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Read, read, read and then read some more
I get to kick off our first Monday of Ask the Editor. I’m not sure whose idea this was (I think it was Sasha’s, I’ll blame her). Every Monday, a different Samhain editor will be blogging. Though we’ll blog on a topic, you’re welcome to “ask the editor” any questions you may have, on any topic, in the comments. This is our way of making ourselves accessible to everyone who may have a question but doesn’t have direct access to us. Just don’t ask “why did you reject me”. We won’t answer that one ;)
I got into publishing first and foremost because I’m an avid reader. I love to read—and when I typed that, I typo’d it, “I live to read” and that’s probably true too. I love books, love the stories, the characters, the plots. That hasn’t changed since I’ve started working in publishing. What has changed is how much time I have for “pleasure” reading.
It used to be that I read a book a day. Now, I read about two a week. Last year I read around 125 books total, which is roughly one every three days. I think that’s a pretty good average considering some weeks I finished only one book a week. I’m a speed reader, so it’s not as good as it could be, some months were slower than others. I’m happy with how much I read, though I’d like to read more. And there’s one thing I do know—I should never get to the point where I’m not reading at all or am reading very little.
I’ve heard authors say that once they started writing, started really devoting time to their own road to publishing, their time for reading was cut drastically (like I said above, I’m there with you) but some have said they read almost not at all. “No time” is what I hear.
I cannot stress how important I think reading is to authors, editors and others in the industry. Not only does it help you keep your finger on the pulse of the market, but it’s a way to support other authors, a means of researching the publishers you’re targeting (you should always know what kind of product they put out, to know if they’re right for you), it’s an avenue of learning—we all have room to learn in our skills! and it’s just plain a source of pleasure. A way to recapture your love of books when you want to set yours on fire. Plus, when you go to conferences, if you haven’t read any books, you’ll find yourself lost amid the sea of conversations about this book and that. You want to be able to talk about books other than your own, or even you will get tired of the sound of your voice ;)
Reading for pleasure is the foundation of our business and it’s something we should all carve time out of our schedules for. Just as doctors need to find the time to keep up with their field, so do authors and editors. I believe an author who’s not reading is an author who runs the risk of growing stagnant (though I’m sure there are authors out there who are examples to prove me wrong) and that doesn’t just affect how readers see your work—it affects the spark you once had for your work.
So, read any good books lately?
Like you, I no longer have time to read a book a day, but it’s pretty easy to read two a week. You left off one reason to keep reading as a writer; it keeps that part of the mind that produces fiction in tune. It’s also fodder for the Muse. I read all kinds of nonfiction in addition to fiction and I never know what combination of things will spark a what-if in my head. Great post! Reading is essential.
What I’m reading now: Zen and the Art of Writing, Ray Bradbury. Jacob, Jacquelyn Frank. Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats, TS Elliot (a favorite I keep going back to)
I appear to be the rare writer who’s not lost reading time, at least not in a big way.
I’m still reading close to 300 books a year—275 last year. I think I’d be off my rocker without reading.
Sigh. Someone’s going to mock me about my blog name now.
The last really good book I read was Alison Tyler’s Sticky Fingers.
Ah, I’m with you all the way, Angie. :-)
I just finished reading The Stand (Stephen King). If anything that length ever lands in my inbox, I may scream, but it’s gone way up toward the top of my list of ‘all time favourite books’.
Immi
For me reading and writing are undeniably linked. When I read less, my drive to write will wane a bit. The more I read, and the more really good books I read, the easier it is for me to lose myself in my own writing, and for some reason the words often come easier and faster too.
Downside: When you’re reading a book you’re really caught up in (Meljean Brook’s Demon Angel for example) sometimes its too damn hard to put down to get some work done.
Hi Angie
I’ve got a question regarding the two books per week you read for pleasure. Do they tend to be in the same genres you edit or are they different?
Just curious!
Syd, I so agree with that. I have a whole stack of books I’m dying to read. And I find if I start a book that I’m loving, it’s hard to break from that to work, so I try to limit my reading to in bed at night and reading on the weekends. Blech.
Jennifer, I read a lot of fantasy and romance. While I do edit some fantasy, the percentage is small (only because I haven’t had a lot of submissions in that genre) and I also edit quite a bit of romance, obviously. But I find that while I enjoy editing erotic romance, it ends up comprising a smaller percentage of my pleasure reading.
