2004 Breakout Books in Retrospect
Every year, only one in five thousand books becomes a bestseller. No one really knows how a book captures the imaginations of millions of people and rises to the top. Not the agents, not the editors, publishers, publicists or even the authors themselves.
Midlist authors often complain that their books don't get enough media exposure, no book tours or interviews are arranged for them. Or sometimes they think their slow sales are due to poor production- the jacket cover is atrocious, the text is peppered with errors, or the paper on which the book is printed is cheap. Or they aren't getting reviewed or advertised in newspapers and magazines, TV or radio.
There are many reasons for the failure of a book, says literary agent Donald Maass. Talent may be the least of them. Most publishing houses have been consolidated to belong to the big five: HarperCollins, Penguin Putnam Inc., Random House, Simon and Schuster and Time-Warner. Bottom-line business thinking means if a book makes middling sales, the author should be dropped. Book selling has changed and so has the way people use their leisure time. Reading is time-consuming; novels must compete with DVDs, TV, movies, music, sports etc.
Book prices are up and sales are down. Book publishing is tougher than ever and staying in the running is enough to make some writers quit. But despite the obstacles in the industry, some authors are not only getting published but their books are hitting the big time. Surprisingly, a number of authors begin their climb to stardom without promotion by their publishers. THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY hit the list long after its original 1992 release.
Why is this?
Bestselling historical mystery writer Anne Perry says it has nothing to do with publisher, jacket, promotion, reviews or any of the other things outside the book's content. "You are in control of your success or failure. If you write a book people want to read- a story that grips; characters that people care about, identify with, are interested in- your book will sell. Your destiny is in your own hands."
Who are some of these breakout storytellers of 2004 and what makes them special? Writer's Digest compiled a list and here is a synopsis of some of the winners.
Ed Conlon's debut book BLUE BLOOD is based on his experiences as a cop. What is his secret of success? Know your topic first hand. Don't be lazy. "I used to be a lazy guy," he says, "And I really liked that. But you gotta do what you gotta do."
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