Good morning and welcome to Crafting Your Career! Author Karin Harlow joins us today to discuss her rocky road to New York publication. She’s a savvy, business-minded writer who’s not afraid to pass on her experiencess–good and bad–so that others can learn. Sound like a perfect visiting professor? I thought so. Karin will be around off and on today, so be sure to ask your burning questions in the Comments section. She’s generously giving away one of her brand new L.O.S.T. (Last Option Special Team) mugs to one lucky commenter!!
Let’s give it up for HARLOW!
I’d like to thank Tracey for asking me to hang out today! I love to chat and I really enjoy sharing my experiences with fellow writers. It’s a concrete jungle out there and hopefully after reading this blog today, you’ll feel a wee bit more confident wading through what are often, treacherous waters.
Treacherous not that it will kill you, well, it can, the stress of it all anyway, but treacherous in that if you allow it to, this business can and will suck the life out of you. If you don’t have one now, go buy yourself a nice thick skin. You will need it. New York publishing is not for the faint of heart or thin-skinned. It’s a tough competitive business. Yes, a business, not a sorority or a girls or boys club or a let’s-all-just-play-to-have-fun softball game. It’s not a game where everyone gets a chance to bat, it’s a roll-up-your-sleeves-and-get-to-work-to-survive business. Keep that perspective and you may not get your feelings hurt–too much.
So, let’s take a few minutes and talk about facts vs fiction and what you can do, to better position yourself to successfully sell a romance to your dream New York publisher.
While digital publishing is finally being recognized by New York houses, and they get that the internet is a viable tool for promoting authors as well as selling books, a couple of things have not changed: The first one is, New York is still printing books, and lot’s of them. Secondly, if you have the goods, New York will snatch them up. It’s really that simple.
Give them something fresh, give them something good, and they will buy. Seriously. Here’s the thing about New York: they want to see something that sets you a part from the author standing next to you who also has something fresh and something good. This means writing, writing, and writing some more. Writing until you have that perfect story! (a little luck never hurts either. Yanno, being in the right place at the right time kind of luck) It’s a photo finish race out there. Sometimes you win by a whisker, and will most likely lose by one as well. Get back on the horse and ride again.
Just a few years ago as certain genres were trending, publishers were snatching up a lot of not so good stuff. Now, they aren’t. Not even with trending markets. They can’t afford a miss. Let’s take paranormal romance for instance. A few years ago if you told an editor you had a vampire story, she would roll her eyes. Now? She wants to see it. Vamps are in. At the top of their game. Paranormal is trending and has been for a while now, with no end in sight. With the economy in the toilet, straight contemporary romance is picking up as well. Those warm, feel-good stories are what readers are enjoying more and more to take their minds off the house payment they can’t make. Romantic suspense is still the biggest part of the contemporary pie but to sell it right now, you have to knock an editor’s socks off. Historicals are holding steady if you write regency. Don’t write regency set historicals? Give them the next Wolf and the Dove set in Scotland and I bet you get snatched up. My very reliable sources tell me (as of last fall) that category is slumping with the exception of Desires and Presents. YA is trending, and the kids are loving the dark paranormal stuff. Erotic romance? It’s still around but readers want more than insert Part A into Part B C or D. Ménage? On fire!
Ebooks? Erotica and erotic romance are still the hottest sellers. Some erotic romance authors are making 8 to 10 G’s a month! Who says sex doesn’t sell? They never read a hawt erotic ebook!
Speaking of money: The money editors are paying for good books is not even close to what is was even a year ago. Two years ago? Ah, laissez les bon temps rouler! No more! Not to mention, print runs are much, much lower. Buyers are going with tried and true. Why put a mid list author up on the shelf when they can put a list author who is proven in the same slot and get a higher return for that slot? Distributors are not warehousing stock like they used to, it costs too much. It’s cheaper to go back to print.
Several multi-published friends of mine have recently gone to auction, one with an RS series and another with a kick-ass paranormal series, both of them were very discouraged at the end of the bidding. One said to me, “Gee, auctions aren’t what they used to be.” She got less than half of what she would have gotten a year ago. Money is tight all of the way around, but to stay in the game you have to keep your name out there. My advice? Take the pay cut and keep your job, so when the lean times pass, you are still standing.
