What Happens After You Get a Literary Agent? | The REAL Story Behind My 6-Figure Book Deal

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  • Опубліковано 13 гру 2023
  • After you get a book deal, all of your author dreams come true - right?! Today, I am finally opening up about the real story behind what happened after I signed with my dream literary agent - and how I got a 6-figure book deal with a Big 5 publisher.
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КОМЕНТАРІ • 150

  • @arzabael
    @arzabael 6 місяців тому +59

    I had to write down part of it. “When querying, try to frame the manuscript in a way that an agent will know that an editor will know that they can confidently pitch it in an acquisition meeting full of higher ups at a publishing house”. To me that’s gold. Thank you

    • @laurenkaywrites
      @laurenkaywrites  5 місяців тому +18

      Absolutely. Plenty of writers panic about their book, and constantly undersell it with language like "I'm so honored you'd even consider this," "I know this book has a lot of problems but..." etc. You've got to come into it with the mindset that they're NOT doing you a favor in this deal, which is essentially a business deal between you and a publishing company. You have to pitch it being like, this book is not only GREAT, it's going to make YOU money. Ha.

  • @amieaviwell
    @amieaviwell 9 днів тому +1

    Thank you for your vulnerability, and for demystifying the query and publication process.
    This information and the way you’ve openly shared is PRICELESS!!🙏🦋

  • @meliwells
    @meliwells 5 місяців тому +9

    This type of transparency is why I keep coming back to your content. This is the type of insider experience I have been searching everywhere for, so THANK YOU for being brave enough to share this with us. 🥰

    • @laurenkaywrites
      @laurenkaywrites  5 місяців тому

      You're so welcome. Transparency is so important to me!

  • @wespenre3418
    @wespenre3418 5 місяців тому +17

    Thank you for being brave and sharing this. As you said, we need to hear both sides of the story--not only those stories when people have success. Being a writer is a tough job, and writing a book makes us quite vulnerable; it's a very intimate part of ourselves we share with the world. We need all the encouragement we can ger. I think this video will be helpful for many aspiring authors and give them additional self-confidence!

    • @laurenkaywrites
      @laurenkaywrites  5 місяців тому +3

      Thanks so much!!! I really aspire to be the mentor that I felt like I was missing when I was a baby writer.

  • @LianaBuzea
    @LianaBuzea 21 день тому

    Thank you, Lauren! Much appreciated! 🙏🏻

  • @svftie9493
    @svftie9493 Місяць тому +1

    Thank you so much for sharing this and being so open about it! As someone who started writing almost a decade ago but never believed that they are going to make it; this gave me an insight on how to proceed, but also what to expect. English is actually the third language I have learned, but I don't want that to stop me from pursuing what I love.
    Excited to hear more from you!!

  • @user-dl1im4oy2r
    @user-dl1im4oy2r 3 місяці тому +1

    Thank you for sharing and so glad you kept at it.

  • @TheEccentricRaven
    @TheEccentricRaven 4 місяці тому +2

    Thank you for being honest and sharing your story. I'll remember it when I feel discouraged.

  • @griannaashwood6394
    @griannaashwood6394 3 місяці тому +1

    Thank you so much for sharing your experience. I really needed to hear this.

  • @brigidsmith980
    @brigidsmith980 6 місяців тому +15

    Love this chatty and informative storytelling! Such a valuable perspective, thank you!

  • @marzaj17
    @marzaj17 6 місяців тому +3

    Thank you so very much for making this and putting it out there. Still working on my first book and this was so incredibly encouraging!!! Thank you!!!

  • @cdowling23
    @cdowling23 Місяць тому +2

    Wow. A very transparent look at the novel querying process. Such a rollercoaster and will be relatable and informative to all writers.

  • @levihobbs1416
    @levihobbs1416 4 місяці тому

    Wow. Thank you for sharing your story!

  • @radicaleucalyptus
    @radicaleucalyptus 3 місяці тому

    Great, candid video Lauren Kay. I appreciate the value that you put on transparency and seeking out mentors to pick their brain about mechanisms for handling some of the rejection and other challenges. I clicked on this because I am beginning the querying process myself now with my debut novel and am trying to collect perspectives, so I wanted to let you know that I appreciated yours.

