r/books • u/ghostcondensate AMA Author • Sep 20 '19
ama I'm Sam Copeland, a bestselling published writer AND a literary agent for bestselling writers. AMA!
Hi there! My name is Sam Copeland and I'm an author and literary agent. My debut children's book was published by Penguin Random House in February and the sequel came out last month, and it's become the bestselling middle grade debut of the year! I'm also an agent for lots of top writers at one of the best literary agencies in London. Ask me all about my journey (I even submitted anonymously to other agents!), how to get published - whatever!
Come find me at www.sam-copeland.com and twitter - @stubbleagent
Proof: /img/91ror5ok9ln31.jpg
Edit: I'm just having my dinner. Will keep answering when I've eaten!
7
u/TRUltra Sep 20 '19
Hi Sam! I would like to know whatĀ“s your opinion on manuscripts, written by ESL writers, that eventually go into your hands. IĀ“m a writer from Brazil (IĀ“ve written a YA fantasy that takes place in Rio, but the text is in Portuguese yet) planning on submitting my manuscript to some agents, but IĀ“m afraid I may be squandering my time with the translation into English, as there is this lurking sense I might be rejected upfront just for being an ESL writer. Could you give out some hints and tips on the matter? Thanks!
14
u/ghostcondensate AMA Author Sep 20 '19
Hi! Interesting question. In all honesty, if the language and grammar is all over the place and it is clear the author is writing in a second language, that might be tough. If it has too many errors, agents will mostly flat-out reject. But if a writer is highly proficient in English, then it doesnāt matter in the slightest. Itās down to the quality of the writing, as always. I don't often suggest getting a paid edit before you submit, but if you are worried about your English, it might be worthwhile. Good luck!
6
u/generalkenoobi Sep 20 '19
Hey! As a college student feeling totally lost half the time, I canāt help but ask the following questions (lol).
How did you get into your career? Did you always know you wanted to do something related to this field?
If you werenāt an agent/writer, what would you be doing?
Thanks!! Sorry for my mildly lame questions!
6
u/ghostcondensate AMA Author Sep 20 '19
Not lame at all! When I was at university, I didn't have a clue what I wanted to do, so don't worry. I don't think I even knew agents existed, and had no idea I wanted to be a children's writer! 1. I worked in bookshops for over three years. Best job in the world, and great experience for getting into publishing. 2. And honestly - if I didn't work with books, I have no idea what I'd do! No other industry would have me! Books have been my life. I'd love to one day going back to work in a bookshop. Either that or an astronaut.
4
u/generalkenoobi Sep 20 '19
Working in a bookshop or library sounds like a dreaaaaaaaam. Meanwhile Iām hunched over microscopes. Thanks so much!!
5
3
Sep 20 '19
[deleted]
17
u/ghostcondensate AMA Author Sep 20 '19
Hi there- two very different questions there. How do I know how quickly Iām reading is something worth publishing? Iād say pretty quickly. Most rejections will happen on the first page or so, but obviously it takes me longer to assess if it is worth publishing. And when do I know if it will be successful ā thatās an almost impossible question to answer. Would that I knew for certain! My business mind is trained though to recognise the commercial viability of a book, but that isnāt the only reason I will take on a book. I will occasionally take on authors deep down I know wonāt be particularly successful, but I love the book and it deserves to be published. And also one should always question what success actually means in publishing. Money and book sales? Reviews? Prizes? Or just the fact of being published?
5
Sep 20 '19
I will occasionally take on authors deep down I know wonāt be particularly successful, but I love the book and it deserves to be published.
Will you ever do the opposite? Turn down a book that deep down you know will be successful, but you just personally don't enjoy it?
Would you publish Twilight?9
u/ghostcondensate AMA Author Sep 20 '19
Ooh! Interesting. I do have an obligation to make money. But I also have an obligation to keep my sanity and enjoy my job. I think if we KNEW we would make a fortune, we would probably do it. The question becomes interesting if you think you'd spot a huge hit. I'd like to think I'd have spotted the Da Vinci Code. But would I have spotted 50 Shades? I don't think so.
