A Pivot on Pursuing a Traditional Publishing Deal with J. ThornAlthough just beginning the process, the guys introduce a pivot on pursuing a traditional publishing deal. J.D. looked through THE LAST TOWER and realized that the manuscript could be improved, but not without significant work to get it to the point where agents and editors would pay attention. Faced with a difficult decision, J. decides to table the manuscript for now and head in a different direction.Whether you’re traditionally published or indie, writing a good book is only the first step in becoming a successful author. The days of just turning a manuscript into your editor and walking away are gone. If you want to succeed in today’s publishing world, you need to understand every aspect of the business - editing, formatting, marketing, contracts. It all starts with a good book, then the real work begins.Join international bestselling author J.D. Barker and indie powerhouse, J. Thorn, as they gain unique insight and valuable advice from the most prolific and accomplished authors in the business.In this episode, you’ll discover:Why THE LAST TOWER wasn’t J.’s best option at the momentHow passive voice and showing (vs. telling) can be problematicWhy you must start your story with a great hook that gets a reader’s attentionThe ways in which J.D. has “broken the rules” in chapter 1How Hugh Howey’s WOOL is the gold standard for grabbing a reader from the startWhy J. doesn’t fret over wordsThe problem with chasing trends when pursuing a traditional publishing dealWhat New York editors are chasing at the momentWhy so many thrillers now have the word “girl” in the titleThe importance of vetting book ideas with someone you trustWhat the latest K-lytics’ report says about the horror genreHow J.D. keeps his story ideas organizedWhy combining two story ideas might create something uniqueWhy J.D. starts a story with a plane crash (hypothetical, of course)Links:K-lytics - http://k-lytics.com/ J. D. Barker - http://jdbarker.com/J. Thorn - https://theauthorlife.com/Music by Nicorus - https://cctrax.com/nicorus/dust-to-dust-ep Voice Over by Rick Ganley - http://www.nhpr.comVoice Over by Rick Ganley - http://www.nhpr.com and recorded at Mill Pond Studio - http://www.millpondstudio.comContact us - https://writersinkpodcast.com/contact/*Full disclosure: Some of the links are affiliate links. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.

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