Also, I love editing historicals and contemporaries, but I end up reading more paranormals. I think I strive for more of a balance in my editing than I do in my reading. And I said this, but I do notice that I read more fantasy. It’s one of my favorite genres :)
At the holidays my family likes to give me things to “help” with my writing. That’s how I got most of my reference books, but this year I had one request: romance books! I’ve read more anthologies this year than any other, too.
I like how the short stories give me that “feel-good-vibe”, but leave me time to write. They also let me discover those authors I might not have otherwise read.
I’m like May – I possibly read more now than I ever did before. Part of this is due to the fact that e-books are much, much quicker to read – I’m one of those ‘speed-readers’ and I only slow down if I really love a book, when of course I don’t want it to end!
I do prefer reading paperbacks, though, and keep a stack of them on the floor by the bed. Currently I’m re-reading a manga series called Pet Shop of Horrors, plus making my way through Balthasar’s Odyssey by Amin Maalouf, The Sheltering Sky by Paul Bowles, a non-fiction book on folklore in Qing Dynasty China, and a Mills & Boon historical romance.
The last book I finished was Hannibal Rising by Thomas Harris, which annoyed the heck out of me with an editorial error on the first page!
I wish I could remember where I read this, but I read somewhere that Thomas Harris is incredibly resistant to editing—like a “take my manuscript as it is” type of thing. I wonder if that includes typos? lolol
And I didn’t read Hannibal Rising because I was so irate after I read Hannibal—the one book in my life I point to as a wallbanger.due to my sheer unhappiness with the ending. Gah!
This is my first visit to your blog—I love it!
Many years ago as a tutor in my college writing center, I stumbled upon what I now regard as a universal truth: the more you read, the better you write. Period. If that’s true for students, surely it’s true for writers and editors!
I read somewhere that Thomas Harris is incredibly resistant to editing—like a “take my manuscript as it is” type of thing. I wonder if that includes typos?
You know, Angela, you could well be right on that point. The offending sentence reads: “[...] like painted Attic shards held together by blank plaster.” This is a very common mistake (it should be ‘sherds’) and one that always drives me batty – probably because I’m a Classical archaeologist and I’ve fiddled with sherds far more than I have with shards LOL.
I find it hard to believe that Harris, who is an erudite man, wouldn’t know this, but never mind. That was the first error but not the only one. Plus the plot was terribly contrived and Hannibal’s family history was laughable. Thankfully I was given my copy to review or I’d have been seriously annoyed. You’re not missing anything by giving it a miss!
I love to read also! I was that kid who asked for books at Christmas while other kids were asking for toys and video games. I could never have enough of them.
Consequently, my house is full of them. There are books everywhere. On my desk, on my night stand, on the coffee table, stacked on the floor. My book shelf is over flowing. It drives my husband crazy.
I love to read all sorts of genres, but my favorite has always been fantasy. I recently re read the entire Lord of the Rings series. I also love all sorts of fairy tales and Greek myths. So many stories make references to classic mythology that I’ve found it is helpful to have a good basic understanding of the myths. I love and highly recommend Edith Hamilton’s book of Greek Mythology, its old, but very good.
I also love the paranormal stuff too, mostly vampire stuff. I have Anne Rice’s entire Vampire Chronicles as well as all the Anita Blake books. (Which I know some people don’t like, but hey, everyone has a right to their own opinion.)
I totally agree that to be a good writer you have to read. Its good mental practice, and it keeps you current.
Yes, yes, yes!
I can’t not read. If I didn’t have at least one book going at any given time, I’d be itching to find one. (Although when deadlines are breathing down my back, I might set my reading material aside just to tempt myself to finish quicker. Sort of a carrot vs. stick arrangement.)
Though I write contemporary romance, I find that a big chunk of my pleasure reading is paranormal, historical, or romantic suspense. I read contemporary, too, because I love it, but I find that when I’m working on a book I unconsciously avoid it. Probably so it doesn’t “bleed” into my own work.
Current book: The Dream Thief, Shana Abe. Most recent book, Tame Me, Caroline Cross (definitely recommended!).
I miss reading as much as I used to before I became a writer, but I absolutely still read. In fact, if I don’t get to read every day I get cranky. And what I mostly read is romance, because #1 I write it, and #2 I love it. I typically have about 3 books going around here at the same time, and pick one up to read depending on what room in the house I’m in.
Yes, it’s madness, but it works for me. lol
Currently reading an ARC of Succubus Blues by Richelle Mead and an ARC of Visions of Heat by Nalini Singh
Oh Kate, I’ve been dying to read The Dream Thief because I loved The Smoke Thief. I wish they wouldn’t have released them in hardcover first pout.