    • @laurenkaywrites
      @laurenkaywrites  3 місяці тому

      You're so welcome. Congrats on finishing your MS and best of luck with the querying!

  • @paramedicchrisbookseries
    @paramedicchrisbookseries Місяць тому +3

    Thank you for sharing this, really helpful.

  • @tedpogorzelski1514
    @tedpogorzelski1514 26 днів тому

    Thanks for sharing this!

  • @christinabriggs1782
    @christinabriggs1782 5 місяців тому +1

    Thank you for sharing your story. Im glad everything worked out for you. Being a writer is a tough job but sp awesome as well. Yes! Keep writing.

    • @laurenkaywrites
      @laurenkaywrites  5 місяців тому

      Thanks so much Christina, wishing you great writing energy as well!

  • @freedomthroughspirit
    @freedomthroughspirit 26 днів тому +2

    Cheers to truth! The truth should be shared. Thank you for your bravery in sharing your experience to help us all. 💜 Just subscribed. I love courageous truth tellers. : ) Wishing you all the success in the world with your writing.

  • @KitchenTableChatsENM
    @KitchenTableChatsENM 5 місяців тому +1

    Wow, again, thank you so much for your vulnerability and transparency. This is so helpful to keep the focus on momentum and continuing to take everything as an opportunity to learn and get better. 💗

    • @laurenkaywrites
      @laurenkaywrites  5 місяців тому +1

      Thank you so much for your support. What you said is 100% true -- everything is about the journey overall. We can't let one failure deny us success longterm. Everything *is* an opportunity.

  • @AliceMellivora
    @AliceMellivora 2 місяці тому +2

    Feeling emotional. I appreciate what you’re sharing. I am getting rejection after rejection and worked on my book for 5 years. I am going to edit it MORE and maybe put it aside afterwards and maybe start my second book.
    You were blessed you had an agent. I am all on my own.

  • @chakishajohnson6921
    @chakishajohnson6921 Місяць тому +2

    Thank you so much for posting this this is truly inspiring and helps me to keep going

  • @laurenericks0n
    @laurenericks0n 6 місяців тому +4

    LOVE this video and your openness to discuss your own authorship journey! I definitely agree, we need more transparency in the book publishing space ✋🏼

    • @laurenkaywrites
      @laurenkaywrites  5 місяців тому +1

      I couldn't agree more!!! Thanks so much for watching!

  • @julietwochholz9755
    @julietwochholz9755 2 місяці тому +2

    You are a very articulate speaker. I agree with you about the need for openness and transparency. A closed society leads to fear and distrust. Thank you for sharing your story.

  • @TheReadingPuppet
    @TheReadingPuppet 4 місяці тому +4

    Congratulations!!!! Thank you for sharing. I had no idea that they could cancel your calls and then if they don’t pass acquisitions that you have to start all over again.

  • @j.a.m6356
    @j.a.m6356 5 місяців тому +1

    Absolutely wonderful advice. You are so down to earth and genuine-it is a breath of fresh air. The way you speak and deliver your experiences is so compelling. I’m so glad I stumbled upon your page. All your advice and expertise is invaluable. Def subbed. So real. You rock.

    • @laurenkaywrites
      @laurenkaywrites  5 місяців тому

      Thank you so much -- it hasn't been an easy ride, but finding my community has truly made a huge difference. My calling is giving to others the transparency I wish I had had back then!

  • @jeweetzelf1379
    @jeweetzelf1379 2 місяці тому

    Thank you, you’re a really inspiring person! ❤

  • @mikeday5776
    @mikeday5776 3 дні тому

    Thank you so much. I feel somewhat armoured for the battle ahead.

  • @kaeilia
    @kaeilia 2 місяці тому +1

    This is really helpful, thank you! I've written 2.5 books in a series and am terrified to start querying. I've told myself that by the time I'm done book 5, I have to really look into putting the first one out there.
    This is a fantastic reminder that not all progress is immediately linear

  • @kristyszopinski
    @kristyszopinski 2 місяці тому

    Awesome thanks for sharing!!! ❤

  • @CurstSaden
    @CurstSaden 2 місяці тому

    Thank you for your insight! I've written two books, and still have yet to find an agent for either of them. But I will persevere!

