Ask the Author: Katlyn Charlesworth
Answered Questions (4)
Katlyn Charlesworth
Thank you for your excellent question, Bobby! Since I was very little, I have been fascinated by history in general. Whatever era, culture, event, or ancient concept I happened upon, I would learn everything there was available to me regarding that particular subject. I certainly credit this early exposure to such varied aspects of history as the fuel to my fire as an historical fiction author. As a writer, I consider my methods a bit unorthodox. When I happen upon a new historical subject that inspires my next work, I will first just generally research the event or individual. And then, as I write, I will begin to add in more specific details to cement the historical aura. When a subject really sticks with me, I will explore every avenue. But, usually, once I near the end of the writing process, I feel ready to move on. I do not think any other author has as short of an attention span as I do. :) It's a wonder I get any writing done at all.
Katlyn Charlesworth
The publishing world is a tough and vast space, but ultimately, there are two main venues for an author to consider:
1. Professional Publishing: This is the "classic" form of publishing, where an author submits an excerpt of their work to a publishing house that is accepting submissions. However, it is important to note that many companies will not consider a work if it is unattached (meaning that it is not sent through an agent). For the lucky ones, merely mailing in a few chapters worth of your book can be enough for a publisher to "pick you up". But, know that if you choose to go this route, you must be prepared for possible rejection.
2. Self Publishing: This is the newest form of publishing, where the author uses a usually online-based company to manufacture their books (like Amazon's CreateSpace). The author is able to retain all rights to their work, including the way the book is published, which retailers receive the book, and what sort of advertisement is used to promote the work. However, in order to have the same level of promotion and widespread availability that comes with professional publishing, you have to pay for it. A lot of people do not have the thousands of dollars required for their book to be displayed at a single book fair, so self-publishing can be limiting in this regard. But, more and more professional publishers are examining self-published works, so there is the potential for a self-published author to be "picked up" by a company who happens to read their work and thoroughly enjoy it.
Ultimately, it is up to the individual author as to what they prefer to do. If someone is serious about getting their book out there as the next great novel, I recommend sending a manuscript to several professional publishing houses. Should you have little luck there, self-publishing can be a great stepping stone. But, if you simply wish to put your work out there for readers to find on their own, retain all rights to how your book is sold and advertised, and are not expecting a large profit from sales, self-publishing is the best route. Remember: don't give up on your work! There are so many opportunities for a budding author in today's world, so keep trying to get your book out there for the world to read.
I hope this sheds a bit of light on the crazy, confusing world of publishing. Thanks for asking, Katie! – Katlyn
1. Professional Publishing: This is the "classic" form of publishing, where an author submits an excerpt of their work to a publishing house that is accepting submissions. However, it is important to note that many companies will not consider a work if it is unattached (meaning that it is not sent through an agent). For the lucky ones, merely mailing in a few chapters worth of your book can be enough for a publisher to "pick you up". But, know that if you choose to go this route, you must be prepared for possible rejection.
2. Self Publishing: This is the newest form of publishing, where the author uses a usually online-based company to manufacture their books (like Amazon's CreateSpace). The author is able to retain all rights to their work, including the way the book is published, which retailers receive the book, and what sort of advertisement is used to promote the work. However, in order to have the same level of promotion and widespread availability that comes with professional publishing, you have to pay for it. A lot of people do not have the thousands of dollars required for their book to be displayed at a single book fair, so self-publishing can be limiting in this regard. But, more and more professional publishers are examining self-published works, so there is the potential for a self-published author to be "picked up" by a company who happens to read their work and thoroughly enjoy it.
Ultimately, it is up to the individual author as to what they prefer to do. If someone is serious about getting their book out there as the next great novel, I recommend sending a manuscript to several professional publishing houses. Should you have little luck there, self-publishing can be a great stepping stone. But, if you simply wish to put your work out there for readers to find on their own, retain all rights to how your book is sold and advertised, and are not expecting a large profit from sales, self-publishing is the best route. Remember: don't give up on your work! There are so many opportunities for a budding author in today's world, so keep trying to get your book out there for the world to read.
I hope this sheds a bit of light on the crazy, confusing world of publishing. Thanks for asking, Katie! – Katlyn
Katlyn Charlesworth
Ooo... That's a really difficult question to answer! One book for the rest of my life? It sounds quite a bit like torture.
I am a huge fan (and I mean HUGE) of F. Scott Fitzgerald, especially of "The Great Gatsby". However, I do have a great love for any of Jane Austen's works—my favorite being "Pride & Prejudice", of course. And yet, the book I'd select would not be either of these. Instead that single book is Emily Brontë's "Wuthering Heights". I think that classic embodies a bit of both Fitzgerald and Austen's works. I guess that's my way of getting away with having 'more than one' book for the rest of my life.
I am a huge fan (and I mean HUGE) of F. Scott Fitzgerald, especially of "The Great Gatsby". However, I do have a great love for any of Jane Austen's works—my favorite being "Pride & Prejudice", of course. And yet, the book I'd select would not be either of these. Instead that single book is Emily Brontë's "Wuthering Heights". I think that classic embodies a bit of both Fitzgerald and Austen's works. I guess that's my way of getting away with having 'more than one' book for the rest of my life.
Katlyn Charlesworth
That's a tough one! But I have to say my answer would be, "inspiring emotion in other people." To have the sort of power where you can bring a person to tears, illicit a smile to their face, or have them roaring with laughter is a true gift that is not to be taken lightly. If you can touch base with at least one of those on a minimal level, you have achieved something great, indeed.
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