Mark Robson
Dragon Writer
Re: Ask your publishing questions here
My process on deciding what to write next is based on research in schools. As I write for YA, I go to the school librarians and ask them what the young people are reading most. At the moment, they will tell you that the boys are mainly reading Anthony Horowitz, Robert Muchamore and Charlie Higson. The girls are reading Jacqueline Wilson, Malorie Blackman and Celia Rees. This knowledge gave me an inside track on what spin to take. Boys are into spies and assassins right now. Girls are more into real life, but do still like something of a fantasy element - hence Imperial Spy - a spy story with a heroine lead, set in a fantasy world. With a punchy title and the ingredients that are popular, I felt I set myself up well to succeed with the pitch.
It has been difficult for me to admit, but I have finally come to accept the fact that dragons sell fantasy books in large numbers. Hence my next pitch will be a dragon story with a difference. My question is: Is my reasoning sound? I'm sure the publishers must look at what basic themes are selling well, but do they then actively look for titles to cash in on this?
My process on deciding what to write next is based on research in schools. As I write for YA, I go to the school librarians and ask them what the young people are reading most. At the moment, they will tell you that the boys are mainly reading Anthony Horowitz, Robert Muchamore and Charlie Higson. The girls are reading Jacqueline Wilson, Malorie Blackman and Celia Rees. This knowledge gave me an inside track on what spin to take. Boys are into spies and assassins right now. Girls are more into real life, but do still like something of a fantasy element - hence Imperial Spy - a spy story with a heroine lead, set in a fantasy world. With a punchy title and the ingredients that are popular, I felt I set myself up well to succeed with the pitch.
It has been difficult for me to admit, but I have finally come to accept the fact that dragons sell fantasy books in large numbers. Hence my next pitch will be a dragon story with a difference. My question is: Is my reasoning sound? I'm sure the publishers must look at what basic themes are selling well, but do they then actively look for titles to cash in on this?