth_gilbert_on_genius.html
It’s about the care and feeding of personal creativity. In short, the speaker, Elizabeth Gilbert, says great writers are allowed to have bad days, doubts, and feelings of doom. What makes them great is that they just keep going in spite of it.
On December 15, 2009 at 1:23 am Micki said...
That was an absolutely amazing talk (about 18 minutes).
On December 14, 2009 at 5:41 pm Diane (TT) said...
OK, I couldn’t help having title thoughts yesterday. A lot of my favorite books have titles that are classical or biblical allusions (Julia Spencer-Fleming is AWESOME with her hymn titles), but that’s not you. I have one harlequin author’s books that I buy even with the Billionaire etc. titles, but I can’t face them otherwise. There are too many forgettable titles on good books for me to get too bogged down.
However, for your forthcoming oeuvre, I had two thoughts, which may or may not strike any chords.
Something a character might say: I was re-reading Santa Baby last night and Trudy thinks “…later for you”., which would sort of fit for a resumed romance. Especially since Andi thinks that part of the problem is the job – that she’s an afterthought, or so I gather.
Thematic: “Holding on” – because what we hold onto and how is key: North and Andie should’ve held onto each other, but each held onto their pasts and habits instead. And the ghost is also holding on inappropriately, so…. (this theme makes me think of Barbara Michaels’ Here I Stay; but it’s nicely ambiguous, because it also makes me think of Julia Spencer-Fleming’s Russ and Claire, who need to hold onto each other better but can’t because of where their lives have taken them – “holding on – not letting go” is one of their catch phrases).
In a related possibility that might be snappier: “Getting a Grip”. However, it may lose a lot of the type of ambiguity of the first, and gain some other kinds instead!
BTW – there was someone named Andromeda on “Wait, Wait, Don’t Tell Me!” this weekend!
On December 14, 2009 at 5:41 pm Diane (TT) said...
Darn it, I thought I checked. Oh, well.
On December 14, 2009 at 7:34 pm Deb said...
Well, I’m not a great writer, but I feel like a complete champ today. Will that count? I am a fabulous reader.
On tiles, there have only been 2 books with titles that captured my attention. In both cases, the writers were unknown to me. “Welcome to Temptation” and “Good Omens”. I certainly didn’t get “cheated” from either.
I have a title for a blog/book open for use: “While Marly Sleeps”. Feel free to use that. R, you’re a stand up guy!
On December 14, 2009 at 10:51 pm R. said...
Yikes, I’m getting that slitty-eyed look. I mean PRETTY-EYED look. Seriously, I’m starting to feel like I kicked a kitten. Marly was great when we were all playing NAME THAT BOOK and some of Shorn’s (it’s really Sean but there was that middle school haircut) were unprintable. But funny. See, this is why I could never be a writer. I run off at the mouth like I do in person. Where was I? I have no idea. But if I write in nnow and then , I’m not going to make her sound critical. She really isn’t. She’s the only person that laughs at my Marlon Brando impression. Or when I call her Little Lady in my John Wayne voice. Actually, I sound just like him. But I can be a jerk sometimes. Hey, doesn’t anybody out there need a title?
On December 15, 2009 at 1:21 am marly said...
I’m on to you, Charm Boy. Min would be, too, and Liza would bop you over the head.
On December 15, 2009 at 9:48 am Jenny said...
I’m telling you, it’s like a reality show.
On December 14, 2009 at 7:46 pm jenb said...
Being a fabulous and voracious like McB and Lou, the more you all write the happier we all will be.
On December 15, 2009 at 1:30 am Micki said...
(-: We need a new thread: My First Crusie. My first Crusie was Bet Me. I was staying at a friend’s house, and she gave me a stack of books. I looked at the cover and the title, rolled my eyes, and thought, “Well, I bet I can read a little bit of this and put it down.”
Oh my. I was up to 3 a.m., smothering my laughter so I wouldn’t wake my friend. And that cover art became my Most Favorite Cover Art in the All The World, and as soon as I got home, I started ordering more Crusies. And I started reading Romance again (but really haven’t gotten the hang of it, besides the brilliant Crusies and Sophie Kinsella).
So in the case of that book, it was the opening paragraph chapter that caught me, and it’s one of about 10 comfort books I turn to when I’m needing a good read.
On December 15, 2009 at 1:14 pm Bonnie C said...
My first Crusie was “Fast Women”. My writing partner and I were attending the RWA National Conference in Denver (our very first) and had gone to the goody room to gather, well, goodies. We hauled our haul back to the room and began giving dramatic readings randomly selected from the lot – most of the books were hysterically funny in ways they weren’t intended to be. We began wondering what we’d gotten ourselves into.
Then we each picked up FW. Laughed our asses off. One of us would read the other a particularly ticklish line and the other would say, “Shut up! I’m not there yet!” I believe we both finished the book before the Saturday luncheon. We no longer doubted what we’d gotten ourselves into.
