Breaking Into Literary Circles

Publishing is all about art, isn't it? You write a masterpiece of exquisite prose and you will surely be published, garner media attention, and quit your day job to pursue writing.

True, as long as you have the right connections.

How is it that Nathaniel Rich managed to get no less than five mentions of his book in a short period of time?

Two separate reviews in the New York Times, an article in the New York Times referencing his novel, a starring role in the Editor's Choice section of the New York Times, and another plug for his novel in an article about his family. In the New York Times.

While you're polishing your manuscript, you'd be well served to improve your family if you want to sell your novel.

It's all pure coincidence, they say, but when your mother is an executive editor at HarperCollins, you can't discount her influence among the literary circle that spins in New York City, the center of the publishing universe.

Even short story writers hoping to get themselves noticed via Amazon's Kindle Shorts store have to be in good standing with the man who runs the shop. David Blum picks what gets put out there, and he's picking from a select pool. You have to wonder if he's paying back those who stuck with him when he was sacked by The Village Voice, those who didn't kick him when he was down, by getting them the golden opportunity to promote their writing.

Writers who make the cut for the singles selection aren't in it for the money, because there isn't much to be had. What they want is some publishing history to put on their resume as they construct a platform to get a literary agent's attention. It's a way to break through the clutter, to stand out from a crowded field.

Is it worth your time to perfect your manuscript, re-writing and editing for years upon years? Or would you find your path to publishing success by breaking into the right literary circles and developing connections that could tie you in with the right kinds of people?

Remember that publishing is a business, and business is about who know who and who owes a favor.

The boom in self-publishing should come as no surprise, as the common folk seek venues to make their art available to the reading public. Not everyone comes from a family of publishing editors, and not many have friends in the heady world of the New York City literati.