The publishing industry is in the midst of a radical transformation. Decreasing number of book stores, the dominance of Amazon, the proliferation of inexpensive eBooks, more distractions for potential books, more distractions for potential book purchasers (Netflix, etc.) It is no wonder that publishers are being even more selective about signing new physician authors.
Publishers are now looking for the following from physician authors:
High Quality Writing
There is no substitute for high quality writing. The publishers and their editors no longer have the time or resources to take on “book projects” that require massive, lengthy, and expensive editing.
Authors with Track Records
Now that any author can self-publish and promote their eBooks, publishers are scooping up authors who have released eBooks to great acclaim. For example, “Fifty Shades of Grey” started out as self-published eBook before being picked up by vintage books. Publishers are inclined to go with books and authors that are already selling well.
Authors Willing to Work to Promote Their Books
For most authors, the days of book tours, heavy promotion in newspapers (remember them) and other media are over. Publishers are looking for authors with a “platform” or way to sell thousands of books without their spending to promote the book. Authors with radio, tv shows, twitter followers, teachers, seminar leaders, or other platforms are prized by publishers. When approaching agents/publishers authors need to be able to explain convincingly how they will help sell their book. The plan should be specific, realistic, and convincing.
Authors Who can Deliver on Time
Publishers desire authors who can deliver or even two book per year if and when their first book is a hit. Strike while the iron is hot is something that publishers live by.
Authors with Solid Literary Agents
Publishers understand that literary agents sort through thousands of submissions and only sign authors who they believe write well and can sell books. When well respected literary agents propose an author they are putting their reputation on the line. Authors with literary agents have a good chance of getting their book published.
How to Earn Money as a Physician Writer is a two-day intensive training session to be held on September 20-21, 2014 on Cape Cod, MA. The distinguished faculty include:
Sorche Elizabeth Fairbank established Fairbank Literary Representation in 2002. Since then, Ms. Fairbank has had the pleasure of working with a wide, dynamic list, representing multiple best-selling authors, Pulitzer Prize finalists and winners, Edgar recipients, award-winning journalists, and of course her favorite kind of client, the first-time author. Her author/ doctor in the spotlight is Dr. Raoul Wientzen and his debut novel The Assembler of Parts, a Kirkus Best Book of 2013. In addition to her agenting duties, Ms. Fairbank can be found teaching courses and giving seminars and lectures on the elusive art of the query letter and other such writing/publishing courses. Updated information on Fairbank Literary can be found at www.publishersmarketplace.com/members/SorcheFairbank/.
James J. Mangraviti, Jr., Esq. is the co-author of 27 books. He has had books published by Wolters Kluwer, Aspen, St. Martins, Wiley and Apress. In addition, he has self-published numerous books through his company, SEAK, Inc. Mr. Mangraviti’s titles have generated sales of several million dollars and have helped him to launch, expand, and nurture a successful career in lecturing, customized training and consulting. One of his consulting specialties is showing physicians how to supplement their income. Mr. Mangraviti currently serves as Principal of SEAK, Inc. He received his JD cum laude from Boston College Law School and his BA summa cum laude from Boston College.
Lloyd Zimmerman, MD, MPH, received his MD from Ross University School of Medicine and his MPH from New York Medical College. As the head of Zimmerman Medical Communications (zimmermanmedicalcommunications.com), he has written extensively for both domestic and international clients on a variety of critical therapeutic health care disciplines, including cardiovascular medicine, gastroenterology, metabolic disease, neurology, obstetrics/gynecology, oncology, psychiatry, pulmonology, rheumatology, and urology. Currently, Dr. Zimmerman is an active member of several professional medical writer associations, including Science Writers in New York (SWINY) and the American Medical Writer Association (AMWA). Presently, he is the regional chapter Treasurer for the Empire State-Metropolitan New York Chapter of AMWA.
