"Yours are the only emails I actually open and read" - a regular reply in my inbox since 2009...and I'll bet in yours, too, once you subscribe and learn by pure, lazy osmosis to become the most compelling writer around. That said, no promises on improving your moral character.
The book nobody’s buying
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Hi hiiii — If you were around for my Tough Titties launch or have my course Book Launch Hero, you’ve heard me talk about my “publishing journey,” and might remember that most editors asked my agent, “Would she be willing to make it a copywriting or marketing book?” Hard no! I’ve always been glad I stuck to my guns, and on Friday I enjoyed a fresh wave of validation. Farnoosh Torabi and Richelle Fredson had me as a panelist at their fabulous event “Book to Brand,” alongside other authors, including my friends Suzanne Kingsbury and Terri Trespicio. Before we went on, Suzanne and I sat in on the publishers’ panel and got to hear their take on what’s selling now. They agreed, fiction is the hot thing these days. Five years ago, it was all about nonfiction. In 2026, thanks to AI, prescriptive, how-to stuff is on the wane. Especially diet books — and that’s not just about AI. “It’s the GLP-1s,” one editor said. “Why am I gonna buy a weight loss book on how to go keto when I can inject myself once a week and not even think about it?” (GLP-1s are changing everything. Did you know they’ve created a retail boom because people keep needing to buy smaller and smaller pants?) But back to you: If you’ve been working (or sitting) on a prescriptive nonfiction book idea, don’t lose heart. That category is still viable…as long as it’s “AI-proof.” And what makes it AI-proof? Bet you think I’m going to say “storytelling.” Well, you’d be right! That’s exactly what these publishers said they’re looking for. I almost wish I were selling Tough Titties now instead of in 2020, because that puppy is wall-to-wall story. Back then, I had to fight to keep it that way. Want to hear more about writing and selling a story-based book? Next Monday, Oct 19, Suzanne’s interviewing me and Terri, who wrote the wonderfully entertaining Unfollow Your Passion, as part of her free Gateless Fall Festival. I hope you’ll join us for: A Clear Map to the Book You Really Want to Write And if you were writing a keto book, sorry for sending you back to square one. Hope you have plenty of yarns about butter and bacon. xoLaura Love Shrimp Mail? Forward this to a friend so they can get in on the action and sign up below.
Thank you for reading and sharing, |
Laura Belgray (Talking Shrimp)
"Yours are the only emails I actually open and read" - a regular reply in my inbox since 2009...and I'll bet in yours, too, once you subscribe and learn by pure, lazy osmosis to become the most compelling writer around. That said, no promises on improving your moral character.
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