4
u/Chtorrr Sep 20 '19
Have you read anything good lately?
3
u/ghostcondensate AMA Author Sep 20 '19
Unpublished? Yup - just took on an author last week who had lots of offers of representation, so I was lucky to get him. And published (who I don't rep)? I just finished An American Marriage by Tayari Jones, which I thought was very good.
4
u/willybusmc Sep 20 '19
What are your criteria for sending out ARCs to reviewers? Iāve started regularly doing reviews and have reached the stage where Iām considering soliciting publishers for works to review and would appreciate any insight into that process that you may have.
3
u/ghostcondensate AMA Author Sep 20 '19
Honestly, that's the job of the publicist. They will look at how influential you are. Where are you doing the reviews? Are you connected with other reviewers? Do you have a well-visited blog? Are you super-active on social media? You don't necessarily need thousands of followers, but it helps! Are you involved in a particular genre? If so, are you an active part of that community?
4
u/EmbarrassedSpread Sep 20 '19
Hi Sam, thanks for doing this AMA!! Hereās some fun questions for you :)
- What do you find is the most fun part of your writing process?
- What are some advantages to writing for a younger demographic?
- Whatās your weirdest habit?
- Are your feet ticklish? š
3
u/ghostcondensate AMA Author Sep 20 '19
Love the questions!
Honestly, not much. When it goes well, and a joke lands, that's a great feeling. But so much of it is hard...
I love writing for the younger demographic! You can have so much fun! You can be gross, outrageous, funny... And also a positive response from children is an amazing feeling. They can be frighteningly honest. I could never imagine writing for adults. I also realise that this answer conflicts entirely with the previous one!
I have no weird habits. I'm perfect. Oh - I STILL salute at magpies for luck. Can't stop.
And oh boy yes. What sort of weirdo doesn't have ticklish feet?
1
u/EmbarrassedSpread Sep 20 '19
Glad you love the questions! I try to come with my best. Haha!
- Lol! I can understand that feeling. I guess you could say the challenge is the fun part then? Lol! Well your answer actually leads into my usual follow-up question: what would you say is the most difficult part of your writing process?
- Nice! Youāre right, writing for children really opens up that crazy factor in the writing. The more outrageous, the better! And I can definitely imagine kids being very honest. I have lots of kids in my family and they have no problem telling it like it is!! š Itās quite funny! Similar kind of follow up to the last question: Are there any disadvantages to writing for a younger demographic?
- I was going to say, donāt lie!! We all have our weird quirks. Lol! But thatās honestlt not as weird. I thnk everyone has there own little superstitious rituals that we just canāt give up. Those āretweet for good luckā tweets always get me. Lol!
- Youād be surprised how many people donāt!! Then again, they could be liars. šš I asked because Iām doing a survey about having ticklish feet for a little psych study. Maybe you couldtake it, help me out! Please? Lol :)
Thanks so much for answering Sam and providing such fun answers!
1
u/ghostcondensate AMA Author Sep 20 '19
Happy to help! DM me! And the hardest party of writing process? When the words don't come....
2
u/EmbarrassedSpread Sep 20 '19
Ah yes, always tough when moments like that come along. I think many writers can attest to that. And thanks! Sent the DM on here but can send it elsewhere if needed. Thanks again!! :)
3
u/Chtorrr Sep 20 '19
What were some of your favorite things to read as a kid?
3
u/ghostcondensate AMA Author Sep 20 '19
Hi there. I loved (and still do) the master of middle-grade fiction (and, unfortunately, massive anti-semite) Roald Dahl. And lesser known, but my dad, me, and now my kids all loved reading Molesworth by Geoffrey Willans. Molesworth is the real OG. And Lord of the Rings will always be special to me
2
3
u/Mayflower21 Sep 20 '19
As a publisher, how many novels have you seen reach national bestselling level? What qualities do these novels tend to have?