J, I know your mind works like mine ;) I got Succubus Blues in the mail this weekend and I read Visions of Heat last week—very good book, Nalini is such a talented author!
One of my New Year’s Resolutions is to read MORE. I used to be an avid reader until I started writing. Then my time became absorbed by putting words on the page. But each time I do give myself the break and sit to read a new book, I come back rejuvinized and excited. I really think I’m going to “schedule” time to make sure I’m reading…after all, it’s how my love for writing began!
I love to read. I have piles of books friends and family send me, on top of the ones I buy. The TBR pile is huge! But I’m getting through it. One day I will find the perfect balance between reading and writing. Both are done sporadically.
Right now I finished up Janet Evanovich’s Twelve Sharp followed by Danse Macarbe by Laurell K. Hamilton. Both deliciously different and satisfying.
Now off I go to work on the next project with my writing partner for Samhain.
Sasha
www.gabriellahewitt.com
Dark Water — Samhain Publishing; Fall 2007
I used to read all the time, but just can’t find much time any more. My husband bought me “Hannibal” for the holidays, but I haven’t opened it yet (but I warned him that I might not get to it right away).
Now, this isn’t to say I don’t read at all. I read school text books all the time (roughly 6 a semester), I conduct a LOT of research (up to and including a course on the Holocaust so I can edit and rework a book I wrote last year) and I have read about 6 books on writing and self-editing fiction (which in my delusional mind would qualify as pleasure reading). My only stipulation on reading is that I won’t read anything that is related to what I am writing (so when working on a vampire book, I won’t read Ann Rice for example. Right now I can’t read anything by Toliken)
I guess my question stems from curiosity (I do believe I was a cat in a past life—except for the fact that I adore dogs) How are submitted books given to/selected by editors? Is it random or based on genre? If an editor reads a book by a certain author, does a partnership between them develop so that every book the author writes goes to the same editor every time?
As I said, I was just curious. I have always wondered. And even if you answer, I would then still ahve to wonder if the answers apply everywhere or just at Samhain. :)
Reading is like breathing. Life can’t be lived without it. I read (and write) historicals – mainly Regencies and Victorians – but will pick up nearly anything that catches my eye. If it has some history in it – so much the better. As, someone else said, I find that reading makes my writing better. If I didn’t read, I think my writing would get stale – and that would benefit no one.
Oh, and Sarah, I love mythology and fairy tales. I’ve read them from nearly every culture. Hamilton’s Mythology is a standard on my shelves. I also own books of myths, fairy tales, legends, and folklore from around the world. I never get enough of them. For me, it’s a natural outgrowth of loving history so much.
I just finished reading Christina Dodd’s final Princess book, A Prince Kidnaps A Bride, and started Susan Carroll’s Midnight Bride.
Barb, the process is different at the different publishers, so I can only tell you how we do it, because I know other publishers that do it much differently.
Submissions come in to the editors one of two ways—either through the editor@samhainpublishing.com email or as a direct sub from someone. Direct subs are usually people who’ve been referred by an author already signed with the editor, and it doesn’t guarantee that that editor will end up reading it, we sometimes have to pass on these due to time constraints :(
Submissions that go to the editor@ inbox are all looked at by Marty, our Reviews/Submissions coordinator. She looks to make sure the submission has all the necessary components and isn’t inappropriate (Ie, like poetry, which we don’t accept). Once she has the complete submission, she sends it out to one of the editors. She has an idea of what each editor dislikes and knows what not to send them, but most everyone has broad tastes, so that’s not too much of a task.
The editor@ inbox is divvied up among the newer editors (older editors have a pretty full contingent of authors and read less from the “slush pile”) so no one editor is overwhelmed.
Once an editor has read a sub from an author, repeated subs go directly to them. If an author is accepted, they then sub direct to that editor.
I should mention that editors can recognize a book is good, but not to their taste, so there will be times when they’ll ask for another editor to take a look, so it gets a fair shot.
And there will be times when an author will work with a different editor within the company—for instance, special projects (anthologies) are edited by one editor, so no matter who the author’s editor is, they’ll work with the anthology editor.
Hope that answers your question!
I have to read! Like Denise, to me it’s as essential as breathing. And like Jaci, I get cranky if I don’t get reading time every day, even if its only a few pages. It helps me let go of the million and one things swirling around in my mind at night, allowing me to relax enough so I can sleep. Reading someone elses work silences my pesky characters so I can have some peace and quiet. <g> Otherwise, they never shut up.
