The Writer's Mailbag: Installment Seventy-Seven
Here We Go Again
Hang on to your hats because the Mailbag Express is leaving the station on Track #9.
All aboard!
Thanks for returning. We have a slight shortage of questions this week but what we have are dandies, so let’s get started.
My Knowledge About Writing
Length of Books
From Chuck: “What is the ideal length an ebook should be? I’ve read 75,000…I’ve read 100,000…how is a writer to know what is too short and what is too long?”
Tough question, Chuck! This is such a subjective topic. I turned to our friends at Writers Digest for their opinion. What they suggest is that between 80,000 and 89,000 is ideal. Less than that gives the impression of not giving readers enough for their money. Over that and you run the danger of being long-winded and boring.
Evidently chick-lit books can be a bit shorter, in the 70,000 word range, while science fiction can be a bit longer, say 90-100 k. Then we dip into juvenile and middle school genres, and 50,000 words works for them.
And surely someone will mention some famous authors who have scored on novels over 125,000 words, and it is true that it happens, but it happens rarely. For every successful ebook over 125,000 words there are hundreds that failed miserably at that length.
I hope that helps.
Here is my best suggestion. Write the book the way you want to write it and don’t even think about length. Then sit down and trim the fat. Then have an editor trim it some more. After all the trimming is done, you are done. Pat yourself on the back and be proud.
Ebook or Traditional?
From Amy: “I read somewhere that ebook sales are going down. Is that true and if it is, what does that mean for writers? Should we concentrate on publishing ebooks or try for traditional publishing companies and/or self-publish hardcovers?”
Amy, yes, it is true and you should do both.
That’s the condensed answer.
eBook sales, according to sources I checked, dropped from 32% market share to 30% in 2015. That’s the first time sales have dropped in quite some time. What does it all mean? Not much, probably. eBooks are not going away but traditional books aren’t going anywhere either. Libraries across the country are reporting a steep drop in eBook checkouts, so it appears the hottest trend in publishing just might have peaked.
What should you do? I would suggest both. Create a hardcover through a company like Createspace and also publish an eBook. Traditional publishers will still sign on for your book if it’s good enough, so keep sending out query letters even after you self-publish.
In other words, cover all the bases.
And good luck!
Competing Mistresses
From Eric: “Bill I got resentments. I try to keep positive about life but I have to admit I get a little pissy about life encroaching on my writing. I know I need that life in order to write but it still gnaws in my craw. Are you able to not be upset with writing interfering with life and life interfering with writing. Damned jealous mistresses.”
The thing I really like about Eric’s questions is he usually speaks for all of us. I think he does in this case. I mostly get pissy when life interferes with my writing, as it is doing right now. I went to see two customers this morning which means I didn’t start writing until 10:30 and that is just eating at me. I’m in the final edit of a novel that should have been done a month ago. I’ve got two more novels just waiting for me to continue, and I can’t find the time.
So I sit back and remind myself what a great life I have. That’s the best I can do.
The flip side of the question rarely, if ever, happens to me. I’m pretty good about not letting writing interfere with my life. I can compartmentalize writing and keep it in perspective. I’m not one of those crazies who locks himself in a room and doesn’t bathe or brush his teeth for months while working on a manuscript. I’ve got too many other things going on i.e. urban farming, and I always try for balance. There are days I fail miserably at balance, but for the most part I find it fairly easily.
Do I get upset over it all? Not really, Eric. I’ve got a damned good life. The best advice I was ever given was to just keep my mouth shut and count my blessings. I’m healthy, I’m loved, I’m doing something I love to do…..what in the world do I have to be upset over?
Nothing!
95,000 words by Yours Truly
Writer’s Follow-up on Earlier Question
Let’s talk a little bit more about the ideal length of a book. I tend to agree with Writer’s Digest on this one, and I agree based on my own experience as a voracious reader of novels. I like the 100,000 word limit and in my perfect world, all novels would be between 80,000 and 100,000 words. I’m just talking about me now, so don’t throw stones, please.
So, if I’m going to write a novel, and I want the length to be 100,000 words, I can now start planning how to arrive at that 100,000 word total. It is suggested by the experts that you have at least one “spark” for every 20,000 words. A spark is an event that propels a story for a given amount of time. With that in mind, I can write my book based on about four or five sparks. I would then write my introduction, have the first spark, let that push my story for about 20,000 words, then introduce the next spark and so on until the book was concluded.
Make sense?
MARKETING
From Georgina: “What’s the best way to market myself as an online writer?”
Well, Georgina, anytime you ask for the “best way” you are asking for a purely subjective response, because what I think is the best may not be shared by other writers. Still, this is my site and you did ask for my opinion, so here goes.
The best way to market yourself as an online writer…..write!
