The Times They Are A-Changing by Debra H. Goldstein
Bob Dylan wrote his anthem styled tribute to the way the world was changing in the 1960’s. It’s lyrics ring true today, but this isn’t a political blog post. Rather, it is an observation of the changes in publishing and how authors are pivoting to stay relevant (and published).
When I began writing seriously a decade ago, my first books were characterized as academic or traditional mysteries. My Sarah Blair series was marketed as being cozy. The first two books I wrote were orphaned by their respective publishers, which necessitated me writing something different or give up writing. That’s when I came up with Sarah Blair, a woman more frightened of the kitchen than murder.
I was thrilled when Kensington made me an offer for my cozy, One Taste Too Many. I felt blessed. I didn’t know how much that was true until I started hearing about another publisher who was phasing out their cozy line of books resulting in authors scrambling for new homes. Most didn’t find one.
Some gave up writing. Others turned to self-publishing. Many began writing stand-alone suspense and light thrillers. Today, authors of these kind of books are pivoting again because they are discovering that the demand is for more over the top action in mysteries and romantasy.
Does it reflect readers’ desire for escapism? Is it a marketing analysis strategy? I don’t know. All I’m certain of is that The Times They Are A-Changing.
Hopefully, we’ll find a way to keep you as a reader. But tell us, what kind of books do you want to read and why?