All of that said, there will always be exceptions to the norm.
But one thing has not changed in New York: Editors will buy a project they love. And that is what we, the writer, have sole control of. Remember that you have control of the story. And also remember to always put your best work forward. Do not submit any work until it’s as good as you can make it. One thing that irritates agents and editors is reading work that is shoddy, grammatically flawed or just uninspiring. My suggestion is to enter a few contests and see how the scores come back. Personally, I never cared for anything in the middle. I liked them high, which we all love to see, I mean we love it when others love our work, but I got just as much from the lowest of low scores. It meant I hit a nerve. Middle of the road is meh. Meh is not good. Meh is forgettable and boring and well, meh is meh. Write from your heart and soul. DO NOT think about rules or what you’ve heard or think an editor wants, write balls to the walls. When we write from the inside out it shows in the work. It shows the passion, the excitement, the palpable rawness of our characters and their struggles. Don’t be afraid to expose your characters. Stay true to them, and you will get noticed.
Here’s an example of creating a memorable character and the reaction of a reader who was gut punched by that character: This was posted on Magical Musings last week regarding Jax Cassidy, the female protag in my debut paranormal suspense ENEMY LOVER, Pocket Star May 25.
Edie Ramer at Magical Musings wrote: “Harlow’s character is really messed up. I tend to have damaged and broken characters. Harlow’s heroine isn’t just damaged, she’s been ripped apart and put back together with a few of the pieces misplaced. She’s a strong woman who’s been horribly wronged. We can see that in her thoughts. Though she’s not a traditional heroine, I’m rooting for her from the first page. Harlow writes in third person, very deep POV. So deep she’s hitting the ocean floor. I write in the same POV, though I don’t think mine hits the ocean floor as much as Harlow’s. Harlow is raw!”
I love it! When I wrote the proposal for this series, I spent months writing and rewriting it, but Jax never changed. I saw her as she is described above, and would have done her a grave disservice had I toned her down even one notch to fit the norm. I wrote true to the character, and it’s because of Jax that my editor bought the series. It’s because of Jax that ENEMY LOVER is off the hook raw.
Now, if Tracey will have me back, I’d love to chat about agents. There are some great ones out there, but there are also some who can destroy your career before it’s even launched, and then, there are the meh ones. And you know how I feel about meh!
PS, you can visit me at www.KarinHarlow.com or hit me up on Facebook. I’d like to give away a fantabulous L.O.S.T. (Last Option Special Team) mug to one lucky commenter today! (I don’t have the mugs yet, should have them by mid month so it will take a couple of weeks to get it to you!).
Thanks for hanging out with me today!
HARLOW
* * *
Thanks, Karin!! Of course, we’ll have you back. RU Readers, check back on June 2 when Harlow stops by for a heart-to-heart on choosing the right agent for you.
So RU Readers, what insight can you share about New York publishing? What are you doing to make your writing fresh and raw? Be sure to leave a comment in order to win one of Karin’s L.O.S.T. mugs.
Join us on Wednesday when New York Times bestselling author Brenda Novak helps RU celebrate its one year anniversary with a look at how an author can separate her/his public and private life.
Karin’s Bio:
A full time writer, Karin spins dark tales of suspense, love and things that go bump in the night. Drawing from her life as a cop’s wife, her stories resonate with authority and reality. When Karin isn’t writing, she enjoys traveling the California coast line with her husband and one or more of her four children or getting together in far off places with her writing buddies.
You can find Karin at www.KarinHarlow.com, www.facebook.com/KarinHarlow, www.Twitter.com/KarinHarlow, or contact her her http://karinharlow.com/contact_karin.php .
Kelsey's serving up bite-sized morsels for your noggin on her new 
Hi Karin,
Thanks for hanging out with us today! Love your cover, btw. Oh, those eyes.
Your L.O.S.T. series sounds great. What came to mind first when you started building this world?
What one thing about NY publishing has surprised you in a good way and not so good?
Thanks bunches!
Tracey
Posted by Tracey Devlyn | May 10, 2010, 6:22 amKarin –
So glad to have you at RU today! And I agree with Tracey about those eyes.
As writers, we’re often told to develop a thick skin. Do you have any practical advice for how to do so? And perhaps how to separate destructive from constructive criticism?
