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One Book A Year Or Two?

As part of my 3 book deal with Bethany House, I agreed to write one book a year. Book #1 is tentatively titled The Preacher's Bride and is scheduled for release next fall 2010.

After looking over some of my ideas for future books, my editors picked the two they liked best. So last week I began researching Book #2. It's set for release in the fall of 2011. Book #3 is on the schedule for fall of 2012.

On paper, the plan is for me to write one book a year. An entire year to write one book seems like plenty of time, doesn't it? In fact, it even appears leisurely!

However, this week I'll be getting my REWRITES for Book #1. Tomorrow, I have a phone meeting scheduled with one of my editors to begin discussion of all of the changes I'll need to make. (You can be sure I'll blog about this entire process!)

The rewrites are only the first round of edits and are the most substantive. My editors have already warned me that I need to make my ending more happily-ever-after. I'm guessing I'll have other big changes to make as well. I'll find out exactly what during that phone meeting--which is making my stomach twist into strange shapes.

Once the rewrites are done and in, then I'll eventually get two other sets of edits. All this to say, I will NOT have a leisurely year in which to research and write Book #2. I'll be learning how to multi-task: writing one book and editing another.

So, that brings up a couple of questions. One, how do authors manage to find time to write more than one book a year in light of all of the other writing responsibilities they have? It seems that most authors write multiple books in a year. And two, is it better for an author's long term career to publish more than one a year?

Of course I posed these questions to my editor. My contract essentially says I should write one book a year. Is that enough? Or should I attempt to do more?

Here's my take on his answer. I've got to figure out what I'm capable of doing. I'll be facing new challenges with fitting editing into my schedule. In the past I could wholly devote all of my writing time to one book. But now I'll either have to write and edit at the same time or put aside my writing for a while and focus on the editing. The next year will give me the opportunity to figure out what works best for my schedule.

But besides that, my publishing house is interested in QUALITY books. They'd rather have me take the time I need to produce ONE dynamite book a year, than two or more mediocre books.

However, that being said, my editor also alluded to the fact that publishing more than one book a year helps keep an author fresh in the public's eye. Readers are less likely to lose track of an author who is multi-publishing, whose name and books are splashed across cyberland as well as bookstores.

What do you think is best for a writer's long term career? Is one book a year really enough or should an author try for at least two?

52 comments:

  1. I don't have an answer to that. I think it's an individual decision. So many things factor into it. For example, you're a mother of FIVE (wow,that makes me a wee bit dizzy when I truly think about that) who homeschools her children...one book a year would be tough even if you didn't have edits! At least that's my humble opinion. I'm a working mother, so nine hours of my day is at work...as an unpublished author, I think I put myself on a one book a year schedule. Could I do more? I'm not sure. Right now, I don't have any deadlines (except self-imposed ones). This is all very interesting to think about.

    I agree with your editor on everything he said, but this one really stuck out to me: quality vs. quantity. I want to write quality books. That is definitely my goal. :)

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  2. I agree with Katie; this decision is different for every person. My kids are older than yours, but I still can't imagine trying to do two books a year plus edits. I'll definitely be praying for you this year, and I'm looking forward to reading all about it on your blog!

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  3. The answer could be as varying as the authors. I am inclined to lean with your editors, that quality is the key. If that means you can- great. If not- great too.

    The real issue is writing what God gives you. He has a tendency to never follow a mold.

    Blessings to you...

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  4. Oh, I agree with Katie too! Quality over quantity any day! And, I would think with a family your size, plus homeschooling, it would be extremely difficult and taxing to do 2 a year (AND edit!) Gracious...I can't seem to multi-task. I don't know that I could do it! lol

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  5. I think you have the answer. Writing quality is far more important than quantity and how ever fast you can write a quality book is how fast it should be done :)

    thinking of you as you continue finding your author wings :))

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  6. Boy am I glad for edits! Another great reminder that my book has to be perfect enough to sell. Not saying your book wasn't perfect. *wink* Just saying I'm relieved. And I can't believe you need a happier ending! LOL

    I think if you publish one book a year and it's awesome, no one will forget it. Plus, hopefully it'll be splashed all over because people are buying it.

    Authors who write more than one book a year probably do a 40 hr work week or more. You can't do that because of your other responsibilities. Basically you now have two jobs. The mother/teacher/cook/cleaner one, and the writing one.

    Have fun balancing that. :-) Maybe later on down the road you can write more, but I don't think that's an absolute for success.

