Such valuable insight, thank you Marti. Your point about the dominance of youth in the industry was a revelation, and upon reflection, I see it so clearly now. As for it taking time for an author to get a break, I needed to hear that today - thank you - not so much in regards to the publishing industry, but for my own Substack. It's so easy to start doubting oneself.
It does take time and luck and a convergence of circumstances, I think. You just have to pace yourself, and I'm not talking about with the writing but with the emotional side. x
Your perspective arrives as I reach the end of the line with an agent. When I have another book to send into the world, I may not even bother looking for another. In my 70s, I don't have time for years of agent-shopping and am realistic about the market's hunger for old dames like me whose good, even excellent books have sold modestly. I'd consider a very small press that accepts unagented manuscripts. And I'll consider self-publishing, which no longer has the taint it once did. Connecting with readers while I can is more important that landing a prestigious deal.
You're not old. I just spoke with someone whose partner, a writer, is still working at 89. But I'm with you on expanding your horizons on publishing in any way you wish. x
It's a question of time. At my age I may not have years and years to write a book and position it for publication. I'm as energetic and purposeful as ever, but at my back I always hear...
Oh, I know how you feel....I'm right behind you. The runway is shortening but there is always hope we'll be lucky enough to pull off OLD age, and I mean real old...x
Nowadays, from writing to producing, the establishment has "retired us" over 60. I worked for CBS writing, producing and management of CBS Radio Stations for 30 years, while also producing, writing and managing the sports networks of the Baltimore Ravens, Baltimore Orioles and the Maryland Terrapins. I taught many very young producers who became good at their job, only to let let go on the exact day of my 30th anniversary with CBS (now the bankrupt Audacy Radio Co.) Also, Penguin Random House printing and distribution complex is one mile from my house... right next to our crappy Walmart!
Such valuable insight, thank you Marti. Your point about the dominance of youth in the industry was a revelation, and upon reflection, I see it so clearly now. As for it taking time for an author to get a break, I needed to hear that today - thank you - not so much in regards to the publishing industry, but for my own Substack. It's so easy to start doubting oneself.
It does take time and luck and a convergence of circumstances, I think. You just have to pace yourself, and I'm not talking about with the writing but with the emotional side. x
Thank you for this !
A pleasure, Nicole!
Your perspective arrives as I reach the end of the line with an agent. When I have another book to send into the world, I may not even bother looking for another. In my 70s, I don't have time for years of agent-shopping and am realistic about the market's hunger for old dames like me whose good, even excellent books have sold modestly. I'd consider a very small press that accepts unagented manuscripts. And I'll consider self-publishing, which no longer has the taint it once did. Connecting with readers while I can is more important that landing a prestigious deal.
You're not old. I just spoke with someone whose partner, a writer, is still working at 89. But I'm with you on expanding your horizons on publishing in any way you wish. x
It's a question of time. At my age I may not have years and years to write a book and position it for publication. I'm as energetic and purposeful as ever, but at my back I always hear...
Oh, I know how you feel....I'm right behind you. The runway is shortening but there is always hope we'll be lucky enough to pull off OLD age, and I mean real old...x
With all our marbles.
Essential!
Nowadays, from writing to producing, the establishment has "retired us" over 60. I worked for CBS writing, producing and management of CBS Radio Stations for 30 years, while also producing, writing and managing the sports networks of the Baltimore Ravens, Baltimore Orioles and the Maryland Terrapins. I taught many very young producers who became good at their job, only to let let go on the exact day of my 30th anniversary with CBS (now the bankrupt Audacy Radio Co.) Also, Penguin Random House printing and distribution complex is one mile from my house... right next to our crappy Walmart!
That's very hard.