I’d love to have more reading time, but my writing has definitely cut into my available time. The two go hand in hand, however. When I don’t make time to read, I find myself having to push myself to write, which is never good. Finding a happy balance can be difficult, but well worth the effort.
Very interesting, Thanks!
I wish I could say I’ve kept up with reading in the way I’d like. Something “happened” when I started writing, and I’m not sure what it was. That “thing” mostly happened with romances—I simply stopped enjoying them as much. But I’ve always gone in huge cycles of reading—a decade as a scifi fan, a decade as a fantasy fan, nonfiction, biographies, etc. I’m reading a lot of history and political commentary right now, as well as rereading some “classics”. I don’t think that’s necessarily a bad thing, because the more you learn, the more richness you can bring to your own stories. I just finished Vanity Fair for the third time in 50 years :o)
I used to read a book a day but between kiddo #3 and writing, I can’t do that anymore. However, I do try and read every day because I love to read and because it’s a great recharge for my batteries.
I read all over the map – romance in all genres, science fiction, fantasy, paranormals, horror, straight lit, etc. Give me a good story, I don’t care what box it fits in. Sometimes I wander outside my normal fare and I’m blown away – I read Caitlin R. Kiernan’s Murder of Angels last year and truly, it left me totally speechless. After that I went out to look for fantasy horror but no one so far has fit the bill the way she did.
I just finished Jaci’s Surviving Demon Island and loved it and Megan Hart’s Dirty which I can’t say enough positive about.
I have NJ Walters’ Return of Patrick O’Rourke, Charli’s The Gripping Beast and Mac’s Bound for the Holidays in my ebook tbr pile and yesterday I picked up Colleen Gleason’s new one, Eileen Wilks’ Bloodlines and Christine Warren’s She’s No Faerie Princess.
I’ve always been a big reader. I remember staying up late with a flashlight, reading while listening for mom or dad’s footsteps outside my door. LOL
Yes, time for pleasure reading is less now. Editing and kids will definitely do that. I’m lucky that my kids are big readers as well. I have 3 five-shelf bookcases with kids books—from board books to chapter books. I read the Harry Potter books along with the kids. I was able to revisit Little House on the Prairie with them. Our current read—Anne of Green Gables.
My husband shakes his head at the quantity of books in the house. But I wouldn’t have it any other way. I have a huge TBR pile and my goal is to read 2-3 books for pleasure a week. It’s doable because I’m a fairly fast reader.
Books I’m reading now? A book on Norse Mythology, rereading Persuasion (Jane Austen) and the latest Katie MacAllister.
Last year I took part in the Harlequin 100 book challenge and managed about 174 books, covering pretty much every genre. I love Sci-fi and fantasy and I think my favorite series I read last year was the Empire of Man series by David Weber and John Ringo.
My TBR pile….um, well DH has imposed book bans on and off for the last few years hoping that it will dwindle a bit…no such luck.
Oddly enough, the last few books I’ve read have been Star Trek Voyager novels. blush Spike started playing reruns a few days ago, but just before Christmas they did a week long marathon and it got me obsessed again.
Oh, reading is so important!
I do think that sometimes people forget the little times that they can read. I grab a book when I’m watching tv and read during commercials, a time I find I can read quite a bit. Of course, I also go to bed earlier than most people I know so that I can fit in an hour or so of reading each night (okay, so some of that time is spent doing ahem other things).
And reading stimulates the brain! I’d think all authors would make time just for that!
Jennie, I imposed a book ban on myself the month of December. I wasn’t allowed to buy any books. I made it to December 30th, and then I had to buy a couple books to take advantage of the end of year sales ;) And my husband, who’s the best, read my blog and took note of all the books I wanted to buy when my ban was over. He bought them for me for Christmas! (well, all the ones that were available).
I go crazy if I don’t have a book to read. Like many other writers, I don’t have the time I used to, but I still have something going all the time. (And, yes, sometimes more than one.) I read all over the board, but mostly romance in one sub-genre or another. I just finished a paranormal romance, Jacob by Jacquelyn Frank – great! Can’t wait to read Nalini’s new one.
If I didn’t have a TBR pile I’d be worried :)
Angie, what a nice hubby…
Does anyone else have to watch what they read, and when?
While editing or revising, I can read pretty much anything. But while writing I have to steer clear of my own genre or that inner editor grows fangs the size of Bangkok.
//shudder\\
I read to live. If there is nothing readable in the house, I turn to milk cartons, the back of the aspirin bottle. Relief needs to arrive soon when I’ve reached that point.
