Becca writes: Is there some kind of algorithm that measures how quickly you should write, to hit the sweet spot between frustrating the fans and overwhelming them? Asking for a friend.
Great question. Phyllis Grann, a well-known editor at Putnam, pioneered the book-a-year idea back in the 1970’s. Prior to that, the pace was slower. I’m comfortable with her set-up. When I was writing for younger readers as well (the Echo Falls series, Bowser and Birdie, Reality Check, etc.) I did 2 books a year, one for adults, one for kids. For example, I believe Oblivion and Down the Rabbit Hole were written in the same year. I was comfortable with that too. I like to write. As long as I have an idea that will work!
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3 Comments on “Reader Question”
Greetings!
Two books a year! I’m guessing those books were being written simultaneously?
A drizzly day in this neck of the woods.
Good afternoon to all!
Some writers can crank them out fast, some take years or even decades. I imagine it is an individual thing. One a year is a good baseline as long as it doesn’t cause stress or anxiety with the author to meet a deadline.
I loved the Bowser and Birdie series. It is the next one I read while waiting for the next C&B release.
Perhaps now is a time to post a kind of checklist of the entire process and approximate timeline for how a book goes from idea to shelf. The step by steps from idea, writing, revision, editing, etc to how it goes to the publisher and goes to galley, etc, etc. to print to shelf. I imagine the process limits how fast a book can get on the shelf as the printing part after it leaves the author’s hands is out of his control. I expect that part has a lot to do with which publisher an author chooses to work with.
Wow! I love the new nickname! I truly am intrigued by the whole writing process. Thanks, MJ, for requesting more information about that. My fantasy is that someday we could all get together and meet each other, face to face. I love this blog! And every contributor!