six debuts sold

[John Jarrold]

I want people to be aware that I've sold six debut novels to mainstream publishers in the last eighteen months. And that's just me, one agent.

Despite what many new writers think, publishers ARE looking for new stars, but your writing has to be very special, as does your story-telling, characterisation, ideas, etc.

These debutants are writing over a wide range of fantasy, SF and supernatural fiction. No one put them in a strait-jacket, they are writing the books they want to write, and very sensibly realising that commercial publishing is just that: commercial.

No one has the right to mainstream publication, any more then they have the right to run in the 100 metres in the Olympics. No matter how hard the great majority of people train, they will never run in the Olympics. And writing is something that the majority of people can't do to a professional standard either (writers' groups are great if you have talent to begin with - they can't grow talent from barren ground). Writing for one's own pleasure, that's something else, and equally valid.

[Birol]

Originally Posted by John Jarrold

I want people to be aware that I've sold six debut novels to mainstream publishers in the last eighteen months. And that's just me, one agent.

That's awesome, John. Thanks for sharing.

[Azure]

Indeed well done to you, and to those authors!

[dustinzgirl]

Congratulations John!

[Leisha]

I want people to be aware that I've sold six debut novels to mainstream publishers in the last eighteen months. And that's just me, one agent.

Despite what many new writers think, publishers ARE looking for new stars, but your writing has to be very special, as does your story-telling, characterisation, ideas, etc.

Thank you, John. That's a stark message, but it also gives me hope: If a writer does have a little talent and can keep writing for the love of writing, they may stand a chance.

As you say, no one has the right to be published. But I think if a writer keeps trying -- and is also willing to adapt and learn -- they might just succeed, with a little luck.

Does anyone know where I can buy some talent?

[lin robinson]

Ah, a message of hope. Thanks.

If this is a good place to ask, may I?

I know little about overseas sales. Would it make sense to send a novel to a UK agent simultaneous with USA agent? They are different rights structures, no?

[John Jarrold]

Lin, most agents have sub-agents in other markets. So an agent in New York will have an agency in London who sells their UK rights, another in Paris for French rights and so forth. I have a number of agencies who I work with round the world - although I sell US rights personally, because I know and have worked with most of the US genre editors during my years in publishing. In general terms, I'd say approach agents in your own country first.

Hope that helps!

[I, Brian]

Six debuts? Now that's not bad going at all - thanks for raising the possibility of hope for the aspirants here, John.

[Circus Cranium]

Wow, congrats! You're rock-star-agent.

[John Jarrold]

There is very good stuff out there - and sometimes it's about putting the right author together with the right editor, and talking over a period of time...never forget that there are another ten or more debut novels I've submitted that haven't sold.

[Nick P]

Originally Posted by John Jarrold

I want people to be aware that I've sold six debut novels to mainstream publishers in the last eighteen months. And that's just me, one agent.

Despite what many new writers think, publishers ARE looking for new stars, but your writing has to be very special, as does your story-telling, characterisation, ideas, etc.

These debutants are writing over a wide range of fantasy, SF and supernatural fiction. No one put them in a strait-jacket, they are writing the books they want to write, and very sensibly realising that commercial publishing is just that: commercial.

No one has the right to mainstream publication, any more then they have the right to run in the 100 metres in the Olympics. No matter how hard the great majority of people train, they will never run in the Olympics. And writing is something that the majority of people can't do to a professional standard either (writers' groups are great if you have talent to begin with - they can't grow talent from barren ground). Writing for one's own pleasure, that's something else, and equally valid.

John

Can I quote this on Litopia? I can put in a link if you provide one or just give your web address?

[John Jarrold]

Sure

JOHN JARROLD - LITERARY AGENT AND SCRIPT DOCTOR

Cheers, Nick!

[John Jarrold]

Originally Posted by Nick P

John

Can I quote this on Litopia?

FYI, I just joined Litopia, Nick.

[roddglenn]

That's great news, John. Renews everyone's optimisms.

[John Jarrold]

I've said it before: Per Ardua ad Astra!