  • @AnEnchantedLife
    @AnEnchantedLife 5 місяців тому

    Thank you for sharing your struggle, and the truth of how it all happened. And thank you also for your honesty.

    • @laurenkaywrites
      @laurenkaywrites  5 місяців тому

      You're so welcome, I think it's so important. Thank you for your time!

  • @genevieveweston671
    @genevieveweston671 4 місяці тому

    Thank you for sharing your journey

  • @TheCiaoMagazine
    @TheCiaoMagazine 6 місяців тому +10

    your honesty is so valued and appreciated! Also, how interesting to know you can get published... but the industry might try and break you first lol

    • @laurenkaywrites
      @laurenkaywrites  5 місяців тому +2

      It sure will -- but if writers are one thing, they're resilient.

  • @davidandmillyoflaherty9900
    @davidandmillyoflaherty9900 Місяць тому

    Thank you for this x

  • @michaellugenbuehl2475
    @michaellugenbuehl2475 5 місяців тому +1

    Lauren, thank you for making the video. It’s good to know not only the possible ups and downs of publishing ahead of time, but also all the possible combinations of “I’ve made it” followed by, “what just happened here?” I’ve been writing (working on) a novel for nearly three years; with a few major “I quit’s” during that period, and it’s good to know I’m not the only one. Of course the only caveat is that your first novel is the one that ended up bringing you all the pain. We’ll see if mine is any different. :)
    Thanks again for putting your story out there.
    I did buy and read “We Ship It” which was entertaining and very well done; a subject that more people need to dive into and face head on.

    • @laurenkaywrites
      @laurenkaywrites  5 місяців тому

      Hi Michael! Thank you SO much for your support and for checking out my book! One thing I can suggest is just a mentality shift away from the importance of each individual manuscript and towards your longterm career as a writing. Obviously, every story IS important to us writers, but you definitely have to be willing to just keep writing, regardless of what happens! Wishing you luck! L

  • @Talesofnah
    @Talesofnah 6 місяців тому +3

    Wow what a great video, super insightful!

  • @debpaynepurnell6131
    @debpaynepurnell6131 6 місяців тому +3

    Thank you for sharing!

  • @AdventuressAli
    @AdventuressAli 18 днів тому

    I cant even begin to say how helpful this was on multiple levels. Thank you! I'd been working on my first book about my travels in Africa and about the fear of staying there with no return ticket. Worked on it for SEVEN years to finally basically finish last yr but stuck now for a year btwn life and finances and adhd and all the many things to even start the hugely daunting task of querie letters. Its soo overwhelming!

    • @laurenkaywrites
      @laurenkaywrites  17 днів тому +1

      I'm so glad it was helpful!! And I hear you

  • @AndrewColletti
    @AndrewColletti Місяць тому +2

    Thank you so much for sharing this. As someone in the middle of my first novel, I am endlessly curious and often concerned how the publishing bit unfolds. Thank you so much.

  • @thepowerofyourtrueself4794
    @thepowerofyourtrueself4794 Місяць тому

    Thank you for sharing your honest story, one often doesn't realize the challenges behind the process of publishing your book, I am trying to publish mine and this is very useful information.

  • @amberwilhoitwrites
    @amberwilhoitwrites 3 місяці тому

    Do you have a video on your writing process? I’m loving your content, and I think that would be so helpful!

  • @McLovinmybullie
    @McLovinmybullie 6 місяців тому +1

    I love your honesty ❤. Great video.

  • @guyafrica7894
    @guyafrica7894 4 місяці тому +8

    This is beautiful and important. You are incredibly brave and I'm grateful that young authors like you are starting a new era of transparency and inclusion in literature.

