Publishing

Question: What causes an editor to publish a book?

Answer:

> It has a great hook. [That’s “hook,” not “book.”]

> It teaches me something new.

> It’s the first. Or the best. Or both.

> The author has the self-promoter gene.

> It features a smart person writing on a fun subject.

> It’s similar—but not too similar—to books we’ve done well with in recent memory.

> It has crossover appeal to kids and adults, men and women.

> It’s quirky/surprising/memorable.

Comment: Any one or a combination of these characteristics can produce a winner, says the author. RayS.

Title: “Why an Editor Says ‘Yes’… to a Book.” Marian Lizzi. The Writer (June 2012), 30-31.