IDOL TALK: My First Time
What did famous authors go through to publish their first novels?
What does it take to publish your first novel? I asked some of the most famous crime novelists out there (and some not-so-famous), to talk about their first time. Some of the best writers of thrillers, mysteries, suspense and detective fiction tell their stories. They were just as insecure as any fledgling writer.
While there are more options today than ever to get published, getting picked up by one of the major New York houses is more difficult than ever. Consolidation, Amazon and the demise of large booksellers, has made conventionally publishing a novel by a first-time writer extremely difficult.
Start with Steve Berry. After seven years of his agent unsuccessfully pushing his manuscripts into editors’ hands and receiving 86 rejections, he finally sold his first novel. Some people credit him with riding on the shoulders of Dan Brown’s Da Vinci Code, but the truth is his success was due to his unyielding determination. Steve never gave up. When his time came, he was ready and succeeded beyond his dreams.
It’s the best lesson any beginning novelist can learn. Never give up. Look for my anthology in the future. Here are some chapters you might find interesting.
Steve Berry Endurance and determination.
Michael Connelly It’s all about character.
Lee Child Close your eyes and write the book you want.
David Morrell Takes a literary route to Rambo.
Tess Gerritsen She understands the Gravity of the situation.
Gayle Lynds One of the 10 best spy novels of all time.
Lawrence Block From erotica to crime.