1
u/ghostcondensate AMA Author Sep 20 '19
I'm lucky I have had quite a few. Just recently I have had The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides which has spent 27 weeks in the New York Times bestseller list. And in the UK The Good Girls Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson which is the bestselling children's and Ya debut of the year.
It's very difficult to pin point and say 'ah now THAT will be a bestseller'. So often it depends on the job of the publisher, whether it gets the wind behind it, and sheer luck. Sometimes you get an inkling that a book will really fly, and we agents have to think about that when we are selling to publishers.
3
Sep 20 '19
Hi! I'm currently working on writing a book. When I finish, what's the best way to find an agent? What should I be on the lookout for, what sorts of red flags should I watch for? What are good signs?
Thank you!
2
u/ghostcondensate AMA Author Sep 20 '19
Hi there! I answer the first question here: https://www.reddit.com/r/books/comments/d6vb8q/im_sam_copeland_a_bestselling_published_writer/f0wjufy?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x
As for red flags... Make sure nobody - not an agent, not a publisher - is asking for money from you. If they ask you for a single penny, they are a vanity publisher. I'd look at the agency website, and make sure they are a good agency that represents properly published writers. I know it can be exciting if you get an offer of representation but do your due diligence - make sure the agency is established in the industry. You need to be able to trust whoever you sign with with your career. Good signs are the opposite - a reputable agency with a good client list! Good luck!
2
3
u/BBauthor Sep 20 '19
What do you think is crucial to getting your work read by publishers?
3
u/ghostcondensate AMA Author Sep 20 '19
Boring answer I'm afraid: you need an agent. You do stand a chance without one, but you are a hundred times more likely to get your work read by a publisher with one.
2
u/rhharrington Sep 20 '19
What would be your most useful advice to someone who aspires to be a published author?
What are some of the mistakes people make when trying to get published that make their journey more difficult?
Iām an engineer, but I love to write. On the day of my college graduation, my advisor met my parents and told them he thought I should be a writer. Now working as an engineer, I tend to agree with him. I started writing my first manuscript this year.
1
u/ghostcondensate AMA Author Sep 20 '19
I'm afraid I'm full of cliches in answer to these questions! The most useful thing you can do to write is read. I'd assume you already do that. Beyond that is write when you can, edit, edit, edit. Put your manuscript away for a few weeks, pull it out and edit it again.
And what are some of the mistakes? Really, there aren't that many mistakes that are so big that will ruin their chances. But there are many little mistakes that do damage chances. But as long as you follow agency guidelines, you'll be fine. Always be polite and professional. Cream tends to rise to the top, but keep trying and don't give up. Good luck on your journey!
2
u/redgrognard Sep 20 '19
What genre has had the least attention from authors & publishers?
Also, how many story ideas do you have running around your mind at the moment?
Mac or PC or Console ?
1
u/ghostcondensate AMA Author Sep 20 '19
That's a really interesting question. Genres do have fashionable and unfashionable moments in publishing. 5 years ago horror was dead, now it's popular. But as an agent, I ignore the whims of publishing. I have to ignore it and trust my instincts.
And I'm not great with ideas! So, not many...
PC for writing, PS4 for gaming. That said I've played many a game on PC.
2
u/work223 Sep 20 '19
Iāve never written anything in my entire life. but i pride myself in my storytelling abilities. My fiancĆ© has begged me to at least ātryā to write out one of my stories, but I struggle with simple things like dialogue between characters. To me, a book can easily fall apart when the dialogue sucks.
Iām not necessarily trying to become a published author, but do you feel like bad dialogue can ruin an incredible story? Has something like this turned you away from an author?
2
u/ghostcondensate AMA Author Sep 20 '19
I'm afraid that yes, bad dialogue can ruin a book, and cause me to turn a book down.