And how does an author reconcile “writing the book of her heart” with “keeping an eye on the market?”
Thanks so much for your insight!
Kelsey
Posted by KelseyBrowning | May 10, 2010, 6:47 amKarin, thanks for the shout out! You had me even before I saw the paragraph about Magical Musings.
I’m motivated and ready to kick butt with my writing.
Posted by Edie | May 10, 2010, 7:44 amHi Karin.
Thanks for your insight.. Your L.O.S.T. series sounds fantastic.
“When I wrote the proposal for this series, I spent months writing and rewriting…”
This is exactly where I am–right now. I’ve been working on a series proposal for months. I haven’t sent it to my agent because honestly I’m terrified. lol I’ve spent more time editing and tweaking the proposal than I have on writing the first six chapters of the book.
Is this normal?
Did you write the book before submitting the proposal?
Do you have an tips on writing a proposal?
Kim
Posted by Kim Cresswell | May 10, 2010, 7:44 amThank you for the info you’ve provided us, great topic! Could you recommend some of the better Erotica/erotic romance publishers? You had mentioned knowing authors who are making a good living and was wondering who they publish with….
Thanks!
Posted by Trisha | May 10, 2010, 8:15 amMorning Karin!
Great post! Lots of great information in there, I’ll be saving it to my RU file. =)
I agree about the thick-skin. Do they sell those at Wal Mart? =) Mine’s toughening up, but some days I come away battered and bruised. How do you mentally handle a critique or review without taking it personally? That’s my “baby” I’m writing there!
=)
Thanks for posting today!
carrie
Posted by Carrie | May 10, 2010, 8:33 amGreat post, Karin.
Can you explain very deep POV as opposed to regular old POV?
Thanks!
Posted by Wendy Marcus | May 10, 2010, 9:23 amI second the question on POV. Love your comments about building up a thick skin, but will need to work at that. Mine is paper thin at present!
Posted by Alison | May 10, 2010, 9:29 amHi, Karin. Thank you for being with us today. I loved this post! I feel like I’ve been slogging through revisions on my WIP and your comments give me hope that my hard work will pay off.
I’m glad to hear you were able to sell a damaged heroine. I have one of those in my last book and I can’t bring myself to change her. All the not-so-good stuff makes her who she is.
Wonderful post!
Posted by Adrienne Giordano | May 10, 2010, 11:04 amGood morning, Romance U! I just poured a cup of coffee (west coast time, up late writing and all that), Give me a couple of mins and I’ll be happy to answer your questions.
Posted by Harlow | May 10, 2010, 12:20 pmThank you again, Tracey for the invite. My first thought regarding L.O.S.T. was that I wanted a modern day version of the Dirty Dozen. I knew the L.O.S.T. operatives were bad cops, some bad for the right reasons and some bad for not so right reasons. Each and every one of them was headed to prison for a very long time or already there. And just like in the Dirty Dozen, they are given the chance to rot in hell or take on a suicide mission. All with conditions of course.
NY surprising me in a good way? Oh, lot’s of good things: That editors and agents are people too. I’m not sure why that should surprise me. But so many authors talk about the cold indifference of the business. I have found the complete opposite. That isn’t to say I don’t believe for one second that if my books tank I won’t be out of a job, but that part is business, and I get that.
Not so good? That there are some very unprofessional ‘professionals’ in publishing. On one hand authors are told to behave, well that goes both ways. I’ve witnessed some pretty poor behavior by non author people in the business.
Posted by Harlow | May 10, 2010, 12:33 pmKelsey, I’m glad to be here too!
and yes aren’t those eyes amazing? When I originally began to write ENEMY LOVER Marcus’s eyes were a tawny gold. I saw that cover and presto changeo!
How to develop a thick skin? Lots of sandpaper and alcohol! Ok, seriously, having a thick skin is part realization and part emotionally disconnecting. Not giving anyone the power to hurt you by ther rejection of your work, not you, your work. The first and last rule in publishing is this: Everything is subjective. and you really must learn not to take it personally. What one editor may love another may despise. Same for readers. We are all entitled to our opinions. A book you love I may shake my head in confusion and wonder what you read that I didn’t. Subjective.
