Lindstrom Literary Management LLC

Q What expectations do you have for an author's second book? A Naturally everyone wants strong sales for a first and second book or any thereafter. But in terms of what kind of book is best to follow the debut novel, a book in the same genre or style is what I recommend. Publishers are trying to build on the success of a first novel by having a follow-up that appeals to the readers that bought it, and hopefully expands that interest. So if your first book was a thriller, the publisher wouldn't be happy if you turned in a romance novel (unless it was romantic suspense to begin with) for the second title. Often when a publisher is considering buying that first book, they will ask for at least an outline and generally several chapters for books two and sometimes three. Authors need to demonstrate that they are not 'one- trick ponies.'

Q Do you recommend having a publicist? A Absolutely. If you can afford a publicist, this would be an investment in your future sales. Publishers are not always able to do a lot of marketing and publicity for every book, so a publicist can have a real impact on your book's success. This is especially true for fiction writers, as opposed to non-fiction writers who are established in their fields and may have more opportunities to promote their books.

News and Views

Q Do you have certain publishers with which you have better relationships?

A I can't say that I do. Such relationships can be somewhat organic as there can be a random factor as to which companies buy what manuscripts. And I'm dealing with publishers mostly through their editors; naturally you connect with some people more than with others. Editors may move from one publisher to another over the course of their careers, and hopefully a good relationship continues in their new digs.

Q How would you describe your ideal client?

A An ideal client is someone who has a history in writing, though not necessarily a published history. I prefer clients who have been honing their material over years, and who have more than one book completed. Also, I like writers who are looking ahead to future projects rather than completing one novel and then waiting to see what happens. I've found that the best clients have to write; it's practically in their genes. Often I'm approached by people who have retired from long careers in other fields and only then start to write fiction as their 'second career.' Likewise someone who has spent 15 years producing one novel. It's difficult to help these folks because publishers and agents are looking for writers who have a real future in publishing --20 years or more? -- and who may have to produce a manuscript a year.