View ProfileDutton is a Division of Penguin Books. As far as I understand, the editor there, Julie Doughty, read my book, and she liked it. That’s really that simple: it boils down to the editor’s personal taste. There’s no magic formula. Julie reads a lot of submissions, and she picks the ones she likes as a reader.
Why do you feel an agent is necessary to get a New York contract?
Again, for historical fiction, I would say that it is very, very difficult to find a publisher without an agent. Note that I said very difficult, not impossible. But why not put all of the chances on your side and secure the help of an agent? I am an attorney, but I would have been lost without Stephanie’s help. She knew which editors at which publishing houses to approach. Then, when we had interest in Mistress of the Revolution from three publishers, she did a great job at negotiating the deal.
Do you feel that in this business it pays to know someone to get into a New York publishing house?
Oh, I am sure it helps to have connections in publishing. But I had none whatsoever, and I still found an agent and a publisher.
What kind of advice would you give aspiring historical fiction authors so that they, too, might follow in your footsteps?
Take a hard look at your novel and ask yourself THE big question: what could you do to make it better? Solicit the advice of other people, and don’t be thin-skinned. You will hear a lot of stuff you won’t like, but some of it will ring true. Concentrate on those areas of weakness and get to work!
Thank you for this interview, Ms. Delors. Can you tell us where we might find out more about you and your books?
Catherine: I would love to welcome your readers on my website www.catherinedelors.com and my blog: http://blog.catherinedelors.com.
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