Separating destructive from constructive is a choice. If you have a CP or someone involved in your writing process who is destructive kick drop them. there is no negotiating here. just do it. She/he will undermine you and your confidence so quickly it’ll make your head spin. Get rid of those types. They will only bring you down. they are the last thing you need or want in this business.
Destructive reviews? Again another choice. DO. NOT. READ. THEM!
Sometimes writing the true book of your heart is in the future. I personally feel we shouldn’t write what isn’t in us. It will show in the work. If you love to write sweeping historicals, fine, write one, but make it high concept enough or put a trending element in it that works. for you, the writer to love the work, and, for the ultimate consumer, the reader.
Posted by Harlow | May 10, 2010, 12:48 pmKarin -
Thanks for the words of wisdom. I think I’ll make “It’s all subjective” my meditation mantra!
K-
Posted by KelseyBrowning | May 10, 2010, 1:22 pmEdie, go forth and kick some serious writing ass today!
Posted by Harlow | May 10, 2010, 12:49 pmKim. Thank you, I hope lots of readers think my L.O.S.T. series is fantastic! I want to stay employed!
Ah, rewriting. There comes a point where rewriting is too much. I didn’t so much spend the time tweaking my story, as I did rewriting the darn thing over and over because I was beginning in the wrong place. I was hell bent of writing a courtroom drama scene. I must have written it ten times before I listened to my agent who said, “You don’t need this!” I’m not a tweaker by nature. I wrote the scene, move on, come back to it in a day or two and layer, send it off to my cp and my agent for feedback. Once I have what I want proposal wise, I’ll do a final drive by. I think over-polishing can blind a reader. Let the heart and soul of the story shine through. Sometimes that means leaving it alone.
and yes, what you are doing is normal, we are human and are constantly second guessing ourselves. but, again, over spicing a dish can ruin it. Let the natural flavors rise. I didn’t write the entire story before I sold. I wrote 5 very strong chapters and a very strong outline of how I envisioned the L.O.S.T. series. My editor bought the proposal because of Jax, and what she did at the end of chapter four.
my only tip on writing a proposal is to make it bold. make it so that an editor or agent sits up straight after the first line. I’m serious when I say writer from the inside out. Kind of like that song Love Like You Were Dying. Instead, write for your life!
Posted by Harlow | May 10, 2010, 1:01 pmThanks for sharing! I have a question – it’s a question my mom asked me, actually, when I showed her a link to your website: “I have this generational gap thing going…please explain the vampire intrigue to me…eternal life, blood, what? I am an old lady — help me understand
” LOL she’s a funny gal – so what would your answer be?
Posted by Bonnie H | May 10, 2010, 1:05 pmHi, Trisha! Samhain is tops in my book as far as epubs go for erotic romance. Lots and lots of good people doing very good things over there. Established authors there with a solid backlist are making a very nice living. As far as New York publishers with designated erotic romance lines, I think Berkely Heat does a good job. Advancementwise, for a new author in New York for an erotic trade single title, you are looking at 2-7K. Most of the time in the middle of that. Once you’ve established yourself and your numbers are good the advances go up. Some exponentially.
Posted by Harlow | May 10, 2010, 1:17 pmCarrie, I think there was run on thick skins at Wal-Mart! Target may have a few. Good luck!
I don’t read bad reviews, sometimes though it’s unavoidable, but when I do, I give the reviewer their opinion. Not everyone is going to like my books, I’m very ok with that. I did the best that could at the time. That has to be enough. Just as not everyone I meet will like me. I know I’m not a bad person, so it’s on them not me.
as far as a bad critique? I don’t get bad ones, i get constructive ones. I once had a ‘friend’ look at something, and to say she was vicious is an understatement. I realized immediately her own frustrations and anger at not selling were coming out in her critique. we are still friends but i never send her anything. not even a blurb or cover art. she just can’t seem to not find fault with something. I don’t need that negativity in my life on any level. Conversely, my CP, whom I trust on very level, has on very many occasions shredded my chapters. But in a constructive way that makes sense. I don’t always agree with her, but I’m glad for the professional input.
I have never looked at my work as my baby. I’m a working writer. No babies allowed. You need to find a way to separate your emotions from your work, in that it’s ok to let it go. It’s meant to go, very much like a baby who grows into an adult.