  • @Ponitypon
    @Ponitypon 11 днів тому

    thank you for sharing

  • @AudeKonan
    @AudeKonan Місяць тому

    Thanks for sharing. it's tough to query and see the projects you've worked on for so long not being picked, I hate the feeling

    • @laurenkaywrites
      @laurenkaywrites  Місяць тому

      It's definitely tough and stings - kind of like getting picked last in gym class as an adult - but rejection is also such a huge part of the writing and publishing world

  • @francescaemc2
    @francescaemc2 Місяць тому +3

    Thank you for your courage and for helping other writers. Perhaps I am naive, but I have always found the business of finding an agent/ publisher so gratuitously harsh and brutal for authors. Writers (huge generalisation) work alone for years, most often with other jobs and little money. The very nature of writing fiction requires sensitivity and vulnerability both of which are exploited by agents, IMO. I'm sure it's not the first time you have heard that John Grisham published "The Firm" first.... then they took his excellent first book "A Time to Kill"-- and, as a lawyer, with funds and used to 70 hour work weeks, was not on the same plane as those less fortunate and resilient as he. Also, I don't yet know your work, but I'm assuming it's not a page-turner formula. Congratulations on your well-earned success and for being smart enough to reach out to a woman on the path a few steps ahead of you.

  • @beescheeseandwineplease889
    @beescheeseandwineplease889 2 місяці тому +1

    Well now i have to read this book!!!!!

  • @thejournalnook
    @thejournalnook 5 місяців тому +3

    Thanks so much for sharing your story. I’m now starting to take writing more seriously and want to be published one day. I’m working on a short story right now that I absolutely love, but I cannot wait to write my novel too. I also want to find a writing group to be part of, hopefully I can find one :)

    • @laurenkaywrites
      @laurenkaywrites  5 місяців тому

      Hi! I just launched a FREE Critique Partner matching database to help people connect with likeminded writing besties, it's like Tinder but for critique partners! www.laurenkaywrites.com/ On my website, you can subscribe to my newsletter for more info and all my other free goodies. :)

    • @laurenkaywrites
      @laurenkaywrites  5 місяців тому

      That was in response to you wanting to find a writing group! And also -- I happen to believe writing short stories is the BEST practice for novelists, I wish more writers would start small first. Plenty to learn and lower stakes!

  • @MrCrazyChihuahua
    @MrCrazyChihuahua 5 місяців тому +1

    Oh my! I just discovered you the other day, as I was browsing videos for writing poetry and such. Long story short, I cannot believe that I got this far in the writing world, and having just discovered you.
    You are an amazingly honest person. Transmitting your true experiences to us really means so much more than you can imagine. When I first started writing seriously, around 5 years ago, I had no idea of all the hardships a writer can/will endure. I honestly thought that the writing was the hardest part. Oh boy, how wrong, yet how correct I was.
    Cross referencing my own experiences in publishing, with yours, I am truly convinced that success comes to those who truly believe in their selves and in their craft.
    When I first published my Greek poetry with a prestigious publishing house in Greece, I expected little (as my first Fantasy Epic Historical-fiction book was never picked up - as of yet), since poetry in Greek speaking countries is less famous. And I was right. Same thing with my second poetry book. But I never, never, never, never could have imagined the amazing world of opportunities they would open. So much home, as much as abroad.
    As everything, writing comes at the cost of time. But, given enough effort and skill, that time can be rewarding. In my case, as I am writing both in English and in Greek, it provides me with a large window of hope, that my numerous novels and poetry collections (including my upcoming WIPs) will eventually find their places in the shelves here and abroad.
    But honestly, querying to publishers in Greece and Cyprus is one thing. Querying to agents in the UK and in the US is a completely different thing. One, that I never expected would elevate my writing experience to such great heights.
    As in your experience, I had disappointments, crises, and moments where I was feeling down. Without ever losing my hope and dreams though. And like you said, I never let my internal voices win.
    I think that's the point in it all.
    Rejection and transcendance.
    The very idea that we can succeed, combined with the experience of failure, creates an amalgamation of humility and pride, that strives us as writers wto hone our craft, while still understanding that the best writers are those who see themselves as a part of the world, and not apart from it.
    Again, like you said. Many people share their happy moments. But ever since I found my community here in Cyprus, I discovered that other writers, editors, and even publishers, are just humans, with their own need to be loved and embraced.
    We are all human beings and we just want good stories to be told.
    That's it.
    I would be really interested to watch every other next video you upload, and well done on reaching this far! Not many people hold on to faith as long as to see their work shine.
    Stelios

