The question I probably get asked the most at work about the books I am publishing is, 'what's the hook?' It's the question that I think about when I am reading submissions, when I'm looking at competitor titles, and when I'm talking to authors and agents about their upcoming works. So, what is a hook… Continue reading Why your ‘hook’ matters in commercial fiction
Tag: commercial fiction
What an editor looks for and why
This should really be called what a commercial editor looks for, as that's what I'm talking about here! As part of my day job as a fiction editor, I need to commission a certain amount of titles per year to make sure that our division of the company makes money. This is, in fact, a… Continue reading What an editor looks for and why
The importance of covers in commercial fiction
In commercial fiction, the importance of book covers cannot be underestimated. Think about it – you’re walking through a bookshop, and what do you immediately see? Jacket after jacket, all clamouring for your attention like over-excited puppies in a pet shop (with less yapping). Covers are the main selling point for retailers, and the absolute… Continue reading The importance of covers in commercial fiction