Rebecca Swift is co-founder of The Literary Consultancy (TLC), which offers help to writers in the form of manuscript assessment, mentoring and agent placement.
The Free Word FLOW festival is over - and buzzy it was. TLC's 'Big Publishing Debate: How is New Technology affecting the Commercial Publishing Industry?' caused a bit of a stir, and was written up in both the Observer online and the Bookseller.
To be honest, it is good to get back to a quiet desk and carry on preparing for our mentoring scheme's publishing industry day which takes place this Saturday. Speakers include Will Atkins (from Macmillan New Writing) who will talk about how to present work to agents and publishers. Arzu Thasin (bought 'The Kite Runner' for Bloomsbury) and literary agent Anna Webber (United Agents) will also attend to help the mentees work out what it takes to make it into print commercially.
The whole question of what is commercial writing these days is up for grabs, as publishers try to work out how to sustain themselves in an age where content is expected (by many) to be available for free, or virtually free.
My view as Director of TLC and a writer, is that writers should more than ever listen to their own voices and follow their own writing path. If a commercial agent likes a writer's work then great, but if not, give thought to offering your writing online and try to find a niche readership. It is easier to publish directly these days than people think ...
If you'd like to understand more about our mentoring scheme and other issues which may help put your writing on the map, visit The Literary Consultancy website »
What do you think constitutes commercial writing?
All best,
Becky Swift
Basically it's writing that sells to as wide a market as possible. It doesn't have to be technically brilliant, but it does have to have a good story with likeable characters. That's my definition, anyway.
Ultimately, the writing ought to fetch enough money to sustain oneself, unless, of course, one lives off the fat of the land, courtesy an endless expense account from an "extremely clever" publisher who cares a tuppence about deadlines and/or the final arrival of the work commissioned with an advance royalty of 98%.
Sadly, I am yet to find such a creature.
Remember to send me an email, when you find one such kindred being, Becky!
Cheers!
That is a simple question Rebecca and merits a simple answer:
Any sustainable literary composition by an author with potential for a vast foundation audience, inducing ability to market for large-scale profit.
Xean (Writing for life change)
10/08/2010