On December 15, 2009 at 1:47 pm Bethany said...
My mom owned Crazy for You. I stole it from her in high school. Read it so many times the cover was starting to fall off.
Made the mistake of sending it to a friend going through a bad breakup with a cop who refused to listen when her friends said it was bad that he was using his cop-ness to follow her around. Never got it back
She said it got rained on and destroyed after having promised to take extra special good care of this book. Makes me sad to this day.
On December 15, 2009 at 10:35 am Kate George said...
Boy I love reading this blog. The trouble is that by the time I get to the bottom I’ve forgotten the fifteen things I wanted to say! I’m in the a-new-author-needs-a-good-title-but-a-familiar-one-doesn’t club. I’m still out on the Janet Evanovich style titles that have no relation to anything in the book, but it sure works for her!
I am a great writer. I’m not sure I believe this. I think I write great stories. I believe my books are fun to read. It’s the mechanics that bother me. And looking at Moonlighting now makes me cringe. There is so much I could have done better.
Oh well moving on. Practice makes perfect and all that. I’m on my fifth day of not writing when Bob tells me that it’s supposed to be unconditional. 1500 words EVERY day. But it’s two weeks before Christmas, and it’s a “creative year.” Funds are low so I need to make a bunch of stuff and be creative in my buying. All that takes time.
If I ever get rich I’m going to have a personal assistant. I’ll say “find me a Rock Band Bundle for the PS2 at the absolutely best price.” and he or she will do it. Instead of me spending eight hours on the computer searching for the best price for each individual component!
I like the writing tips. I have a GREAT, REALLY FABULOUS Group. Great Wrtiers all, and kind and compassionate. And they’ve all read Joni B Cole’s Toxic Feedback which helps keep the negatives away. And I’ve had to leave people behind. But fortunately, my bestest friends remain unconditionally supportive – so much so that I don’t trust them to tell me when something is wrong with a story! But I have my Critic Group for that so it’s all good!
Okay, I’m going to try again. I am a great writer. Believe it. Believe it, believe…
On December 15, 2009 at 5:04 pm Jamie said...
The only title I have ever been embarrassed to own was “Cowboy Wants a Baby.” Note that I said embarrassed to own, not buy. It was given to me. I read it. It wasn’t half bad. But that title… Seriously, are they trying to humiliate women who love to read?
On December 15, 2009 at 7:03 pm JenK said...
I recently read a book titled “Santa in a Stetson” by an author I’ve never read before and will never read again. Why? Because there wasn’t anything about Santa or Christmas in the ENTIRE book until the last chapter. And even that seemed just thrown in to get something- anything- about Christmas into the book to fit the release dates. I was so pissed by the end that I threw the book across the room.
And I’m a book lover who treats her books with more respect than I treat most people. I’m not sure what that says about me- other than I should probably treat most people better? But it’s true. Throwing books isn’t my style.
Anywho- titles matter. At the very least, they need to reflect what’s inside the cover. Clever titles matter- because I’m most likely to pick up a book and read the back cover or the first page because of a witty or snarky title.
Cover art matters- I have never purchased a first print hqn because the cover art makes me blush and cringe. Since I read during by break at work and while waiting in line at the bank and just about anywhere else I can fit in a page or two… blushing through the entire book because of the cover art isn’t an option.
Although now I’m a little embarrassed to admit I bought a book titled “Santa in a Stetson” because of the title, not despite it. Umm… forget I mentioned this at all.
Also? I am a great writer.
And a great drinker.
And a damn fantastic person in general.
On December 18, 2009 at 8:29 pm Jess said...
I’m sending the quote ‘A good rule of thumb is that if the voices in your head are saying something you’d never let another person say to you, then that voice is out of line and should be evicted from your brain.’ to all the women I know in the entire world. and men. people.
And of course I’m a great writer. There was doubt?
On December 28, 2009 at 12:44 pm Lora said...
I am pesky.
I am amazing.
I am writing!
On January 9, 2010 at 8:56 am Karen said...
If we all were great writers why aren’t we all published?
On January 9, 2010 at 10:22 am Jenny said...
Read the list again. Selling to a publisher has nothing to do with how good the book is (although good alway helps), it has everything to do with how marketable it is, which means finding an editor who understands your work and can sell it. Emily Dickinson published once, hated it because they edited and punctuated her work to make it unrecognizable (and therefore were able to sell it to the public), and never sold another poem. Great writer, though.
Using publishing as a yardstick for how good your work is just sets a standard that you have no control over and has nothing to do with good writing. It’s like saying, “This chocolate cake is no good because it’s not on the Weight Watcher’s list.” The Weight Watchers list can be very helpful, but it’s no guide to great chocolate cake.