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Media Literacy and “Read More”
Asked by Timothy Coffin on February 9, 2024
Hello, Jerry.
Authors and editors online often stress the importance of media literacy, knowing modern trends, and how the publishing industry is skewing. When they say "read more," what they often mean is "read more contemporary."
I admit I don't read for fun. I only read what my book club mandates, and most often their picks are from the 1800s to the 1960s.
But if "read more contemporary" is a well-plied, absolute rule, what can I do to ease myself into that practice, which I currently find grating? I don't want to send out query letters announcing that I love The Hobbit, and nothing new.
Jerry's Answer
I guess my question for you, Timothy, is who are you writing for? Is it for others like you who don't read for fun? My counsel is to immerse yourself in the genre you wish to write in, so you know the conventions and expectations of the readership and also see what other authors do well--or not.
I'd be a little skittish about telling a potential agent or publisher that you don't read for fun, because it's a broad audience they want to aim for.