The creators of America’s Next Great Author held a webinar for those of us who were not selected. Several wanted to know how many auditioned, but all I wanted to know is how can I improve for the next time. Actually, since this is for authors without a book deal, I hope to be ineligible.
About the audition – I taped my script next to the camera. This meant I was not looking down and then up as I made my presentation. Of course, it would have been better memorized, but with only 48 hours to tape the pitch, it is nearly impossible. The creators said as much. They doubted anyone could do a polished video presentation in 48 hours, especially a novice.
About the book – they did not talk about any specific book entry. However, they did note several crime writers uploaded the back story’s beginning. They prefer the back story somewhere later in the book. My back story is in the second third of the book. So I was happy to hear I am at least closing in on what agents/publishers want.
It’s all about equity! – They had to make selections based on several criteria beyond the quality of writing. They strove for equity in genres, author geographical location, age, and gender of the authors. They wanted a homogenous mix to appeal to as wide an audience as possible.
The book deal – What I have learned this year. (1) 1,000 books a day (average) are published, and 75% of those are independent publishers. (2) The number of traditional publishers is dwindling. There are presently four, but that number is expected to drop to three within the next six months. (3) There are many scams out there about publishers making money at the author’s expense.
In the end, I was not selected as a semi-finalist but came away with some good information. My bucket list includes being traditionally published. If The Mexia Music Murders doesn’t get it done, then maybe The Painting is the book the publishers have been waiting for. Even if I never make it the traditional route, I am having fun and (hopefully) entertaining people along the way.
Steven Wilcox 