    • @laurenkaywrites
      @laurenkaywrites  5 місяців тому +1

      Stelios, thank you for your beautiful words (truly written like a poet!). So many writers are overly attached to their work -- to me, although obviously setbacks are frustrating and sad, in order to grow as a writer I had to think of my long-term career -- *all* the good stories I had to tell, not just the one. My fortune (career-wise and financially) didn't have to all be in one manuscript. I would encourage all writers to think this way -- if one project does not succeed, we simply must learn to move on to another, and not overly rely (as difficult as this can be) on external validation.
      Congratulations on your poetry, that's very exciting.
      Glad to have you as part of my community!
      L

    • @MrCrazyChihuahua
      @MrCrazyChihuahua 5 місяців тому

      @@laurenkaywrites Good morning!
      Thank you for that wonderful reply, it made me smile first thing after waking up!
      Thats exactly what I have been preaching to other writers. In my case, when I saw that I needed a financial boost, i turned to content writing as a full time job, to power up my writings.
      Exactly like you mentioned, one manuscript does not make the difference in its own. You dont learn to create, and you dont meet people like that. You need diversification.
      "Moving on to another".. difficult words, yet so true.
      Maybe think of this as a new video! I think that many authors get stuck at the "1 published book benchmark" and they get the blues that they failed as an artist. While negating the fact that literature is like life. Endless, evergrowing and hopeful.
      Nonetheless, glad to be part of your community! See you around

  • @michaelburke4048
    @michaelburke4048 6 місяців тому +1

    Glad you shared the struggle that led to your success. I'm still doing my best to get an agent, and in the meantime finishing up my fifth novel. I self published my first novel, and tucked away my second in the bottom of a drawer. My third is the one I believe has the commercial appeal to be huge, but so far it's been form rejections to wallpaper my office with. It only takes one agent to say yes, and many that I want to pitch to have been closed to query, so I still have hope. I'm not looking forward to the rounds of editor rejections that follow this.

    • @laurenkaywrites
      @laurenkaywrites  5 місяців тому +1

      I feel you -- it's not an easy thing to see those rejections coming in. I always recommend beginning a new project -- when I'm in the throes of writing, I care less about the results of previous projects and can think more objectively. Even having written one, let along three, will be a huge accomplishment that most people never will do!

  • @TheWorldOfDK
    @TheWorldOfDK 6 місяців тому +1

    Hey Lauren! Thanks for sharing! Quite the roller coaster ride there, but at least it all worked out in the end! 🙂Was self-publishing ever an option for you?

    • @laurenkaywrites
      @laurenkaywrites  5 місяців тому +2

      That's a great question! My first MS, which died on sub, I did not end up self-publishing. I probably wouldn't. I don't have the time or energy to devote to marketing my own work! Traditional publishing was always the goal for me. :)

    • @TheWorldOfDK
      @TheWorldOfDK 5 місяців тому

      Thank you Lauren for sharing! I hope you're having a great start to 2024!@@laurenkaywrites

  • @seawolf365
    @seawolf365 Місяць тому

    Thanks for sharing .

  • @JoBlogz
    @JoBlogz 5 місяців тому +1

    Thank you Lauren. I appreciate you sharing this very much, and congrats on your deal! - I was hoping to ask some specific questions regarding my own journey if there's is anywhere better that i can contact you?

    • @laurenkaywrites
      @laurenkaywrites  5 місяців тому

      Feel free to shoot me a DM on Instagram! @laurenkaywrites

  • @donnaandrus2352
    @donnaandrus2352 20 днів тому

    "Whatever you do while querying, work on your next book...because you never know how querying will go." This is excellent advice and exactly what I needed to hear at this stage in my writing journey. I just discovered your videos, Lauren . You are very genuine which is really helpful in this tough market and sometimes arduous journey of querying.

  • @BluGiant14
    @BluGiant14 5 місяців тому +2

    Thank you for this.

  • @cdowling23
    @cdowling23 Місяць тому +1

    Can I ask then, what happens to the original book? Do you have plans to adapt it to another medium? Could be good to do as a radio drama :)

  • @darknightofthesoul7628
    @darknightofthesoul7628 10 днів тому

    Compelling story, kept me glued to the screen. Might I suggest this be your next book?