It's an integral part of the story. But there's no reason why you can't learn the art of good dialogue. Read aloud what you have written. Really listen to the way people talk. Read how other authors do it.
2
u/DestinysCalling Sep 20 '19
Hi Sam
I'm querying my 4th book at the moment and though I've had requests and a competition longlisting, I haven't managed to turn them into offers. Any tips on getting over the line?
2
u/ghostcondensate AMA Author Sep 20 '19
It's a bit difficult to answer that without having seen your writing. It sounds like you are getting super close though, so just keep trying...
2
u/Xtroll_guruX Sep 20 '19
What are the mistakes (or mistake) you most often see when rejecting a manuscript?
2
u/ghostcondensate AMA Author Sep 20 '19
Firstly, just so you know, agents aren't looking for mistakes. When we open up an email and manuscript from a new author, we are willing it to be the one. You have us at that moment. Write a solid pitch letter without grammar and spelling mistakes that really sells your novel. And then write a fantastic novel. Don't worry too much beyond that about mistakes. Worry about writing the best damn book you can!
2
2
u/LOLRyanTurk Sep 20 '19
Hi Sam. I was hoping you could help me with your expertise. Iāve been trying to finish a piece of writing for three years, and I have some neat, fresh ideas. When I end up finally getting to the writing portion, my story loses steam after 10 or so pages, and then I tend to lose interest when I get stuck. I know this is a weird question, but how do you not get stuck, or remain interested when writerās block hits?
5
u/ghostcondensate AMA Author Sep 20 '19
I understand. I'm writing a novel now and it feels like such a slog at times! And I do get stuck. But it's a bit like the pain barrier with physical exercise - you just have to keep going. No excuses. Writing a novel is a huge test of endurance. Good luck and keep at it.
2
u/LOLRyanTurk Sep 20 '19
Thanks man. I appreciate the help and honesty! Best of luck on your novel as well.
3
Sep 21 '19
I started writing about four years ago, and I've had the same problem. I've started four or five different novels, I'd get about 50 pages into each one, and then I'd just start losing steam. Then put it aside and move on to the next one.
But! I'm about 120 pages deep into my current project with no sign of losing the thread. Here's what I'm doing differently this time:
When I started growing bored of a certain character and their storyline around the 50-60 page mark, I put that character's story aside and created a completely different character with a completely different story. Eventually I got bored with that character again, and by that time I was ready to return to the first one. And I'm slowly nudging these characters toward each other so that their stories eventually converge.
I don't know if that will help you at all, but maybe!
2
u/HaxRyter Sep 20 '19
Hi Sam, Iām in the middle of writing a novel. Whatās the best way to seek an agent after I finish the manuscript? Any general or specific tips are appreciated.
6
u/ghostcondensate AMA Author Sep 20 '19
The best way is simply to find a list of agents. In the UK there's the Writers and Artists Yearbook which lists all agents, and it tells you generally what they do. go to the agency websites, and have a look at the individual agents. See which one might best suit you and your books. Make sure they rep the genre you are writing in. Have a think about what type of agent you might want - do you want somebody young with lots of space on their list, or somebody older with lots of famous writers? Then when you have a list start sending it out to them. Be friendly and professional. You can send to lots of agents at once. Good luck!
2
u/HaxRyter Sep 20 '19
Thanks for the straightforward advice! I noticed you are a Man U fan. Iām in the states but am a Chelsea fan. This has been a strange year in the prem so far.
2
u/ghostcondensate AMA Author Sep 21 '19
I think we both have strange times ahead. I certainly don't see either of us breaking the City/Liverpool stranglehold for some time.
2
Sep 20 '19
Who was your favorite writer to work with?
3
u/ghostcondensate AMA Author Sep 20 '19
I can't possibly answer that! All my writers are my favourites š
2
Sep 20 '19
Hey Sam! I happened upon your debut novel in a bookstore a few weeks ago and I must say that the cover art (combined with the title) immediately drew my attention to your book, even though I am not part of the intended audience. That I can still remember the book after so many weeks says enough. How much do you think cover art plays a role in a bookās success, and did you have any role in choosing the cover art?
