What do you think is the single most important thing writers can do to ensure that their novel query avoids the slush pile?
The letter needs to be bold, crisp and clean, both physically and stylistically. And it needs to indicate a realistic attitude ... if the publisher senses that you're proud of your work but not defensive about making changes if necessary, he or she might feel, well, here's a person we can work with.
Do you have novel marketing tips that have worked well for you that you could share?
These days, relentless Internet pressure works well. There are plenty of chat groups ... if even one in a hundred participants goes out and buys your book, that's a good start. And never underestimate the sheer volume of friends and acquaintances you have - mail all of them and they'll feel like buying the book. That initial blip - even if it's only 50 people - makes a big difference to your first-week profile in the trade.
Do you feel it is necessary to have an agent in order to get a book published through a traditional publisher?
It's not necessary, but it helps to an incredible extent. An agent's value is that he or she knows who's looking for what, who's hot, who's cold. He or she's got direct-line phone numbers. And ask yourself - you're broke, and somebody offers you $100,000 for your first book ... have you got the nerve to say, no, I want $200,000? Your agent has.
How long does it typically take for you to complete a novel?
Overall, it takes a year, from the first blank screen to the final approval of the jacket copy. But so much time is taken by promotion and other peripheral matters ... I'd say the actual writing part could be compressed into 3 months.
What can fans expect from you next?
A Reacher novel a year ... that's my contract with my publisher, and that's also how I see my "contract" with my readers.
A very special thanks to Lee Child for taking the time to speak with us in the middle of a deadline.
You can purchase any of his novels, including his new release Without Fail, through this site by visiting Amazon.com, Books-A-Million, Barnes & Noble or visit your favorite bookstore for more details.
