The Two Big Cs

So, it’s Christmas and we’re all still dealing with Covid. Who would have imagined a year ago when we first heard rumblings about this virus that we’d be dealing with it twelve months later? And the artsy community is seriously suffering. Whether it’s authors, actors, singers. All in the what many people see as “disposable” community are working hard to keep afloat.

So, what does this all mean for writers? Huge sigh. It means, publishers are taking longer, looking harder, deciding slower, especially for debut authors. It’s tough. Without in-store shoppers, more bookstores have closed. Publishers are being far more selective in those they sign. Folks aren’t spending the dollars as many have lost jobs. “Thanks, Linda. Lots of really uplifting news here!”

But don’t despair. Because a LOT of folks are home now, it’s been a great opportunity for more writing hours. Instead of simply shopping one book around, I have quite a few clients with multiple books now. They have spent their extra time wisely and have been glued to their computers: writing, writing, writing!

As things begin to return to normal … and they will, my authors are going to have a bag full of new tricks, new novels, new ideas that can be shopped to the publishers. Instead of that one really awesome book I signed them for, there are now two or three books ready for a home.

How have you spent your extra time? Or, if you were lucky enough to continue to work, did you still look for new ideas, new ops for writing? And as you get those weekends back, will you push forward with even more writing? Now is the time to use your spare minutes wisely.

The key, folks, at any time, in any circumstance is to continue writing. Too often, we find excuses (and let’s face it, Covid has been a real game changer) to give up. We get depressed, who isn’t today, right? But those who keep at it. Those who refuse to allow their fingers and minds to quit. Those who see this as an opportunity instead of a loss will emerge on the other side stronger, better prepared, and ready!

Am I still signing folks? Yes! More in the last few months that in the last couple years. I’ve found that cream has truly risen to the top, and I’ve been lucky enough to find some amazing authors in this mix. How do I know they’re the cream? They’ve continued with conferences even if a Zoom conference isn’t first choice. They’ve worked at learning their craft. Even my clients that I’ve already been shopping around have used this chance to write more, write better, write with innovative motivation. They’ve taken out old manuscripts and rewritten them. They’ve dug deeper in to the ones I’ve seen.

Key here: they have not given up.

Nor have I. Again, Zoom conferences aren’t my first choice, but I’ve continued to be part of them in order to find new talent. And many very prestigious conferences have offered online versions for less than half the price. I’ve found numerous new clients over a simple Zoom appointment. I’ve done my best to stay abreast of changes and learning what the publisher are looking at now. And it has changed! But one thing never does: publishers want stellar writing from teachable authors who aren’t afraid to get themselves out there.

2020 has allowed most of us the opportunity to spend more time at the keyboard. If so, have you spent your time wisely? Are you writing more? Are you improving?

In less than a month, 2021 will replace what many see as the year of the century. What have you done to take advantage of and try to improve your lot in 2020? Stay the course, my friends. As my beloved mom used to say, “This, too, shall pass.”

Looking forward to a Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year with hope just on the horizon for all of us. God bless you all, God bless your writing!

Linda S. Glaz is an agent with Hartline Literary Agency, and also the author of eight novels and two novellas, so she “gets” writers. She represents authors in both the Christian and secular communities. She speaks at numerous conferences and workshops around the country each year. Married with three grown children and four grands, she lives in a small town where everyone is family.