No matter what kind of freelance job you seek, or no matter which direction you choose to follow as an online writer, you need a portfolio of your work, and not just any work, but your best work.
In order to have your “best work” you need to write, then write some more and then, after that, write some more.
If you are improving as a writer….if you develop some serious skills….then it will show as you publish your works online.
Too many writers I know place the cart before the horse. They create their own websites and get business cards and establish Facebook pages and do just about everything they can think of except….develop their skills as a writer.
Duh!
It seems almost comical, but I’m willing to bet you know someone like that.
More Next Week
Boy oh boy, the holidays are definitely upon us, aren’t they? Well, none of the biggies falls on a Monday, so I don’t expect any problems delivering the Mailbag through the New Year.
Having said that, I will see you next week. Thanks for stopping by. Have a great week of writing. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have to go see what Billy the Kid is up to.
2015 William D. Holland (aka billybuc)
“Helping writers to spread their wings and fly”
Comments
Aw, the holidays are indeed here and got a full plate for the next few weeks here with getting ready, writing and even having a sick child home today, but still hanging in and keep on keeping on! That said wishing you a very, happy Monday and thank you for another great installment here ;)
It's always about time, isn't it? Life is what we make it and sometimes we need more time for this, then more time for that. I think we go with the flow and make the best of both jobs. Easy to say!
I'm glowing from seeing my fantastic little granddaughter appear in a nativity play at infant school - so refreshing and inspiring!
I'll come up with a few questions shortly, bill!
Have a marvellously merry Monday!
Ann :)
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Ahh, there she is, first as always. I hope your sick girl feels better soon. Thanks for stopping by even though your hands are full. Happy Monday Janine.
It's so hard to find balance, especially when you're on a roll.
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Keep on glowing, Ann! You deserve to be.
Time? Time flies...it's about time....I see a new article for you. :)
Thanks for being here. I look forward to those questions.
bill
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Yes it is, Flourish. I'm not sure "balance" and my name have ever been used in a sentence. :)
Happy Monday and thank you!
More great stuff, Bill. I always have something to take away from the mailbag. Thanks for the much time and effort you put into this.
Great hub Billy...I especially connected with the 'cart before the horse' writers. That was me...emphasis on 'was'.
That was a great mailbag again, billybuc! You're a very busy man just before the holidays. Wish you a great Monday.
I didn't know ebook sales are going down. It makes me happy to hear, because I like traditional books over ebooks. Though, ebooks have their place and are useful time to time, it is the traditional book in my hands, the smell of the pages, the feel of the binding that tickles my senses when the words are absorbed.
Bill - As I read your thoughts on ebook sales going down, I wondered (feared) that perhaps READING is going down because, as a society we are just getting dumber and more lazy. I certainly hope that isn't the case. I appreciate all of your thoughts on writing. I might give it a try someday ;-) .
In the meantime, I am looking forward to another installment of Billy the Kid (there you go teasing us again).
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No problem at all, Bill. I appreciate you always stopping by.
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Duane, I'm glad to hear the emphasis is on "was.": Carry on and thank you.
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Buildreps, I suspect I'll get even busier, but it keeps me from getting bored. :) Thanks for the Monday visit.
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Carly, you and me both. I refuse to buy a Kindle reader or whatever they call them. Me and the library have an intimate relationship and we are both quite satisfied with it. :) Thanks for the visit....have a great week in St. Louis.....hey, I thought you lived in Florida????
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Linda, your wish will become reality on Wednesday. Until then, have a great Monday and thanks so much...reading less???? It might be possible. In fact I suspect it is.
Happy Monday Bill! As always, I found your questions/answers very interesting. I'm still working on actually finishing a novel that I start...but I do often wonder if it will be the right length! The usual advice I hear is to not worry about it and just finish...actually, for me, that should be the answer to ALL my questions. Just finish it! Worry about all the other stuff later. Have a great rest of the week!
Hi Bill,
Your mailbag is always full of great information. I was surprised to read about the e-book sales dropping.
I have a question/thought about seasons in relation to writing. Do you feel that some seasons allow one to be more productive? I ask this because where I live in Brazil, our weather is a constant. 87 degrees every day year round. It doesn't instill a sense of urgency to do anything.
Have a great week up there.
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Melissa, good morning and Happy Monday. You and Bev should meet each other. You could each repeat that refrain....just finish it!!!!
Have a great week and thank you for always being here.
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Blond, good morning and thank you. I always wonder what the rest of your face looks like when looking at your profile picture. :)
Great question. 87 degrees? I don't comprehend how that's possible. :) Thanks for the question. I'll do some research and get back to you next Monday.
Good Morning Bill
It seems like from the weather maps that you are having some FOWL weather up there lately.
Back to the mailbag
Are you really opposed to the use of color text in novels?
