This past month I worked with a coaching client on a pitch package, and when he took it into the query trenches last week, he received three full manuscript requests within forty-eight hours. It’s so fun as a coach to see clients taking these chances and getting excited about the possibilities with them.
Also, last week *things* finally happened for the book I’ve had on submission since January, and I’m excited to tell you all about it once the announcement is officially made in a couple of weeks. It will involve a series of novels, which means writing faster than I ever have before—but I’ll be writing in a world that I’ve already created (which I hope will be helpful). I look forward to sharing this new publishing era with you in coming days.
Today’s guest, Amber Garza, has had both an indie and a traditional career in publishing, so I think you’ll find her perspective insightful. Though we’ve never met in person (she’s in California and I’m in Texas), she gave me my first-ever blurb for The Night She Went Missing (less than $12 for a summer read, just sayin), and I appreciated her words so much!
Welcome, Amber!
Can you tell us about your debut novel? Feel free to share any business details with which you’re comfortable, including the year, the advance (a range or number or figures is fine), the kind of marketing you received, how sales performed in the first year.
Amber: My debut novel went on sub in March of 2019 and within two weeks I’d had three offers. It went to auction and sold for six figures to Mira, HarperCollins. It also sold to film and 8 foreign countries. In 2019, we had no idea a pandemic was coming so there was a lot of talk about traveling and marketing, but then when the pandemic hit, all of that was halted. At that point, my publisher had to pivot to all online events. I think they did a good job with the information and resources at that time, but I do think the necessary pivot negatively impacted my novel’s reach and my sales trajectory. However, with that being said, I am happy with my sales of that book.
How many novels have you published since then? Have you ever changed publishers? What differences have you noticed in the publishing experience with these later novels?
Amber: I have published four thrillers - all with Mira. Prior to writing thrillers, I had written in the romance and young adult space, primarily self-published, but I do have one with Entangled. I think the publishing experience has changed greatly since the pandemic. I remember in 2019, there was this incredible energy and excitement, and I feel like some of that has gone away. At least this has been my experience.
Have you ever had a novel ‘die on sub’? At what point in your writing career did this happen? How did you handle that (emotionally and/or practically)?
Amber: Yes, I had written a romcom a couple of years ago that died on sub. It was hard, especially on my ego. But also, financially. As a self-employed person I’m always trying to pre-empt any lulls in payment and this one didn’t quite work out for me. It was also hard to let go of a book that had taken me over a year to write and edit.
What has been the best part of publishing? The worst part? Or, what has been your highest high and lowest low in publishing?
Amber: My highest high was no doubt the whole experience around WHEN I WAS YOU. From the multiple offers from agents to the book going to auction to selling to film and foreign to seeing it on the bookstore shelves for the first time. 2019 was a magical year for me. My future seemed bright, and I truly believed it could only go up from there. The lowest low has been realizing that that was my highest high. I’m hopeful that I will have those highs again, though.
Do you think of yourself as a full time writer? Do you have other streams of income that help pay the bills?
Amber: Up until this year, I had been a full-time writer. I now do some contract writing for businesses and I’m looking into taking a steadier job.
What would you tell someone/what advice would you give to someone who wants to be traditionally published?
Amber: I think to make it as any kind of author, it takes a “glass is half-full” kind of personality. As I stated in an earlier question about highs and lows, I always stay hopeful. No matter how hard things get, I always believe and hope things will get better again. That my next book could be THE book. That the next deal could be THE deal. That tomorrow could bring THE email. And I truly believe you have to be that kind of person to persevere in this industry.
What does success in publishing look like to you at this point in your career? Has it changed over time?
Amber: It’s always evolving and changing. I still have dreams of making a list. But, at this moment, success looks like continuing to get deals and continuing to write. I love writing and I love this job. I just want to be able to keep doing it.
Is there one thing you or your publisher did that you think may have helped sell books to readers? We love tips and advice!
Amber: I honestly think “word of mouth” sells the most books. I’m so grateful to the influencers/booktokers/bookstagrammers who have shared so generously about my work! They really move the needle.
Do you have any tips for protecting your mental health in such a tough business?
Amber: I’m not sure I’m great at this, honestly. Haha. But I would say to get off social media when it’s draining or hurting you. Don’t compare yourself to other authors. It’s natural to feel some envy when another author is killing it, but I always try to take it as inspiration. I could be next! And networking helps. When I get to know other authors, I see them as friends, not competition, and I’m genuinely happy and excited for their wins. Most importantly, though, is that I have a lot of things outside of my career. I do CrossFit every morning and I love that. I truly believe that movement, play, and working out is so good for mental health. When I crush a lift or workout, I feel like I’m strong enough to take on anything. I have a wonderful family and great friends who support me. So, I lean on them a lot.
Thanks to Amber for her honest responses. You can order Amber Garza’s WHEN I WAS YOU and IN A QUIET TOWN for your suspenseful summer reading pleasure!
See you next week when I interview agent and author Jenna Satterthwaite, whose debut novels publishes this summer. As ever, if you’re interested in working with me as a book coach, check me out at www.kristenbird.com.
Happy writing—or not!