Do previously published non-fiction works help when soliciting an agent for a novel?

WeaselFire · 07-07-2012, 04:48 AM

I'm published as a non-fiction author, does that credit help when soliciting an agent for a fiction work, specifically mystery novel?

On the one hand, I have publishing credits, can work with a publisher and (usually) meet deadlines. On the other hand, it's a different style of writing. In an agent's world, is writing the same as writing?

On an alternate not, does querying a series (and producing it) generate more interest in the mystery genre than a single book?

Thanks,

Jeff

melnve · 07-07-2012, 10:58 AM

My non-fic editor says she thinks it will help, so I include it in my query letters. Since I have just trunked my first novel I'm guessing it didn't help that much, but I can't see that it would particularly harm either.

Old Hack · 07-07-2012, 11:55 AM

Much depends on the sales of that non-fiction book, who it was published by, and when it was published.

Terie · 07-07-2012, 12:14 PM

It doesn't 'prove' you can write a good novel, but it does prove that your writing is up to a publishable standard and that you have experience with the publishing process. I don't make a big deal about my NF credit and day job (tech writer), but for these reasons, I do list them in the bio paragraph of my query letters.

WeaselFire · 07-08-2012, 05:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Terie

I do list them in the bio paragraph of my query letters.

Didn't think of that. Tasteful and appropriate, I like it.

Thanks,

Jeff

J.Reid · 07-17-2012, 01:07 AM

Yes.

MattWriter · 07-21-2012, 07:08 PM

It helps. I've had good conversations with agents and editors based on finding a mutual interest in my nonfiction topics (I have two books on zoology and one on space history).

07-07-2012, 04:48 AM	#1
WeaselFire Benefactor Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: Naples, FL Posts: 956	Do previously published non-fiction works help when soliciting an agent for a novel? I'm published as a non-fiction author, does that credit help when soliciting an agent for a fiction work, specifically mystery novel? On the one hand, I have publishing credits, can work with a publisher and (usually) meet deadlines. On the other hand, it's a different style of writing. In an agent's world, is writing the same as writing? On an alternate not, does querying a series (and producing it) generate more interest in the mystery genre than a single book? Thanks, Jeff

07-07-2012, 10:58 AM	#2
melnve practical experience, FTW Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Melbourne, Australia Posts: 363	My non-fic editor says she thinks it will help, so I include it in my query letters. Since I have just trunked my first novel I'm guessing it didn't help that much, but I can't see that it would particularly harm either. __________________ Mel WIP: A newborn baby - the most difficult work I've attempted! Querying: YA thriller, 50,000 words. Selectively querying: YA Fantasy, 66,000 words.

07-07-2012, 11:55 AM	#3
Old Hack You'll have to run faster than that SuperModerator Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: In the watchtower Posts: 11,418	Much depends on the sales of that non-fiction book, who it was published by, and when it was published. __________________ I blog at How Publishing Really Works and The Self-Publishing Review, and I tweet as @hprw. See you around.

07-07-2012, 12:14 PM	#4
Terie Writer is as Writer does Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Manchester, UK Posts: 3,856	It doesn't 'prove' you can write a good novel, but it does prove that your writing is up to a publishable standard and that you have experience with the publishing process. I don't make a big deal about my NF credit and day job (tech writer), but for these reasons, I do list them in the bio paragraph of my query letters. __________________ Changing Gears (available now) -- Winning the race doesn’t equal winning at life. *The DragonSpawn Cycle:* AutumnQuest \| WinterMaejic \| SpringFire \| SummerDanse available for Kindle Author website \| Author blog

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07-17-2012, 01:07 AM	#6
J.Reid Sardonicus Rex Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: New York Posts: 126	Yes.

07-21-2012, 07:08 PM	#7
MattWriter New Fish; Learning About Thick Skin Join Date: Apr 2012 Posts: 2	It helps. I've had good conversations with agents and editors based on finding a mutual interest in my nonfiction topics (I have two books on zoology and one on space history).