I have to read to write, words unknown to me may sparkle within someone else’s writing. New ways to arrange old words. It is about the sound,rythmn,use of words not the story for me.
Could someone explain the technical differences in genres, romance,chik lit,woman’s lit. How would a story such as Indiana Jones with a female protaginist be “genre’d”?
I’m reading “Plain Jane”, Laurien Gardner. “Rapture in Death”, J.D. Robb and James Lovell’s account of his years as an astronuat (Apollo 13).
I love “I live to read.” That’s me. I can’t imagine not reading. I’d probably get grumpy. I too find myself reading the back of cereal boxes. Heck, I read signs on car trips.
I don’t get to read as much as I’d like to these days but I think I average about 4-7 books a month. Sometimes more or less. I read a lot of romance, but also read other things like Stephen King (read Cell in December) and Jeff Lindsay (Dexter series).
My oldest has become a complete and utter bookworm. I love it! I’m getting to share books I read as a child with her. We are both awaiting book releases in February (me: Robin Schone, her: Secrets of Droon).
Great topic. And thanks for the information on submissions.
Angela – DH sounds like a gem;)
Jeanie – DH imposed the same book ban. I stopped buying for a while but luckily family
and friends conspire against him. The TBR pile keeps growing due to their generous donations.
Emma – I hear you on reading certain genre books when I’m writing. It is a big no-no. I can’t do it, otherwise it filters into the voice or worse narrative. Yikes!
If I’m writing a serious paranormal suspense then I’ll read a comedy. If I’m writing a romantic suspense then I drown myself in fantasy or paranormals.
Jackie – I was reading Janet Evanovich’s latest release on how to write. And she mentions that her Plum series fits no specific genre. She let the publisher figure it out. You write the book the way you want and let the editor figure where it best goes. Some of the best books have a little bit of something from other genres. If it is good enough, trust me they’ll find a place to make you fit.
Angela, Thank you. That did answer the question. I have just always been curious as to the way the publishing industry works. I am still slowly learning the whole e-book field (And still somewhat confused, but I’ll catch on sooner or later). Old fashioned that I am at times, it will be a very slow process.
Emma: I am the same way when I write. I can’t read anything if it pertains to what I am working on (with very few exceptions—I can conduct research). Which is why I am now working on a fantasy story (my DH bought me three horror/thriller books and wants me to read before school takes over my life)
I read the Evanovich book on writing (another holiday present) and found it very interesting. The writing tips are the same as the other books I studied while editing, but the thought processes that go into her work was what I enjoyed reading.
OK for the Plum fans: Am I the only one who wants to shake Stephanie and scream “Decide already!!!!”? (of course if she would just make a decision and live with it for an entire book or book and a half, I would be appeased for a few more books of indecision) Maybe I am the only one who is going crazy, but I am afraid that if it gets to book 17 and she still can’t decide between Ranger and Morelli, I may stop reading the series (I am getting that annoyed)
Maybe it’s just me.
Barb
Although writing deadlines have slowed down the amount of books I read, it has in no way prevented me from doing so. I still read a book a day, whether it’s one from my keeper shelves or a new book I’ve just discovered.
My DH banned book purchases last year and after a week lifted it. He couldn’t stand the muttering and pitiful glances I kept tossing his way. LOL.
As for me, I write paranormal and sci-fi/futuristic romance, and those happen to be the books I gravitate toward reading. But I do love romantic suspense and contemporary as well.
Barb – you and me both sweety.
But I have already concluded that Ranger will win. He has already won my heart. ;)
Reminds me I want the next Plum book. Still contemplating who will get my Christmas money. I’ve been spying some new titles here…
Hello Ladies,
I’m glad to see I’m not too late to join in.
I love reading and read something everyday, but what I read depends on my moods or what I want my mood to be.
I know exactly what book to read when I am melancholy, happy, sad, indifferent or angry. I know how to satisfy and feed those feelings and also how to change my mood with
This means that I read fewer books (I have no idea how many, I have never counted, maybe I will try this year) because I read them over and over again.
I also keep book in lots of odd places, like inside the pillow case with the pillow or in the basket of spare towels in the bathroom.
I’m very impressed by how many books some of you read in a year. I’m lucky if I can read a book a week, much less 100 or more in a year’s time.
Last year, I set a goal of 50 books, which is a pretty reasonable number for me considering I work part time in retail, and on manuscripts and promoting when I’m not doing that. I read a total of 58 books in 2006. Still, that’s a far cry from 100 or more.
How do you do it? I used to think I was a fast reader, but now I’m not so sure…