Secrets of a First Sale

By Kimberly Logan

As a newly published author, I find that one of the first questions I am always asked by aspiring writers is, “How did you do it? What’s your secret?”

The truth is, I usually find myself a bit stumped for a reply. Having been only recently inducted to the hallowed halls of publication, I still remember all too clearly how much I once longed to discover the magic formula that would help me make my first sale. We all want to believe that there is some method to the madness, some secret, step-by-step plan that, if followed, will lead to the ultimate reward of seeing our manuscript in book form.

Unfortunately, it’s not that simple. There is no cut-and-dried, surefire way of getting published. However, I have tried to boil things down into a few easy-to-follow guidelines that might help you on your way. Keep in mind, they’re not guaranteed, and I’m far from an expert. We’re all different, and what works for one person might not work for another. But this is what worked for me.

1. Join RWA – Pretty much a no-brainer, right? But you’d be surprised at the number of people who tell me they want to pursue a career in romance writing, but haven’t joined RWA. Is it worth it? Let’s put it this way: I’ve been writing seriously for eight years. To me, it’s no coincidence that I sold my first manuscript less than two years after I joined. Yes, it’s worth it.

2. Be persistent – Other authors will tell you that no one who gives up easily will make it in this business, and they’d be right. When you get knocked down, get up and get back on that horse. Yes, rejection hurts. But giving up never got anyone anywhere. Four years ago, my first completed manuscript was rejected by almost every agent in the Writer’s Market at the time, but just think where I’d be if I hadn’t kept on trying.

3. Grammar Counts – Yes, that’s right. Grammar, spelling, neatness. They all make a difference to an editor. No, they won’t throw your manuscript in the circular file if you forget to dot an “i” or cross a “t”, so don’t obsess. But first impressions are important, and you’ll never get another chance to make one. I’ll never forget the day my Avon editor told me that she had made a very quick decision to buy my first manuscript because so little needed to be done to it to ready it for publication. So, brush up on your copyediting skills. Every little bit helps.

4. Learn the importance of GMC – This was something I thought I understood, but it wasn’t until I read Goal, Motivation, and Conflict, by Debra Dixon, that the light truly dawned. Make the GMC’s of your hero and heroine as compelling—and opposing—as possible.

5. Trust your instincts – If your gut is telling you something, go with it. When I was still entering contests with A Kiss in the Dark, I almost didn’t enter the 2003 Maggie because I thought I didn’t stand a chance in such a prestigious competition. But the finalist judge was an editor from the publishing house I was targeting, and something deep down told me not to pass up the opportunity. It’s a good thing I listened, as I wound up selling to that house as a direct result of winning this contest. Your instincts are right more often than not.

6. Give them something different, but don’t rock the boat – I’ve decided this should be my official motto. I’ve been told by more than one editor that they are looking for fresh, unique stories, but they don’t want it to be so unique that it alienates readers. The trick is, figuring out how to walk that fine line. Research the market. Play with the details of your story a bit. You never know when you might hit on something that editors are looking for.

7. Luck plays a big part – It’s true. Pure dumb luck plays a central role in a lot of sales. It’s all about your manuscript getting into the hands of an editor who loves your work, and there’s just no way to make sure that happens. You can research the editors at the publishing house you’re targeting and take a guess at which one might be the most receptive to what you’ve written based on their current list of clients. Or you can rely on the discretion of your agent to know the best editor to send your work to. But that’s still no guarantee. Even meeting an editor in a face-to-face appointment won’t tell you whether they’ll like your writing or not. I think of all the contest judges who disliked A Kiss in the Dark over the years. What if one of them had been the editor who got hold of my manuscript? I certainly wouldn’t be where I am now.

So, there you are. The secret is…there is no secret. The steps I’ve listed are nothing earth-shattering, I’m afraid. Most of it you probably already knew. But it got me where I am, and maybe it might work for you. Just remember, there is no guaranteed formula for success—unless you count stubbornness and sheer determination!