  • @johnchaparro5393
    @johnchaparro5393 5 місяців тому

    Boy! Lauren I'm glad you did the video. I have a YA historical novel set in post civil war south and I'm on my third and final draft and been scare to sent it out. But now soon as I'm done my third draft I 'ud send it to agents. I mean what can possibly go wrong?

    • @laurenkaywrites
      @laurenkaywrites  5 місяців тому

      Ha! Sometimes, when we feel confident and ready -- there's truly nothing else to do. Either way, you'll learn -- and writing is a lifelong journey. If you don't succeed (and failure is the part of every writer's story), then you've just got to forge on and try again! Your novel sounds great -- I love historical fiction.

    • @johnchaparro5393
      @johnchaparro5393 5 місяців тому

      @laurenkaywrites is about a barely liberated black boy with no name living in Mississippi. I'm mighty proud of it. I thank you for your reply. Let's see what become of it.

  • @LaserLady
    @LaserLady 6 місяців тому +1

    SUPER inspiring! My goal is to be traditionally published. What are your plans with your first novel that wasn't published? Can you self publish that or did you have to sign something to prevent you from self publishing other works?

    • @laurenkaywrites
      @laurenkaywrites  5 місяців тому

      Great question! Honestly? That first novel I'll probably just let be an important practice for me. That project will always be important to me, but if I write another novel now, I have something totally different in mind. I don't plan to self-publish that first one; for me, traditional publishing has always been the goal.

  • @willywantoknow2563
    @willywantoknow2563 2 місяці тому +1

    My new sales pitch for agents or editors. Using our writting skills to create an emotionally convincing sales pitch like infomercials. "Are you tired of going over coutless manuscripts and finding nothing of interest. Spending coutless days to find that winning deal? well end that cycle today with my new exciting manuscript..."

  • @COMEINTOMYWORLD
    @COMEINTOMYWORLD 20 днів тому +1

    Great video. I think writers get too hung up on their first 'professional' novel and feel it is the sole benchmark of their skills as a writer. Whilst the book industry is actually looking for writers who can keep creating new books, new products, as a writer who bashes out two books a year for ten years is far, far more valuable asset than a one hit wonder, no matter how well the one hit sells. Think of yourself as a singer who wants a career. You can't sing the very same song for years. You need to be constantly recording new music and releasing it. It's an industry at the end of the day...

  • @TheAireaidLord
    @TheAireaidLord 3 місяці тому

    Trickiest thing in my situation is having an acquisition editor who wants to pitch your book but can't get it through the publishers cue. And without an agent I don't have much say.

  • @AngelaKHarrell
    @AngelaKHarrell 5 місяців тому +1

    NEW SUBSCRIBER: Hi Lauren, I like you because we share a name (I'm Angela Kay)! Thank you so much for sharing your story. As you state, I believe it's so important to not only share information but to also share the ups AND the downs.
    I had a couple of questions (and would love an answer, via direct response to this email and/or a video to share with everyone): (1) Once you were told you had a book deal, what happened in between that time and when the book was released? (i.e., did you have to do revisions, were you a part of the cover selection, etc.); (2) I saw your other video regarding your first book (the one you had to put to the side for now). You stated you did 4 revisions. Were those revisions based on repeated Beta reads, critique partner reads, or more developmental edits, or solely based on you going over it by yourself? Also, do you believe you'll try to put it back on submission again? (3) Was the book you received the book deal within a different genre than your first written book? If the first book was a different genre, what made you switch to a different genre? (4) How did you find your line editor?, and finally (5) What happens now that your book has been released? (i.e., will your publisher have you doing any book tours or podcasts, etc., or other things)? I'm curious as to how that goes.
    Again, thank you for the video; it was inspirational and honest. I'm excited to view your website (something I've struggled with for a few months).

