I'm a traditionally published author of commercial fiction - AMA

[charduck]

I was reading this thread with interest:

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/what_were_reading/4342858-AIBU-to-have-had-a-gut-full-of-psychological-thrillers

And I noticed a few requests for an author to do an AMA!

So here I am!

I write psych suspense, have had three novels published, with my fourth out in a few weeks. My last book was a bestseller both here and in the US.

Happy to answer anything I'm allowed to!

Do you find that people take you more seriously as a writer because your books have been traditionally published?

Did you tell people you were an author before that happened?

@Snugglepumpkin

Do you find that people take you more seriously as a writer because your books have been traditionally published?

Did you tell people you were an author before that happened?

I find that most people assume I'm self-published (or unpublished!) when I say I'm an author. They always ask if I'm published etc and are often surprised when I say I have a traditional publisher. I guess it's just not that normal a job?!

I didn't really tell people I was an author until my third book started to take off. I mostly talked about my other job (as a web designer) and before that, my job as a journalist.

I think it was a confidence thing, but also, I find it quite awkward to talk about! People always ask about your sales and crack jokes about raking in money like JK Rowling...

Apologies as HNRTT but if you want to write outside your place on the bookshop shelf, would your agent and publisher be supportive or would you be encouraged to keep on brand?

@Zilla1

Apologies as HNRTT but if you want to write outside your place on the bookshop shelf, would your agent and publisher be supportive or would you be encouraged to keep on brand?

Usually you would write under a pseudonym if you wanted to do that! It's very common. Agents should always be supportive of your writing efforts - that's their job! - but you would likely have to find a different publisher. If your books are selling well, publishers prefer you to stay on brand, yes. But you can do both!

Thank you and thank you for the thread.

What a brilliant thread! I've just ordered your books. I've got two weeks off work over Christmas and cant wait to read them now!

Hi op, if you're still answering questions, I have a few please🙂 I'm currently writing two historical fiction novels, I've got one which has reached 340 pages but really needs a rewrite and another which is only around 60 so far.

1. How many books did you try to pitch to agents before getting one accepted?
2. I have the next 18 months at home with my son (18 months old), before I go back to work. I plan to have both my books finished and sent out to agents. Do you have any advice to take advantage of the time?
3. Do you feel like you have stability in your career? Or do you worry the ideas will stop coming?

Thank you!