by Anna Bell
This year seems to have been the year that everyone I know got published. There are lots of aspiring and self-published authors that I've followed over the years that have very deservedly got publishing deals, and I've been wondering why has 2015 been the year for so many authors?
I seem to write this every year, but every year there seem to be more opportunities to get published. What with traditional publishers, eBook publishers and traditional publishers with eBook imprints. Many of the eBook only imprints allow submissions directly to them, without the need of an agent, meaning the hurdle is removed. The eBook only imprints also seem to take on a lot of debut authors – I’m guessing that's because there's no print run meaning there’s less time, money and therefore risk involved for the publisher. But I don't think increased opportunity is the whole answer, I think it's more about the type of people I know on social media.
For me the secret to getting published is determination. You have to have a self-belief that you are going to make it. And with that in mind, if you want to be published you've got to be proactive. Building your author platform and social networking are as key as editing your novel. Which is where the personality of the people I've made friends with comes in. The types of people I've come into contact with are all people that are outgoing on social media (even if they're reclusive in real life). They're usually proactive with their blogs and networking with other bloggers and authors.
Now, I'm not saying that everyone who has tried to get published and failed to this year, hasn’t been determined or proactive. And I'm also not saying that because there are more routes to getting published that it's any easier. It's still hard to get a deal and amazing when you do. I guess, I'm trying to say that if you are really determined to get published you will often try anything to make that dream a reality and putting yourself out there is part of that – it can only enhance your chances.
There could also be other factors, like the fact I've been tweeting for five years, meaning many of my social media friends have been writing for a while. Maybe it's just a reflection that the deals are as a result of them trying and persevering over a number of years.
Whatever the reasons behind the number of people I know landing book deals in 2015, it's great that so many hardworking aspiring authors have got that all-important first deal. It should serve as inspiration to those still aspiring. It really can happen and, who knows, maybe 2016 will be their year.
What do you think? Are more people getting book deals? Why do you think that is?
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