    • @laurenkaywrites
      @laurenkaywrites  5 місяців тому +1

      Hi, long-lost cousin?! (Just kidding.)
      (1) I did do some revisions as dictated by the editorial team at the publishing house, but not many; and I did not participate in the book cover process, which is normal. I'm not a visual marketer so I don't think I would have been much help anyways! I trust the publishers to know how to market my book visually.
      (2) My revisions always incorporated external feedback in between. I don't recommend solo editing; you can't really get the perspective you need when you look at your own work. I also worked with a developmental editor. As of now, I'm not interested in taking that project out on sub again. I'm more mature as a writer and a person now and would prefer to start a new project more aligned to my creative interests.
      (3) They were both contemporary YA novels.
      (4) I just did careful research online!
      (5) I did do a book tour! All that has died down now that my novel's been out for a while. I'm very busy with my start-up now, so I haven't asked about doing more promotional work on the novel beyond its launch.
      Thanks so much for your time! Hope this helps.
      Lauren

  • @fadrianbartley4419
    @fadrianbartley4419 4 місяці тому

    As a poet I really appreciate you for this because so many times I just feel like quit and throw it all away and just work for the bills and everyday livity

    • @laurenkaywrites
      @laurenkaywrites  3 місяці тому +1

      Honestly, poetry is EVEN tougher than novels. You have to do it for your own joy. If it's becoming soul-sucking, it might be time to take a break and re-discover later the joy in writing.

  • @zanemarion7211
    @zanemarion7211 24 дні тому

    Failure is only when you give up. Query and then start your next book. Don't wait around. Let the agent do what they need to do to get a deal.

  • @totadol
    @totadol Місяць тому

    what did you write in the marketing section in your query? did you have social media followers

  • @jackiekhalilieh9962
    @jackiekhalilieh9962 5 місяців тому

    Hi Lauren! Your first book had multiple close calls. Through time and distance, can you see now why none of those possible offers came to fruition or do you still believe in the story and think there’s a chance for it someday? Would love to hear more about that. Also when is book two coming out!? 👀

    • @laurenkaywrites
      @laurenkaywrites  5 місяців тому

      Hi! I think there's so much that can be subjective about the industry, and I do still believe in that book. A lot! If anything, the topic's become even more dear to me as I'm now a UA-camr (ha!). It would be wonderful to publish it one day -- I hope that can happen. Just because it didn't find success at the time doesn't necessary mean the project is doomed! Regarding book two, it's a totally different project than that earlier manuscript, and I'm still working on it ! I can't wait to update everyone when I have more news. Thanks for watching!

  • @fadrianbartley4419
    @fadrianbartley4419 4 місяці тому

    I am a poet working on a manuscript, but I keep wondering if I ever will get an agent who will be interested, even though I keep hearing that my writing is good when participating in writing communities and submitting to editors

    • @laurenkaywrites
      @laurenkaywrites  3 місяці тому

      Writing can be such a slow and steady race. Most of the work is in doing exactly what you're doing - writing, sharing, joining communities, reaching out to editors. Keep going!

  • @trevormcneil9858
    @trevormcneil9858 10 днів тому +1

    By “book” I assume you mean “novel” because nonfiction projects do not need to be finished and polished before submission, outside of a few sample chapters.

  • @Beekeeper8011
    @Beekeeper8011 5 місяців тому +1

    No links to buy your book on Amazon?

    • @laurenkaywrites
      @laurenkaywrites  5 місяців тому +1

      Aw, no. But if you insist: www.amazon.com/We-Ship-Lauren-Kay/dp/0063230992 !

  • @captainnolan5062
    @captainnolan5062 5 місяців тому +4

    Congratulations! A six figure deal can mean $100,000 (for two books, is $50,000 per book; and if each takes you six months to a year write, that is $50,000 to $100,00 per year). However, if your six figures deal means $999,999; then that is $499,999 to a year, almost $1,000,000 a year. There is a tremendous difference (a 10x factor) between the two. Which is closer to the truth?

    • @laurenkaywrites
      @laurenkaywrites  5 місяців тому +7

      I don't think of my novel-writing like that, I don't think I could churn out a book every six months to the level of craft that's important to me! The amount of money my deal sold for, considering I hadn't been paid a penny for writing before that, was life-changing for me and allowed me to quit my job to write full-time!

    • @captainnolan5062
      @captainnolan5062 5 місяців тому

      @@laurenkaywrites What does six figures mean?

    • @TSM-Studios
      @TSM-Studios 4 місяці тому

      @@captainnolan5062 Six figures means anywhere from $100,000 to $900,000, as there are 6 places in that number - 123,456. 5 figures would be anywhere from $10,000 to $99,999, and 7 figure would be anywhere from $1,000,000 to $9,999,999

    • @cerebrumexcrement
      @cerebrumexcrement 29 днів тому

      probably around $100k-$250k for new authors. major book deals ($500k+) are usually given to well known authors.