Posted by Harlow | May 10, 2010, 1:31 pmHi, Wendy! Deep POV as opposed to regular POV. Ask Edie! Ok, seriously, straight POV is where the character thinks and sees on the surface. i.e. It was raining, and she didn’t like the rain.
deeper is: The rain always brought back the haunting memories of her little sister, and the day she died. The scent of damp leaves, the feel of the accusing, cold rain digging into her skin, the rumbling thunder in the sky that somehow made its way into her heart, a constant reminder that Jenny would be alive today if she had just done her job.
Posted by Harlow | May 10, 2010, 1:38 pmAlison, see my response to Wendy! And get that sandpaper out and start rubbing. You’ll have a thick skin as soon as the blood dries!
Posted by Harlow | May 10, 2010, 1:39 pmAdrienne, good for you! We must always stay true to our characters. always. I love damaged characters. I love to read them and I love to write them.
Posted by Harlow | May 10, 2010, 1:43 pmKarin — I love your post, and your comments. Your enthusiasm and energy are infectious. I’m very inspired!
I’m really looking forward to reading your book.
Posted by Donna Cummings | May 10, 2010, 1:49 pmBonnie, tell your mama, there is the mystery factor, the danger factor, and the sexy-as-hell-come-bite-me factor! Wrap that all into one smokin’ hawt dude and you have the intrigue.
Posted by Harlow | May 10, 2010, 1:53 pmLOL – agreed!! I also told her I thought it had a lot to do with society’s desire for meaning to life, and immortality – if that makes sense? And hey, how about this awesome review of the book!: http://www.silverjames.com/?p=4267#comments
Posted by Bonnie H | May 10, 2010, 3:19 pmThank you, Donna! I love to inspire. It’s all good, baby!
Posted by Harlow | May 10, 2010, 2:20 pmnever get tired of the cover, your cool mug, or your wise words, Karin!!! Can’t wait to read Enemy Lover again!! it is SOOOOOO delectable!!
Posted by Virna | May 10, 2010, 2:53 pmKarin, that book can not come out fast enough. I so want it in my hands. LOL
I’m working on that thick skin. Much thicker than when I started, so sometimes it is just time and comments and critiques and building layer by layer.
Are there more books to this L.O.S.T. team?
Posted by Jill James | May 10, 2010, 3:01 pmBonnie, great point about immortality! Yes, i mean really is it such a bad thing??
Thanks for posting the review link. I was very happy when Silver emailed me to tell me how much she enjoyed Jax and Marcus’s story.
Posted by Harlow | May 10, 2010, 4:14 pmHey, Virna, were your ears burning when I mentioned my trusty CP?
Posted by Harlow | May 10, 2010, 4:15 pmJill, I think you have come miles since you took the plunge. Wearing chain mail helps too.
Yes to your question, I have one more L.O.S.T. book contracted, whether or not there will be more depends on sales of the first one. I have every appendage crossed and double crossed my editor calls my agent release week and says, “I want more books!” The I can breath a sigh of relief and get back to totally focusing on my writing. Talk about nerve-wracking…
Posted by Harlow | May 10, 2010, 4:20 pmKarin: To quote one sentence in my query: “….stories about first and second generation, ethnic, in your face New York women with moxie.”
I do satirical comedy … a romantic comedy about a nice Jewish girl who ends up with a chubby Italian pizza man; a romantic comedy where Lizzie, the main character is haunted by the baudy ghost of her Aunt Annie May from the old Belasco days in New York theatre …
It gets worse because I am converting from third person to first person …my Third Eye Mystery series, about a brash Italian photographer who uses her wits and photography to solve mysteries .
They are not “chick-lit” or “cozy” they are satirical/fiesty … from Brooklyn no less and have loud, crazy families.
I feel like I don’t fit and every time I send out a query I worry it sounds “cute” and I hate “cute” … I love what you do. I think Sophie Littlefield kicks major ass and I like a first time author getting nominated for an Edgar.
I get so desperate about which agent to write, I want to send a telegram to Gail Parent and ask her to adopt me.
What do we do, when we are not in any trend?
Oh yes, his eyes are incredible !