Let us say, a dusting of color, rather than a full immersion, or submersion.
Maybe, it would be more appropriate in e publishing?
Again, not being a reader of fiction, I don't know how important is the internal imagination of the reader interpreting the written word.
BTW, there is a condition where some people see text in colors, it has something to do with the brain wiring. Not sure if it is a bonus, or a bummer.
Keep that keyboard and mouse dry. :)
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Good morning Brad! We are experiencing our first day without rain in a week. December record have been set and it's only the 14th....the end of the world??? Stay tuned! :)
Color in text? Me, opposed? Interesting question. I'll try to have an interesting answer for you on the 21st. :) Thanks my friend and Happy Monday to you.
You give so much of yourself in your answers and it's so admirable. Seems you're doing quite well on balancing your acts. I learn from your answers as always. Thanks.
Chucle ..chuckle. Nice and sweet this week. Wonderful in its simplicity. Carry on Bro. Nice!
I can't wait to see what Billy the Kid is up to!
I actually started a hub a few weeks back and have set it aside while I get Christmas together before it sneaks by me. Hopefully, I'll get back to it soon.
I also received my copy of Shadows Kill. I look forward to getting into it when the holidays are over. I'll take a hold-in-my-hands book over an eBook any day!
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Thank you for the kind words, Dora. I like to believe everyone shares with everyone else. :)
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I will indeed, Manatita, until my time comes when carrying on is no longer possible. Thank you sir!
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Billy is cleaning up as we speak, Sha. :) Thanks so much for buying "Shadows Kill." I hope you enjoy it. As for the holidays, we still don't have a tree....soon, hopefully. :)
Hi Bill Sir, every time I return, return with mixed feelings of joy and embrassment. Joy coz of the pleasure of going through your guiding hubs, feelings of embrassment coz of missing a lot and not going through them in time. Pray for me that I remain glued here all the time.
This hub is a good one, the question about the length of eBook has been dealt intelligently, your personal suggestions adds more meaning to it. I think we need your guidance about trimming and editing the contents. As a writer, every word appears precious, deleting the words need a heavy heart to bear there loss. So how to over come the fear of losing words is an important aspect that need to be addressed. Thanks for sharing valuable questions and there answers.
I have a little tabletop tree made out of green and red ribbons that I've put up for the last few years. My son is no longer a little boy and we have three cats, so the tabletop works just fine for us. I decorate the interior and Christopher hangs the lights on the house. He was away this weekend, so I was able to do his shopping and wrapping unbeknownst to him. Next weekend will be set aside for baking. Some traditions don't change with the times (or lack of time).
Merry Christmas to you and Bev, Bill!
Our little tree is up, so that much of balance is working. Wife was wrapping presents, so I got some writing done. Even a little ahead, for the holidays, I hope. Balance is critical, in all aspects of life, from this point of view! Thanks for another great mailbag! ;-)
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m abdullah javed, it is always a pleasure when you visit. Thank you! I understand what you say about trimming words...let me address it in the next Mailbag. Thank you for raising that concern.
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Thank you Sha and Merry Christmas to you as well. If it were just Bev and I we would do much, much less in the way of decorating and preparing, but kids, no matter their age, have different ideas.
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Thank you Bill. You are one tree ahead of me in holiday preparations. :)
My pleasure Bill Sir. Thanks. Happy Christmas. Take care.
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Thank you my friend.
Wow that numbers breakdown on the length of novels is cool. Who would have thought there was a science to this art? Well that just sets up my question. I know in being a house painter that the prep and setup are 80% of the job. Give me a numerical breakdown as to how much time you spend on the structure of a writing compared to that time spent creating, please. I kind of need a guiding breakdown of what good writers do.
Thanks, bill - 'time' is a good idea! I'll add it to the long list but it will move up to the top!
Ann :)
I'm with Shauna, give me a book to hold in my hand. I've bought E Books on line and never got back to read them. Merry Christmas!
Hi Bill. You know it just dawned on me after reading the questions about e-books that I have never read one. I am still a traditional hard copy reader. Perhaps some of this technology is passing me by? I still enjoy browsing in book stores and actually holding them. Great job, have a great week.
It's a pity that ebooks sale has gone down but I think it is because there are so many ebooks out there that should not have been published in the first place. The good ones will always get sold as people who have read them will often give the books good reviews. I still am working on improving articles I have lazily published in the past. Always grateful for insights from you Bill.
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Wow, Eric, I could write an entire article about that...but since it's you, I'll condense and have it for you next week. Thanks for the question, my friend.
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Thank you Ann!
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Merry Christmas to you, Ruby! One gift I don't want for Christmas is an ebook reader. :)
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Bill, you and me both, my friend. I love spending an hour in a bookstore. Great times for this boy.