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  7. LOL Today I'm doing horrible with comments. Blech. I meant, another example that my book DOESN'T have to be perfect to sell. Heh.

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  8. I'll answer as a reader.

    More than one book a year!

    I think when I read an authors book, especially a new author... if it's a long time before they come out with another one I'm more apt to forget about them.

    But, as a writer, your editor is right too. Much better to have a GOOD book rather than just a so-so book faster.

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  9. All I keep thinking is how in The Hour I First Believed, Wally Lamb writes that it took him nine years to write/research it. I understand the need to continue writing. I also think quality is imperative. I have no answers, just thoughts...as always...and still thinking. Thanks for continuing to fill us in on your journey.
    ~ Wendy

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  10. Oh I'd love to have your worries. :) I think your answer will come as you write. For now I say dont stress about it, and try to simply enjoy the creative process.

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  11. Wow! That's so exciting and scary at the same time to have to be editing and writing more than one book in one year!

    I don't know the answer to your question except to say that it seems to be important to keep your name out there and a following and at least one book a year should do it. But then again, that book has to be quality written. It's a personal decision that each author has to make. Wish I had a better answer for you!

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  12. I've seen authors who put out two books on the same day even, and I've wondered how that can be good for the career, to be competing against yourself. Two a year doesn't seem too bad, for the author. but for the reader, seems like a lot to keep up with.

    As an author, I imagine that the more books I put out, the more chances I have of actually making money; some royalties for all rolling in at one point or another.

    I'm also learning to juggle the edits and writing. I totally put my sequel on hold while I'm doing rewrites. When I send back my latest rewrites, I'll get back to work on my sequel while I wait to hear from my editor.

    On another note...I've blogged a lot about what it's like to have the editor change your plot...LOL

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  13. Great post. I like how you not only bring up these questions, but share with us exactly how you're planning to multi-task -- and the questions you have about how it will work.

    I'm not quite finished with a draft of my travel memoir, haven't gotten nearly to the publishing stage you have, but I'm already preparing for my next book project. It feels good! But I do want to get to the revision stage, possibly to the publishing stage, before I take book #2 too far along.

    Multi-tasking makes me more productive, helps me channel my short attention span!

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  14. I don't think it matters what I think--you have to do what God is leading you, according to what is best for your marriage, family and career. Every writer is different.

    I would burn out and go bonkers doing more than one a year, but I'm a bonky sort of person...

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  15. One a year would seem fine as a writer. However, I've read series that were so good that waiting for it each year rives my crazy.

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  16. Wasn't it Stephen King who said in On Writing that it used to be mandatory for writers to only publish one book a year, which is why some of the faster writers began using pen names to publish a second book. I always thought that was interesting. I don't think that's the case anymore.

    I'm guessing trying to publish more than one a year would be a personal choice based on the types of books you write and how long your process takes you. I can't imagine publishing more than one while keeping a day job. But at the same time, I love a challenge.

    Happy Monday, Jody! As always, I love learning so much through your journey. Thank you for sharing so much with us.

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  17. Hey, Jody!

    My favorite author comes out with one book every year to two years. His name is Charles Martin and I LOVE his stories. It makes me crazy because I want a new one NOW, but you know what? It's so worth it. I rush out and buy his book the day it comes out. I sit down and read knowing that I have a true treasure in front of me that I cherish more than others, because this event literally comes only ever other year. Maybe he's not the most popular author around, but his books are out of this world awesome. I'd take that any day.

    Plus, some people can work at an extreme pace. I've learned the hard way that I can't; that I would need that "leisure" schedule. Maybe you need that pace too... and if you do, this will keep you from burning out!

    I'm so happy for you! Have a great day!

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  18. Jody, okay, you've hit on something with me here. This is where I really have to dig deep and decide whether I can really do this author thing after all. And in fact, I couldn't do it. Two published books, and then a huge hiatus, because my books both came out the same year, as did my fifth child. And at that point, I panicked, because I realized I had to keep up with all of it in order to succeed. I ended up pulling back, giving myself a break, allowing myself to raise my family first, and to sneak in my writing as I could. Once I pulled back from the mainly self-imposed pressure, I could breathe, and enjoy the fact that I was published, even if I wasn't going to be able to pull off a book a year, even if I would have to take a long break from having a book published at all. I'm grateful for the fruits that have been produced during that time, some writing related, others not. You're in a slightly different spot -- I didn't have a three-book deal. But my gut feeling based on personal experience is that, if you can produce a book a year, you have accomplished a great deal. As a fellow mother of five, I'd say that's more than enough, for now. Later, you can set higher goals, but slow and steady wins the true race, methinks. :)

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  19. Good question! On one hand, I'd prefer to produce quality over quantity, but as far as career goes, it does seem like it would be better to publish more than one book a year. I can't wait to hear about your experiences. My guess is that you will find the perfect system that works for you. I wish you luck.

