In the past few days, before the book fair even starts, we have met with publishers, editors, and agents from China, Japan, England, Germany, France, Italy, Netherlands, Spain and Los Angeles. Everyone is looking for one thing: the next Twilight. Makes me wonder, if everyone is looking for the same thing, why can’t they find it?

I have always counseled writers not to look at the bestseller lists for inspiration. I’ve even been condescending to those copycats who ride on the coat tails of others. But it is undeniable that when a book hits big, lots of knock offs follow, some of them extremely good.

Since I’ve been in publishing, people have been searching for the next Perfect Storm which kicked off a renewed interest in outdoor adventure. (I prefer indoor adventure, particularly parlor and bed room adventure.) The next Seabiscuit, the next Angela’s Ashes, the next Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, the next Harry Potter, Tipping Point, Marley, Tuesdays with Morrie, Eat me, Pray, Love, etc. 

I would still prefer to be the agent whose client kicked off the trend. I would still prefer to find my writers under rocks, beside streams, in locked wards, and lost in the stacks of a lonely library. I just would. I’m a stubborn son of a bitch. That said, if you have a werewolf manuscript in a drawer, or can whip up one before the next big thing hits, send it to me. Now.

Filed under: Publishing, Writing |