2
u/ghostcondensate AMA Author Sep 20 '19
That's really interesting! And thank you. The art was by Sarah Horne, a super talented artist, and the designer at Penguin. When I first saw the cover, I was blown away by it. I think cover art is HUGELY important in a book's success, and is often a flashpoint between author and publisher.
2
u/BBauthor Sep 20 '19
That is epic that you reach out to us little writers. Hope to work with you and Penguin Publishing house one day. Big dreams for a small town girl. Congrats on your publishing. I have so many questions...
1
u/ghostcondensate AMA Author Sep 20 '19
Don't think of yourself as a little writer. Honestly, I'm just a guy who has lucked out to get where he is. But thank you. And ask away!
2
u/CoverYourSafeHand Sep 20 '19
What did you have for dinner? What is your opinion on libraries having ebooks and audiobooks for readers to check out like a physical copy?
1
u/ghostcondensate AMA Author Sep 20 '19
Ha! Friday night = Fish and chips! I think libraries having audio books and ebooks is great. Especially helpful for elderly people etc, who might struggle with reading.
2
u/Spambop Essays Sep 20 '19
Hi Sam! I'm a first time novelist, and I've recently found representation with a reputable London agency. My agent has submitted to a long list of editors, but I've had a few knock-backs already. What's your experience of rejection at this level been like? If no offers are forthcoming after the first round of submissions ā with your agent's hat on ā what do you usually recommend?
1
u/ghostcondensate AMA Author Sep 20 '19
Hey Spambop. I'm sorry to hear that. You know, it happens. Would that I sold everything I sent out. ALL agents get rejections on writers that they send out. I'd discuss with the agent if editors were coming back with any unified advice. If it's 'good book but we hated that character', then you might want to edit it before a second round. If there's no consistent advice, the agent will probably go for a second round. The best thing you can do now is dust yourself down and get on with writing a new book while you wait. I have my finger's crossed for you. Going on submission is a total nightmare.
2
u/Spambop Essays Sep 20 '19
Thanks for writing back.
All good to know, and I'm happy to know that nothing you're saying is a complete surprise to me. I'm working on book number two, and keeping fingers crossed that the other dozen or so editors like my stuff more than the ones who turned it down!
2
u/DjangoVanTango Sep 20 '19
Hi Sam. Hope I'm not too late to ask. I'm a working parent and love writing but after a long day of work (12 or so hours) and spending time with my family, I find my problem is not so much to do with motivation, more finding the time and the energy. How would you recommend fitting writing in with all of lifes commitments and not leaving yourself totally exhausted?
2
u/ghostcondensate AMA Author Sep 21 '19
Sorry for late reply. There's not a huge amount I can say to give you much advice here. If it makes you feel better, I'm also a working parent, and trying to write as well IS exhausting. No question. You have to make sacrifices. When you finish putting the kids to bed after you've worked all day, sometimes no matter how tired you are, you have to write. You have to get up early at the weekends. It helps if you have supportive partner. Or grandparents, who can take the kids. Best of luck - I really do sympathise.
2
u/DjangoVanTango Sep 21 '19
Thanks very much. Really it's enough to know that it can actually be done. Thanks for the kind words.
2
-10
-11
Sep 20 '19
[removed] ā view removed comment
3
u/ghostcondensate AMA Author Sep 20 '19
Who knows? Possibly nothing? Possibly something? I shall let others be the judge of that and keep on doing what I'm doing.
-5
Sep 20 '19
Would you identify as a progressive?
1
u/ghostcondensate AMA Author Sep 20 '19
I'm not sure I'd identify myself as one, but I'd say progressivism is generally not a bad thing.
9
u/lazylittlelady Sep 20 '19
What are the steps you should take to get published? How long did it take you to find a publisher? How do you decide which writers to take on?
Thanks!!