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  20. I think it would be hard to write more than one book a year. I'm also a fan of quality over quantity. I don't think any of my favorite authors write more than one a year. However, I think its good to stretch ourselves so if you can do it and do it well I say go for it!

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  21. I've had a book come out in 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009. There's still hope for 2010, but it's not looking super promising.

    I write nonfiction (way easier), and I think I could do more than one book a year. HOWEVER, it's lots and lots of work to promote books, do speaking stuff, take care of your kiddos, maintain a blog, and blah, blah, blah. The actual writing of the book doesn't take as much time as all that (at least not for me).

    I think you're good for now. :)

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  22. Personally, I'd rather read one quality book from an author a year than get dissapointed because of rushed stories that aren't near as meaningful or entertaining.

    I suspect, Jody, that as you go, you may find that you could write a really good book every 6 to 9 months, but better to have that time to play with at first to make sure you're creating really good books that last in the readers mind. That's my two-cents anyway.

    Can't wait to hear all about the editing process. I'm living vicariously through you these days, Jody!

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  23. I think one or two books a year is enough. Some very good authors start pumping out five or six a year and the quality, o lack of quality, is apparent.

    Stephen Tremp

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  24. Unless you're a "brand" author, I think one book a year is the most you should complete.

    Manuscripts are like wine--they need to sit for awhile to reach their maximum impact. If they sit too long, however, they turn.

    Giving your work time to sit before revisions are made will make it stronger. The more layers of revisions, the more the writing will stand up.

    I think the quality would suffer if more than one book a year were produced by a single author.

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  25. That's a tough question. I think it also depends on the person and how much research they have to do.

    I personally like to see a book out more than once a year. From a reader's perspective. Even every nine months is good. That said, Wendy makes a good point about Wally's Lamb's book. I remember reading another book of his I thoroughly enjoyed. Just because his books are spanned so far apart, doesn't make me less likely to pick up his next release.

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  26. You're editor is right. One dynamite book a year is better than a mittful of so-so books.

    You'll find out what is right for you, and those substantive edits aren't as bad as you think. :)

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  27. Good luck! I'm trying to see if I can write and edit at the same time, then hopefully I'm a little more ready when that publishing contract comes in. :)

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  28. Sounds like either way you will be busy. Leave your plan flexible in case LIFE happens and throws the wrench into it. I pray God's leading for you and that His words will flow. :O)

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  29. I'd go for quality every time.

    In the end, your name is on the books you write and you have to live with that. Make sure that you are writing things you can feel good about. Make sure you are living the life you want to live.

    But then, you knew I would say this!

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  30. Knowing manic me, I'd go for two. I think you're as prolific as I am and even with edits this is within reason, don't you think? Maybe extend the process by half a year. Jody, I soo look forward to reading your blog, it makes me feel like such an insider!!! I love how the Lord has richly blessed you!!!!!!! I praise him in all his glory for that. =)

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  31. Do what you feel you can do. I've often beat myself up for not doing "enough". The truth is, there are those of us who need a year to write one book. Then there's John Grisham who seems to have a new book every three months! We've got to discover our own rhythms and allow ourselves to be who we are, warts and all, and do the best we can do.

    Jen

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  32. Two novels a year helps with the income, but there is so much to consider--edits, marketing, family obligations.

    Each writer is different. You need to do what is best for you and your family. With children, homeschooling, and writing, start out with one and once you find your niche, you can start with another story.

    Quality trumps quantity all the time. Give me a great novel and you'll be on my must-buy list. Give me a meh novel and I'll find another author who wows me.

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  33. i was just thinking about this book a year thing. i'm into the vampire books by charlaine harris. they come out every may. just one book a year. but charlaine writes much more than a year, as she has at least two other series that also come out at the rate of a book a year! can you imagine? then throw in short stories she has published as well as the editing and rewrites...wow. of course, she's full time. any kids she had (if any) are grown. still...it's mind boggling. good luck juggling it all, jody. :)

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  34. Love what Erika said.

    Manuscripts develop in layers.