Posted by Florence Fois | May 10, 2010, 4:26 pmI can’t wait to get this book! Uh, and I think I need to graduate from my Goofy coffee mug to a L.O.S.T. one, what do you think?
Posted by Margaret A. Golla | May 10, 2010, 5:54 pmYour story sounds fabulous, Harlow! Can’t wait to snap it up. Enjoyed the blog, too. Very motivational. thanks for the insight.
Posted by Melanie Atkins | May 10, 2010, 6:03 pmHey, Karin, I love those eyes, too. I have to say your honesty about everything you talk about is so refreshing. There is no sugar-coating it and writers do need a thick skin.
Sometimes, writing is just believing in yourself and hoping someone gets you. Well, that and talent plus discipline and hard work and GROAN! a little bit of luck.
I can’t wait to read the new series.
Posted by Liz Lipperman | May 10, 2010, 6:04 pmFlorence, it’s hard to find a place to fit when what you write doesn’t fit neatly into a category. That said, your mystery series is just that, a mystery series with a really unique hook: “a brash Italian photographer who uses her wits and photography to solve mysteries.” Perfect! This sounds like something Berkely Prime Crime might snatch up. Do you have an agent? Sophie’s (Sophie is a dear friend of mine btw!) agent is Barbara Poelle. I suggest you query her. I can also find out from my agent who is looking for mysteries to rep.
The first blurb sounds to me like a contemporary romp. pitch it that way.(leave comedy out)
Your voice is unique and fun and I get an instant feel for you. That’s a very good thing. It’s memorable not meh.
What do you when you aren’t writing in a current trend? Write a tried and true gender, but kick its ass.
Posted by Harlow | May 10, 2010, 6:16 pmKarin: I’ll keep what you said in mind. Thanks for the comments … I’m glad I am not a meh …
I look forward to your post on agents. In the mean time I continue my search.
Posted by Florence Fois | May 10, 2010, 7:48 pmMargaret, you will LOVE the L.O.S.T. mug. I promise!
Posted by Harlow | May 10, 2010, 6:16 pmMelanie, glad you enjoyed. I’m going to be back June 2nd to talk about scary agents!
Posted by Harlow | May 10, 2010, 6:17 pmLiz you are right on the money! We must believe in ourselves first. Otherwise how are we going to convince someone else to? Some talent, good old-fashioned hard work and a smidgen of luck help out too.
Posted by Harlow | May 10, 2010, 6:20 pmHarlow, your heroine has credential that should rock the writing world. If she’s half intriguing as your eyes, she can’t miss. Somehow they remind me of someone…just can’t put my finger on it. Can’t wait to read about her exploits.
Posted by Sylvia Rochester | May 10, 2010, 6:24 pm
Posted by Mary Marvella | May 10, 2010, 6:51 pmSylvia, lol we were talking about the eyes of the hunk on my book cover!
Posted by Harlow | May 10, 2010, 9:05 pmMary, you’re ready, you have been for awhile now. Pull the trigger!
Posted by Harlow | May 10, 2010, 9:06 pmFlorence, good luck!
Posted by Harlow | May 10, 2010, 9:08 pmHarlow, it’s so refreshing to have someone tell it like it is. Just the kick in the pants I need. Thanks! Can’t wait to read your book.
Posted by June Love | May 10, 2010, 10:00 pmHarlow: That is one fantastic cover and awesome advice. One question: Do you have any web links to where we can buy that tough skin. Thanks for giving us the facts!
Posted by Donnell | May 10, 2010, 10:02 pmGreat blog and advice, Harlow. I’m looking forward to hearing about those scary agents in June.
Thanks for being here!
Posted by Bonnie D | May 10, 2010, 10:41 pmHey, June! Kicking butt is what I do best!
Posted by Harlow | May 11, 2010, 2:46 pmThanks, Donnell. I love the cover too. My editor kicked some butt to get it just the way she wanted!
The tough-skin link that used to be up is down (it crashed, too many hits at once) so you’re on your own!
Posted by Harlow | May 11, 2010, 2:48 pmLOL! We must have all been trying!
Posted by AdrienneGiordano | May 11, 2010, 3:05 pmBonnie, we’re going to have a lot of fun with the Scary Agent blog. Muwhahahahahaha!
Posted by Harlow | May 11, 2010, 2:49 pm