  • @sandyhausler5290
    @sandyhausler5290 3 місяці тому

    Just wondering. When the publisher passed on your first book, did your agent ask what that tweet the day before was about? I’d be obsessing about that for the rest of my life!

    • @laurenkaywrites
      @laurenkaywrites  3 місяці тому

      I am still wondering myself! But no, we didn't ask.

  • @christiep04
    @christiep04 5 місяців тому +1

    I’m a little confused. Why would your agent send out emails to the other editors with a deadline to respond before you even have the phone call meeting with the first interested editor? The call hadn’t happened yet, they hadn’t taken it to acquisitions yet, and you didn’t actually have a deal in hand before the phone call so I don’t quite get why they would tell the editors ‘we have a phone call!’ with a deadline attached.
    I thought the ‘we have interest. here’s your deadline to respond.’ happened in submission after an editor gets approval to offer/once one editor actually says officially that they’re going to offer. Regardless, I’m glad the next book worked out for you. It seems like a lot of people’s first books on sub don’t sell and it’s nice to see it work out. I’ve read a fair amount of stories like this so I don’t see how you would step on any toes or never get a book deal (like you mentioned at the beginning) for just talking about submissions so I’m also glad you decided to share this.

    • @laurenkaywrites
      @laurenkaywrites  5 місяців тому

      Hi!
      Not only do deals breed interest, interest breeds interest as well. Yes, there's more pressure if you actually have an offer waiting. But even if you're just in talks, this also signals to other editors, even in advance of having the offer waiting, that there's going to be interest in this work. This signals that it's valuable, and drives interest.
      To reach out and subsequently query other people after you have an offer of representation waiting might be awkward. Of course, my agent was doing this -- I did not take my own book on sub.
      I'm certainly not a unique story. Transparency is important to me, and I'm glad to play a part in it.
      Thanks,
      L

  • @transcendcapitalism
    @transcendcapitalism 4 місяці тому

    Do you think your agent pitching your book to publishers in 2020 was helpful to it (I assume they were thinking more people would be reading because we were all at home?), or not really?

    • @laurenkaywrites
      @laurenkaywrites  4 місяці тому +1

      I think books are sold every single day! That one moment in history wasn't necessarily better or worse for book deals.

  • @arzabael
    @arzabael 6 місяців тому +1

    I hope to incorporate a journey with this program with my own journey. - J.A. Ryan/A.A. Ryan/Anthony Arzabael/ Anthony (TBD)

    • @arzabael
      @arzabael 6 місяців тому

      I left this comment by accident but am leaving it here hehe. (I was typing it on a video about Story Grid and this one auto played before I hit post)!

    • @laurenkaywrites
      @laurenkaywrites  5 місяців тому

      Hehe, no worries! Thanks anyways!

  • @bintube5269
    @bintube5269 4 місяці тому

    👍

  • @anthonydileonardo8156
    @anthonydileonardo8156 2 місяці тому +1

    Hollyweird and publishing are looking for franchises......so if they see no franchise possibilities, they probably pass

  • @snapcrrracklepop
    @snapcrrracklepop 6 місяців тому

    I hope they didnt make you sign an NDA so you couldn’t share this, so they can’t sue you.
    This is good info to know, im querying agents and so far all rejections :(

    • @AngelaKHarrell
      @AngelaKHarrell 5 місяців тому

      Don't give up!

    • @laurenkaywrites
      @laurenkaywrites  5 місяців тому

      Rejections are part of the game. Make sure you personalize every query and try editing your query letter based on feedback from family and friends!

  • @anthonydileonardo8156
    @anthonydileonardo8156 2 місяці тому

    my advice: never write without an outline.....it's like cliff diving

  • @venuswilliamsinfurs
    @venuswilliamsinfurs 5 місяців тому +1

    Eyebrows

    • @laurenkaywrites
      @laurenkaywrites  5 місяців тому +1

      What can I say, they're a gift to the internet! LOL. Thanks for watching. :)