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  35. Definitely an individual decision. And consider that some of the multi-book per year authors you may be thinking of are writing category, not single-title. Think half as many words, so two books is like one single-title. (Not knocking category at all. Just a way to consider this.)

    I think you put this out of your head and take the opportunity of this first contract to get your feet squarely on the publishing ground. If you find, over these next three years, that you can do more than write one quality book while editing another, and promoting yet a third, great! I'm sure you're editor won't say no...

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  36. I agree with the masses... quality over quantity! It must be very difficult with all of your other tasks at hand. But don't worry and don't panic, the Lord will guide you all the way!

    Congratulations Jody, you deserve all the best!

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  37. I'm certainly no expert, and I suppose it matters what genre you're writing, but that said, most of the authors I follow don't grind out book after book. They might even take two or three years to come out with another one. And I wait, I wait happily, in anticipation.

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  38. My reaction as a reader is to say that until a new author's name becomes tip-of-the-tongue familiar, the more books there are out there helping to build a following, the better. After that, once an author is well known, readers will eagerly await each new release even if they are a year apart. As a writer, however, I think the first priority has to be quality writing, followed closely by personal sanity! ;) Learning to adjust to a new writing schedule will be an interesting experience.

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  39. Good question. I think books coming out closer together will help your following. However, if you are rushing the books to get them out, you may have even more edits to do and find yourself in a vicious cycle of fast writing and tons of editing as opposed to slower, concentrated writing, with one book a year and less edits. On the otherhand, as you learn what your editor is looking for, and you grow as a writer, your writing could become quicker with less edits. I am sure none of this helped.

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  40. I'm still working on Rachelle's recommendation that a writer should have two completed manuscripts to pitch.

    If you produce a quality book, readers will be less likely to forget you. Blogging, Facebook, etc. help keep you in the public eye.

    Blessings,
    Susan :)

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  41. I can't imagine writing more than a book a year, what with rewrites and all. Does anyone do a book every 2 years? That sounds nice and leisurely... (what's that? you say my audience might lose interest? noooooo!!!!)

    They want you to change your ending? Wow, how do you feel about that? Tell me more!

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  42. Wow! Insane! No wonder I'm not ready for publication yet. I think a writer should write what they are able to, and what their publisher needs them to if it's within reason. Everybody writes at a different pace. My friend Natalie, agented with Nathan Brasford, whips out several books a year (more than two, that's for sure), and they're all very good. She's just fast. She might slow down when she gets her first book published, but I'm not sure!

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  43. One a year. More time to read to your precious children. : )

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  44. Jody, I hope one day I will be able to tell you in full detail how helpful your blog has been for me as I sort out how I feel about the whole publishing process. Thanks for your transparency!

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  45. Obviously you have to decide for yourself, as so many have said before. And it definitely makes a difference what you're publishing. I'm targeting category romance, which is only around 50-55k words for my category, rather than 90k...so I'm hoping for 2 books per year. If I were going mainstream, I'd probably only be able to put one out a year, just due to the longer word count required. And I work full time, but I don't have any kids - kids would definitely shorten the time spent writing/editing, I would think!

    Some of my favorite authors only do one (mainstream) book per year, and some less than that. I still eagerly await each one, and snap it up as soon as the paperback hits the shelves. Give them the best quality you possibly can, and your readers will wait. :-)

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  46. Great questions Jody. I think it depends on the writer. We all have different responsibilities and are at different phases in our lives. If an author has less family and work responsibilities, he or she might want to write more than one a year.

    Best wishes figuring out an editing and writing system that works for you! Can't wait to hear about it!

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  47. It's just an opinion, but I think writing one book a year would be better than two. You can put all the good stuff into one book and totally focus on it.

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  48. I think you should write five a year simply because I will run out your books to read if I only get 1! :) LOL

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  49. I really think it depends on where you are in your life, as to whether or not you can write more than one per year. Some ppl have kiddos at home, other have kids in college, haven't had kids yet, don't want anything to do with kids, or are empty nesters.

    Okay - clearly I have a kid! tee hee! But in any case, it depends on how busy your every day life is, as to how you can juggle one or more books. It's an individual circumstance from person to person.

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  50. I say shoot for one and write it well. Then you can find how it goes as the second is sometimes better, but doesn't move quite as quickly. If that makes any sense.

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  52. Taking things as they come and putting one foot in front of the other, in a sense, seems to be the way to start. If you find that you can handle more, then by all means I say go for it! As a reader, the wait for another book is sometimes difficult, but also a treasure! As a writer, I understand that it takes time.

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