On my mind
Before I tackle the top story, let’s talk reading slumps.
Last week, I discussed the blockbuster books I didn’t like. The day after the column dropped, I got a spectacular haul from the library and was eager to spend hours reading, but found myself DNFing all of them.
One’s beginning chapters were too obtuse Another had prose as bland as steamed tofu. One had an interesting beginning but then lapsed into long sections of backstory and so on…
On a positive note, reading books with craft issues gives me fodder for this newsletter. (Expect a deep dive on pacing and narrative drive in the new year.) Also, when I find books that are well crafted, I’m so ridiculously appreciative, I talk about them a LOT.
I’m telling everyone this year to read Tilt by Emma Pattee, and I also enjoyed Janelle Brown’s What Kind of Paradise. If you’re looking for an author who never fails to engage, dig into Brown’s backlist.
When I experience a string of DNFs, I tend to look in the mirror and say, “What’s wrong with you? Are you too picky? Too impatient? Too cranky? Do I spend too much time on TikTok?” (Definitely yes.)
But then I came across a NY Times article called “I Was Once a Broken Reader and I Found My Way Back to Books.”(gift link) and I felt so seen.
The author says, “…suddenly, I couldn’t finish even half a book. Any book. Nothing held me. Everything annoyed me. Cilantro now tasted like soap.”
Thank goodness it’s not just me!
A sure-fire cure for my DNF blues is to revisit books I love. Last week, I re-read Accidental Tourist by Anne Tyler and it restored my faith in myself as a reader. I followed it with Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty and Amy and Isabelle by Elizabeth Strout. Now I feel energized, ready to plunge into a new year of reading.
What are your thoughts on reading slumps? Do they ever happen to you? Do you DNF or do you slog through? Can you recommend a book that broke the spell?
Let’s look at this month’s debut book deals as reported by Publishers Marketplace and The Bookseller.
For the biggest deals, I examine three factors that likely played a part in books deals: book (genre etc.), cook (author), and hook. Be on the lookout for BONUS CONTENT that includes stories behind the book deals or the author’s original query letters.
Also in this issue, in addition to the regular features, check out 53 small publishers who accept non-agented submissions. (“This Week in Pitching” and “Pitch Doctor” are on hiatus this week and will return next week.)
Not yet a paid subscriber? If you want up-to-date intel on what novels are selling, cutting-edge advice on how best prepare for submissions, and alternatives to trad publishing, you’re in the right place. Each month I listen to publishing podcasts, attend virtual conferences, and comb through dozens of articles to give you the most accurate publishing advice. Join hundreds of paid subscribers who receive a weekly clear-headed view of how publishing works and how best to position themselves as authors.
Now let’s see who won the publishing lottery in November.