From Debut to Career: David Hewson
By Julie Kramer
Any author would love to debut like David Hewson. His first novel, SEMANA SANTA, set in Holy Week Spain,
received acclaim, awards, even a
movie deal. But the path to publication was a long haul for the former
London Times reporter and his is the kind of story that inspires
writers at various stages of their careers.
Hewson was turned down by every literary agent in the United Kingdom -- without even reading his manuscript.
He eventually got his agent through a referral even though her agency had already rejected his query. When she called him to discuss his novel, "I neglected to mention this."
Hewson was on assignment in California when The Call came that he'd sold his first book. "To be honest, life was very hectic back then and it took a while to sink in. I'd kind of given up on the book in some ways."
Any author would love to debut like David Hewson. His first novel, SEMANA SANTA, set in Holy Week Spain,
received acclaim, awards, even a
movie deal. But the path to publication was a long haul for the former
London Times reporter and his is the kind of story that inspires
writers at various stages of their careers.Hewson was turned down by every literary agent in the United Kingdom -- without even reading his manuscript.
He eventually got his agent through a referral even though her agency had already rejected his query. When she called him to discuss his novel, "I neglected to mention this."
Hewson was on assignment in California when The Call came that he'd sold his first book. "To be honest, life was very hectic back then and it took a while to sink in. I'd kind of given up on the book in some ways."
Thus his career as a novelist began. Not once, but twice. After his
first five books, his publisher dropped him. "I thought I was out of a
career. It was only thanks to my agent slapping me around the head that
I didn't give up."
Hewson, definitely not a broody, moody writer, went on to craft a best-selling mystery series based on Nic Costa, a detective in Rome. His latest book, THE GARDEN OF EVIL (sixth in the series), sold out its first print run the first week of publication, so Hewson seemed a logical author for ITW novices to turn to for career building counsel.
"Be professional." That's his top advice for debut authors. "Understand the needs of the people who sell and market your work and do everything you can to support them in meaningful ways. Don't pester them to do things that don't make sense -- such as demanding a nationwide tour. Don't be a jerk. Get them on your side."
His suggests every author have a website and keep it current. Networking at conferences like Bouchercon and Thrillerfest can also pay off. "Be visible, go places, talk to people, make friends. Be persistent, write regularly - nothing beats an annual book for maintaining momentum."
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David Hewson is ITW's VP for communications. THE GARDEN OF EVIL will be released July 29 in the U.S.
Hewson, definitely not a broody, moody writer, went on to craft a best-selling mystery series based on Nic Costa, a detective in Rome. His latest book, THE GARDEN OF EVIL (sixth in the series), sold out its first print run the first week of publication, so Hewson seemed a logical author for ITW novices to turn to for career building counsel.
"Be professional." That's his top advice for debut authors. "Understand the needs of the people who sell and market your work and do everything you can to support them in meaningful ways. Don't pester them to do things that don't make sense -- such as demanding a nationwide tour. Don't be a jerk. Get them on your side."
His suggests every author have a website and keep it current. Networking at conferences like Bouchercon and Thrillerfest can also pay off. "Be visible, go places, talk to people, make friends. Be persistent, write regularly - nothing beats an annual book for maintaining momentum."
-------------------------------
David Hewson is ITW's VP for communications. THE GARDEN OF EVIL will be released July 29 in the U.S.
