Want to get published in 2021?
I really do wish I had all the answers for you but this post is based on what I’m seeing in articles, trends and by checking out various publishing platforms. For the first time, lots of things seem up in the air right now. However, here’s a brief run down…
Traditional Publisher
Something I learned yesterday is that the ‘big 5’ publishers are now the ‘big 4’. The particular article I read said they think getting published with a traditional publisher is going to get harder. I’d also add that the chances of being able to even submit so much as a query letter without an agent is going to be near impossible. (More about this in Thursday’s post).
Small/Indie Publishers
Smaller publishers or as they are now known, indie publishers. I think we’ll see more of these popping up, maybe even a group of authors getting together to form publishing companies. So, for those of you who are still looking to have a third party publish your work, this is going to be your best route.
Self Publishing
Self publishing is what I see as your best chance of getting published this year and beyond. The trends been going that way for the last few years and I think it’s here to stay. Some people see it as a last resort but as I tell my students, it’s not as hard as it once was and it certainly doesn’t have any stigma attached to it. In fact, I know some authors who have gotten the attention of agents and traditional publishers by self publishing. Something that wouldn’t have happened if they hadn’t taken that first step. I think we’ll see more platforms for self publishing springing up too.
Trends in Subject Matter
What’s going to be hot topics in non-fiction? Think about what’s happening around the world, people losing jobs, businesses etc. People need to become entrepreneurs. Even people wanting to escape big cities and become self sufficient. These might not necessarily be topics traditional publishers are seeking because remember it takes about two years to get a book published, but definitely something for self publishers to think about.
Fiction
You’d think anything dystopian would be a no-no right now but I did hear that they are gaining popularity. On the other side of the coin, I’d say anything fun, light and that most of us can use to escape what’s going on in the world, would be welcome too. Maybe a humorous mystery or anything that makes gives us an lighthearted escape from all the bad news we seem to read about every day.
These are just a few things to get you started on how and what to write and publish and I’ll be given you updates throughout the coming months.