Gollanczfest - industry wisdom

Last Saturday I spent the day in London at the Gollanczfest writers' day,  I've been to this once before, about four years ago, but I thought it was time to update my industry knowledge.

The editors' panel consisted of all the Gollancz editors.  Their top tips for publication were varied.  Anne Clarke made the point that you have to want to write I order to keep on going.  Rachael Winterbottom, as well as advocating reading and research, pointed out that we really need to enjoy our writing.  Marcus Gipps offered a good editing tip.  He suggested changing the font of your manuscript to Comic Sans and then reading it out.  The font change makes the manuscript look different, and helps you to spot things.

The editors also discussed working with authors.  Rachael pointed out that there are times when it is appropriate for an author to push back against editing suggestions.  Brendan Durkin felt that editors shouldn't be too prescriptive when asking for changes.  An editor should always remember that the book is the author's work.

The editors also discussed the length of books.  Marcus pointed out that the length of a book is relevant to the cost of production.  Gillian made the point that books gain words when translated into some languages, and that adds to costs too.  She also said that, if you write a shorter book, you are in effect being paid more per word.

The agent panel consisted of Julie Crisp and Ed Wilson.  When asked how to get an agent, they both said write a good book.  And once you've finished it, start on the next one.

Julie discussed the importance of being consistent in what you write.  Writers should stick to writing about things they're passionate about.  A publisher needs to build awareness of you as a brand, and that's easier to do if your work contains similar themes and includes the same issues.  They said that some writers polish chapters 1 to 3 to perfection, but when the full manuscript is requested chapter four turns out not to be as good.  The whole manuscript needs to be polished to the same high standard.

It was a  full day, packed with panels and discussions.  I didn't learn anything new, but that's good too.  Now I have no excuse for not getting those agent submissions done.