Happy Monday, enjoy your week and thank you!
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Aesta, you may be correct about the reason for ebook decline. All I know for sure is I don't like them. :)
Thank you for visiting me on this Monday.
The length of books is so subjective. To this day, I just write things until they're done, and that's the length they're supposed to be.
Personally I feel like ove 50,000 words is appropriate for a longer work, whether you want to call it a novel or novella or whatever. Just make sure it's good:-)
Another informative mailbag, Bill. Thanks.
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Larry, I like the way you think...just make sure it's good. What you call it matters not. Thanks!
Well done again Bill. The question about marketing and your "cart before the horse" comment. I have seen a lot of people calling themselves freelance writers and editors, with their own Online businesses, and even in the website promo and personal profile there are glaring grammar and spelling mistakes. You would wonder how they get any business or writing assignments.
I like your view of life. I have to work on the "keep my mouth shut" goal!
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John, it's the nature of writing in 2015. Online makes it much too easy to claim things that simply don't exist. Sad but true, my friend.
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Pop, I may never fully attain that goal. :) Thank you!
Bill, I loved these! Like you, as I'm sure many others, life has made it difficult to finish writing, lately, and that is so frustrating! We're right there with you!
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I know you are, Kailey, and there are days when that makes all the difference. Thank you!
Be careful, Bill. If you plan on visiting Billy the Kid,, be sure to wear your bullet-proof vest with the built in armored hoodie. Just suggestin'.
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A darned good suggestion, drbj...that guy is a hazard to anyone's health. :) Thanks for the chuckle....Billy rides again tomorrow.
So if, after I trim the fat, I have a novella of under 40,000 words, what might I do with it if an ebook needs to be at least twice as long? Are not ebooks a profitable to the author market for novellas, assuming mastery of the form? Would I do better to submit a novella to an online literary magazine, in terms of either income or number of readers?
a good one
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Brian, you ask the greatest questions. This one will keep me on my toes. Stay tuned and thank you.
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Thank you sujaya....much-appreciated.
Great suggestions. The Createaspace and Kindle are what works for me just a tiny bit. I see the sales of the ebooks and figure no one is getting rich other than those with platforms and established writers. The print books are there for those who want them, but sales are slim to none on those.
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Reynold Jay, I agree with you completely. I see the same thing. Who knows what the future looks like for book sales; that's why I think doing both is the smart thing right now. Thanks for your thoughts.
I always find interesting things to think about in your Monday hubs, Bill. Thank you for your generosity in sharing them.
Hey Bill - another great bunch of questions and excellent billybuc answers. Re: Georgina's question about marketing, I think it's vital to start establishing a 'platform' for your writing from the moment you decide to be a writer. Building an audience is probably going to take years, so the sooner you start, the better. After all, there's no point finishing a great first novel and then thinking about how to market it - also, you have to get people interested in you as a person (who you are and what you have to say), not just the books you're trying to sell. Just sayin'.
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It really is my pleasure, Alicia, but thank you for the kind words.
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Colin, you just said a couple things I've said over and over again in the past. Good for you; you understand how this is done correctly.
here we go again... The length of an E-book, I like them at 30K is that unusual? Thanks for the ongoing answers my friend :)
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Frank, in all seriousness, I don't think there is a "normal" in ebook publications. Do what you do and it will be just perfect. :)
Merry Christmas, Frank, and thank you!
Billybuc, your advice and opinions are always relevant, profound and very inspiring. Thanks a lot!
Great questions on excellent topics. Thanks for the reminder on the spark!
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Thank you so much, Martie! I don't know if I've ever been described as profound. :)
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Thank you as always, Deb! Enjoy your Sunday.
As always much needed and good advice. The holidays snuck up on me this year and I don't even know where last week flew. Not ready for the holidays this year at all.
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Rasma, thank you! We are woefully behind here as well. Scrambling to catch up in four days. Happy Holidays to you and yours.
A very Merry Christmas to you and yours Bill and may the New Year bring you both much love and delight.
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Thank you so much, Rasma, and Merry Christmas to you and yours.
Eric has really hit the nail on the head with his query. Life on one side vying for your attention, writing on the other side nagging at your for neglecting her. And the poor writer caught in the middle trying to appease them both. Why do we insist on doing this to ourselves?
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Zulma, I'm not sure I have an answer to your question, but I'm sure glad we do. :) Imagine a world without writers, if you can. I don't want to.
Happy New Year my good friend.
Ugh - I'm not happy to see the ebook drop. I was actually thinking about possibly writing something. My husband was telling me I should too. He's always amazed at what he sees when he's looking for ebooks and says I ought to give it a try. Now to find the time and inspiration.....
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Glimmer, I think it's going to level out right around the 30% mark...write that book of yours. There are a lot of bad books out there...we need yours.
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