I had a chance to have dinner with long time best selling author Debbie Macomber. With her was Katherine, a publicist from Harlequin. Even though what Debbie writes and what we write are very different it was an enjoyable and enlightening experience.
First let me say how nice it is to continue to meet established industry professionals that treat you as an equal and are genuinely interested in your opinions and what you’re doing as a writer. Katherine and Debbie could not have been more charming, open and willing to discuss either our personal writing or today’s market in general. Katherine shared industry insight including confirming the trends toward sports, military, time travel and non-vampire paranormal.
In Debbie’s talk at the book signing it was helpful, as a newer writer, to hear about her struggles getting her first book publish. She was told by an editor her ms couldn’t be improved and she should just throw it away. Then the same house that eventual bought it responded to her query letter saying please don’t send us your work. Persistence is the name of game.
I’m very grateful I was able to have such a wonderful opportunity through my local RWA chapter. I’d like to encourage anyone at any stage in your writing to join both RWA and your local chapter.
Noelle
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