Ask the Author: David J. Krajicek
Answered Questions (3)
David J. Krajicek
Hey, thanks for asking. I haven't had a chance to see "Once Upon a Time..." yet but hope to. I think the most informative video treatment of the Manson story is the 1973 documentary by Robert Hendrickson and Laurence Merrick. The barn segment that shows the three women (Fromme and two others) fondling guns and affirming their willingness to murder on Manson's behalf is the most enduring illustration of his domination as a cult leader. Its glimpses at life on the ranch also are fascinating. Thanks again for asking. David K
David J. Krajicek
Hi, Gita.
Sure, if your name is Richard Ford.
A couple of years ago, the NYTimes said short stories were hot:
"Story collections, an often underappreciated literary cousin of novels, are experiencing a resurgence, driven by a proliferation of digital options that offer not only new creative opportunities but exposure and revenue as well." (http://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/16/boo...)
"Revenue as well." Now there's a phrase every writer can appreciate.
I'm not sure this rosy outlook has been proven in the marketplace. You don't see short story collections on best-seller lists. (The exception is erotica, which dominates Amazon's down-market anthology lists.)
The problem is that short story collections for new authors are tough sells for agents. More typically, you publish a novel or two first, then follow up with a story collection after establishing a readership base.
What's most striking about your note is this: "an agent in NY contacted me to ask if I was represented." That's pretty rare.
I assume the agent understands his/her market with publishers. So my advice would be: Ask what he/she could sell, then come up with a project that melds what you want with what the market wants. David K
Sure, if your name is Richard Ford.
A couple of years ago, the NYTimes said short stories were hot:
"Story collections, an often underappreciated literary cousin of novels, are experiencing a resurgence, driven by a proliferation of digital options that offer not only new creative opportunities but exposure and revenue as well." (http://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/16/boo...)
"Revenue as well." Now there's a phrase every writer can appreciate.
I'm not sure this rosy outlook has been proven in the marketplace. You don't see short story collections on best-seller lists. (The exception is erotica, which dominates Amazon's down-market anthology lists.)
The problem is that short story collections for new authors are tough sells for agents. More typically, you publish a novel or two first, then follow up with a story collection after establishing a readership base.
What's most striking about your note is this: "an agent in NY contacted me to ask if I was represented." That's pretty rare.
I assume the agent understands his/her market with publishers. So my advice would be: Ask what he/she could sell, then come up with a project that melds what you want with what the market wants. David K
David J. Krajicek
Buy a backhoe and learn to operate it. In no time, you'll be rich as Rockefeller.
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